On Tuesday, June 14 at Macon-Bibb County City Hall, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia joined Mayor Lester Miller and community leaders to announce the first round of Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) grant recipients. More than $800,000 in funding is being awarded to 25 nonprofit and faith-based organizations as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violent crime in Macon-Bibb County.

“The Community Foundation is pleased to be part of this historic effort to prevent violent crime in our community,” said Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “We look forward to working with these diverse organizations as they use these resources to make their good ideas a reality for our community.”

In 2021, Mayor Miller invited community leaders to come together to address violent crime through the Macon Violence Prevention program. Following 14 community forums and community-wide surveys, these leaders developed the Macon Violence Prevention Strategic Plan, with an emphasis on youth outreach. Grant recipients were asked to submit applications for evidence-based programming that aligns with the MVP Strategic Plan.

“The solution to violent crime in our community will be found in all of us working together on the same team,” explained Mayor Lester Miller. “The fact that more than 50 organizations came to the table with good ideas and applied for MVP grants shows that the people of our community are committed to this historic effort. If we continue to work together, we will create a safer, stronger community now and for future generations.”