SAN DIEGO — The Board of State and Community Corrections has approved the application process for community gang-fighting grants available through the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention Program. On July 10, 2014 the Board approved the Request for Funding Proposal for the $9.2 million annual grant program designed to reduce gang and youth violence. Applications must be made by cities, which administer the grants, but funding then may be allocated to community-based organizations and public agencies that target youth, and law enforcement agencies and probation departments that engage in suppression strategies. The RFP will be released July 25. Since 2007 funding for CalGRIP has come from the State Budget Act, which appropriates $9.2 million annually from the State Restitution Fund. The City of Los Angeles receives $1 million of that amount, leaving the rest to be competitively allocated by the BSCC. Currently there are 34 grants at work combating gangs across California. Under the funding requirements, cities are required to provide anti-gang programs and strategies that are evidence based. They also must establish an advisory council to help prioritize the use of funds. Cities that combine resources to establish a regional approach toward combating gangs will be given preference. The maximum grant will be $500,000, and at least two will be awarded to cities with populations less than 200,000. At least 20 percent of funds a city receives must go to community-based organizations. Cities must match 100 percent of the grant money received. Grant applications are due Sept. 5, 2014, and funding recommendations will be made to the Board at its November meeting.