2026 - OVP Violence Prevention Community Awards

Cuyahoga County, Ohio is soliciting proposals for three separate one-time violence prevention community awards of $15,000 each under an Informal Request for Proposal (IRFP), with proposals due July 21, 2026. The awards are grant-funded, requiring completion by October 31, 2026 and invoice submission by November 16, 2026.

Three award categories are available: Youth Engagement & Prevention Programming; Violence Interruption & Hotspot Outreach; and Mentoring, Court Advocacy & Prevention Education. The Public Safety and Justice Services Office of Violence Prevention seeks community-based organizations to implement targeted violence prevention strategies in neighborhoods identified as most impacted by violence through data from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department and local law enforcement partners.

Vendors must demonstrate at least three years of experience with community engagement and violence prevention, focus on targeted hotspot areas, and not be listed on any federal, state, or county debarment lists. Each proposal must include a program description, detailed scope of violence prevention strategies with target audience justification, key partnerships, organizational qualifications and experience, anticipated work schedule, a budget not exceeding $15,000 with narrative and preferred pricing method, and at least two professional references.

Vendors must maintain comprehensive insurance including Worker's Compensation; Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate); Umbrella/Excess Liability ($1,000,000); and Professional Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), with Cuyahoga County named as an additional insured.

Proposals must be submitted in PDF format via the Infor Supplier Portal or email to Destiny Smith at dsmith01@cuyahogacounty.gov. The County reserves the right to schedule meetings and site visits with up to five top-rated vendors for further evaluation. Financial inquiries should be directed to Mary Beth Vaughn, Business Services Manager, at 216-443-5906. Payment is made upon receipt of properly itemized invoices showing the contract number, date of services, and services provided.