Health Foundation of South Florida and the Community Based Public Safety Collective step in with $200,000 After Gun Violence Prevention Funding Slashed

Emergency funding preserves The Circle of Brotherhood's community safety efforts as federal cuts threaten critical local gun violence prevention programs

MIAMI, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Circle of Brotherhood, a trusted community-based organization working to reduce gun violence and build safer neighborhoods in Miami, has received $200,000 in emergency funding to sustain its critical community violence intervention (CVI) efforts. The support includes a $100,000 grant from the Health Foundation of South Florida, matched by $100,000 from the Community Based Public Safety Collective (CBPSC) through its emergency grant initiative.

The grant comes at a pivotal time following the sudden federal rollback of the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), which jeopardized vital CVI programs nationwide. The emergency funding will help stabilize frontline services that rely on credible messengers, outreach workers, and case managers — the individuals on the ground who prevent violence and save lives.

"Community-based violence intervention organizations like Circle of Brotherhood are essential to building healthier, safer communities," said Loreen Chant, President and CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. "Violence is a public health issue — and these frontline efforts are a critical part of the solution. We're proud to support partners who are saving lives, promoting healing, and addressing the root causes of harm. At a time when federal support is uncertain, philanthropy must step up to invest in proven, neighborhood-based solutions that advance safety, healing, and the overall well-being of our entire community."

Aqeela Sherrills, Executive Director and Founder of the Community-Based Public Safety Collective, added:

"Public safety doesn't pause because funding disappears — and neither do we. When federal cuts threatened hundreds of CVI programs, we took action. CVI practitioners are not statistics; they're mothers, fathers, peacemakers, and protectors who know these streets and carry the hope of safer communities. At the Community Based Public Safety Collective, we pivoted fast, rallied support, and stood by those on the frontlines. We're proving every day that true public safety is built on care, connection, and courage — and it's been proven by evidence that community-led approaches work."

Brother Lyle Muhammad, Executive Director of the Circle of Brotherhood, shared his gratitude:

"This funding is more than dollars — it's a declaration that our community matters and that the work of peacemakers will go on, no matter what. With this support, we can keep reaching brothers and sisters who might otherwise be lost and continue to transform our communities."

About the Health Foundation of South Florida
The Health Foundation of South Florida has served as a catalyst for health equity for over 30 years, investing more than $151 million in nonprofits and initiatives across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. Through strategic grantmaking, impact investing, and deep community partnerships, the Foundation works to create lasting systems change that improves health and expands opportunity across South Florida. For more information, visit www.hfsf.org and follow the Foundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

About the Circle of Brotherhood
The Circle of Brotherhood is a grassroots organization of men committed to solving community challenges through leadership, unity, and service. Its programs focus on mentoring, workforce development, conflict mediation, and violence interruption throughout South Florida.

About the Community Based Public Safety Collective
The Community Based Public Safety Collective works nationally to strengthen CVI organizations' capacity, impact, and sustainability. The Collective supports frontline practitioners who prevent violence and build safer communities by providing funding, technical assistance, and peer learning.

SOURCE Health Foundation of South Florida