Stop the Violence Fund Grantees Lead the Way in Saving Lives
Published on September 15, 2025
A Victory for the Community: Stop the Violence Fund Grantees Lead the Way in Saving Lives
Pittsburgh, PA – Today, we celebrate a powerful and joyful win for our city. One that underscores the strength, love, and resilience of our community. The organizations awarded through the Stop the Violence Fund (STV) are not only grantees; they are guardians of our youth, advocates for change, and partners in healing.
Over the past three years, Pittsburgh has witnessed a steady and meaningful decline in homicides and non-fatal incidents among adults ages 18 and 30 and most notably, among our youth. These numbers tell a story of transformation:
2022-71
2023-52
2024-42
2022-63
2023-44
2024-39
2022-8
2023-8
2024-3
2022-7
2023-7
2024-0
These aren’t just numbers. These are lives saved. Families protected. Communities healing. And at the heart of this progress are the grassroots organizations that kept showing up – in the streets, in schools, in living rooms and parks; providing support, hope and real alternatives, often under-resourced and overworked. The STV grantees have boots on the ground and hearts in their work.
We honor the community members who stood up. Who advocated, who organized, who showed up not only for funding but this city’s future. Their voice was clear: protect our children, invest in peace and stand with us.
“As Mayor, I take seriously my responsibility to protect our communities, but it was the community itself that came out and advocated to secure this funding, said Mayor Ed Gainey. “It is your commitment, your presence, and your advocacy that made this possible. This is what shared leadership looks like. This is what joy looks like.”
This administration understands that lasting change happens when the City and the community work hand in hand. The Stop the Violence Fund embodies that commitment. With a historic award of nearly $1.8 million —the largest single grant investment in the fund’s history—we are doubling down on community-driven solutions to prevent violence and build safer neighborhoods.
Mayor Gainey also expressed thanks to the organizations funded through STV for continuing to support Pittsburgh’s young people and communities for advocating boldly, and for helping to create safer, more hopeful neighborhoods. Whether mentoring youth, mediating conflict, supporting families, or creating safe spaces, these groups are transforming lives and by extension, transforming the City.
As the Mayor stated, “We work together to save our children. We stand together to protect our neighborhoods. We rise together with love, purpose, and unity. This is a win for all of us. I also want to thank our police officers for working hand in hand with community groups to help save lives and build a safer future.”
Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679