FOCUSED INTERRUPTION IN MADISON AWARDED $100,000 SUPPORT GRANT FROM EVERYTOWN COMMUNITY SAFETY FUND TO CONTINUE LIFE-SAVING VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION WORK

Amid DOJ Funding Cuts, Everytown Invests in Madison’s Community Violence Intervention Programs As Homicides Decline In Cities Due to CVI, Including Madison

MADISON, WI — Today, the Everytown Community Safety Fund, a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, announced that Focused Interruption will receive a $100,000 support grant over two years to sustain its community-based violence intervention work.

Focused Interruption uses street outreach and violence interruption strategies, employing credible messengers from the neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence to mediate conflicts, support victims and families, and connect high-risk individuals with services like job training, mental health care, and childcare.

“We’re proud to re-invest in Focused Interruption because their approach has proven effective in reducing violence and strengthening Madison’s neighborhoods,” said Michael-Sean Spence, managing director of Community Safety Initiatives at Everytown and creator of the Community Safety Fund. “Gun violence is declining in cities that invest in community violence intervention and that’s why, especially given the federal rollbacks, funding the work of trusted organizations like Focused Interruption is more critical than ever.” 

“In Madison, we’ve seen how violence interruption changes lives — from reducing retaliation to opening pathways for young people to thrive,” said Anthony Cooper, CEO and Founder of Focused Interruption. “This grant is a lifeline at a time when federal dollars are disappearing. It ensures we can keep our outreach teams in the neighborhoods that need us most.”

The announcement comes as the Department of Justice has slashed funding for public safety grants, challenging community organizations to sustain their lifesaving efforts with declining support. At the same time, many cities that have invested in community violence intervention (CVI) are seeing gun homicides decline, a powerful testament to the effectiveness of programs like Focused Interruption. Research shows that community-level violence prevention programs can contribute to drops in crime.

Since its launch in 2019, the Everytown Community Safety Fund has invested more than $15.7 million in grants to 142 CVI organizations across 72 U.S. cities, in addition to technical support and capacity building resources. This year, Everytown is awarding $2.67 million in grants nationwide, including renewed support for long-standing partners like the Focused Interruption. More about the Everytown Community Safety fund and their grantees can be found here.

About Focused Interruption

Focused Interruption is a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to evidence-based solutions to end gun violence. Through a team of Community Safety Workers, the program mediates conflicts, provides victim support, and connects high-risk individuals with critical services. Learn more at https://www.focusedinterruption.org/