$175 Million in Grant Funds to Strengthen Public Safety Across Tennessee

$175 Million in Grant Funds to Strengthen Public Safety Across Tennessee is sponsored by State of Tennessee. Offers grants to local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime and enhance downtown public safety.

Gov. Lee Announces $175 Million in Grant Funds to Strengthen Public Safety Across Tennessee Gov. Lee Announces $175 Million in Grant Funds to Strengthen Public Safety Across Tennessee Invites local officials and law enforcement to apply for Violent Crime Intervention Fund, Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund Thursday, October 02, 2025 | 03:21pm NASHVILLE, Tenn.

– Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that applications are now open for two grant funds, totaling $175 million , to strengthen downtown public safety and support local law enforcement’s work to reduce violent crime in communities. On October 2, local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies may begin applying for the $75 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and the new $100 million Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund .

Both grant funds were included in the Governor’s FY26 budget proposal and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. Based on criteria for the grant programs, $100 million of available funds will be allocated to the Memphis area and will support the ongoing Memphis Safe Task Force , established by President Donald J.

Trump to create strong coordination and shared resources between law enforcement agencies at all levels of government to fight crime in Memphis. “Since I first ran for office, I’ve said that every Tennessean deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, and my administration is committed to helping our communities access the resources needed to deliver that quality of life,” said Gov. Lee.

“Tennessee is equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to protect their communities, and I look forward to thoughtfully investing these dollars in proven methods that will reduce violent crime and enhance public safety in every neighborhood, including downtown areas.

” A cornerstone of Governor Lee’s public safety agenda, the Violent Crime Intervention Fund was established in FY23 to support local law enforcement’s work to develop and implement proven strategies to reduce violent crime and to develop or improve infrastructure needed to strengthen public safety.

Eligible uses of funding include evidence-based crime intervention models, hiring and training of specialized violent crime units, purchase and application of technology and equipment, development and implementation of a comprehensive downtown safety improvement strategy, and law enforcement-led partnerships with community organizations to disrupt and prevent violent crime.

The Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund was established in FY26 to increase public safety, reduce blight, enhance economic development infrastructure, and reduce crime in downtown business and commercial areas. Eligible agencies will receive a detailed letter with instructions no later than October 3, and may apply for grant funding through October 24, 2025.

Select local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies are eligible for these funds based upon specific criteria defined in the Governor’s FY26 budget proposal and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. VCIF funds will be awarded to eligible agencies based on a violent crime data-driven formula . DPSG funds will be awarded to eligible agencies based on their applications and project design.

Agencies are invited to learn more about eligibility criteria and apply for grants here .