The City of St. John’s has officially launched a new grant program for initiatives targeting crime and violence, but it is too early yet to determine how exactly the funds will be used.

The Building Safer Communities Grant Program makes use of about $1.8 million in federal funds over the course of three years. The goal is to bolster crime and violence prevention programs for children, young people and their families.

Applications are just starting to roll in, and as Mayor Danny Breen explains there are many types of programs and ideas that will be considered.

He says anything related to safety within the community will be considered, and could include things like gender-based violence, addictions, and youth.