The state is taking applications for grants from a $1.3 million pool of money set aside to help reduce crime in Delaware communities.
The Neighborhood Building Blocks Fund uses money from 2014 settlements with national banks for their alleged misconduct on the financial markets. $3.7 million in settlement money was awarded to the fund in 2016. $1.3 million remains.
What’s been allocated so far has gone to non-profits, community centers and municipal police departments as part of efforts to reduce crime and revitalize neighborhoods.
“Some of the money was used to pay for enhanced foot patrols by Wilmington Police Officers in the city of Wilmington in 2015--which was also a very successful and well-received project And some of the first round of money was also used for a job training program for at-risk juveniles,” said Attorney General Matt Denn.
Denn says the goal of the bank settlements is to lift up the communities hardest hit by the recession, caused in part by the bank's conduct.
“In the grant application itself there are some specific areas of focus we’re looking at. They’re generally targeted at improving the quality of life in lower income areas, reducing crime and providing opportunities for juveniles,” said Denn.
Applications for the Neighborhood Building Block Fund’s remaining $1.3 million dollars are due on December 20th.
There is a 50 thousand dollar cap on the grants.