Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods

Violence prevention starts with strong, connected communities

Please note: This program is open to only KCMO neighborhoods.

Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods (STRONG) is a community-powered program that equips Kansas City neighborhoods to lead their own violence prevention work—through connection, collaboration, and care. Since 2026, STRONG has provided over $500,000 in direct cash investments to 23 neighborhoods, supporting 150+ events and impacting more than 6,000 residents.

Funded by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department’s Violence Prevention Fund and administered by Community Capital Fund (CCF), STRONG invests in resident-led solutions that make neighborhoods safer, healthier, and more resilient.

Why start with neighborhoods? Because they are often the first line of defense for the challenges that affect Kansas City’s most vulnerable communities. When residents are empowered to take action, they can address root causes of violence—from lack of youth programming to disconnection and disinvestment—while building stronger bonds between neighbors.

STRONG supports the vision laid out in the Blueprint for Violence Prevention: a Kansas City where every person can live in a safe, supported, and thriving neighborhood.

We welcome you to join us at any of the neighborhood-led violence prevention events on the calendar below.

How STRONG Works

STRONG is a ten-month program that provides:

Funding and monthly stipends to support neighborhood leaders and their violence prevention projects
Training and technical assistance to build capacity and leadership skills
A focus on connection, safety, and long-term neighborhood health

Each project is community-driven, rooted in trust, and designed to meet the unique needs of its neighborhood—especially in historically under-resourced areas of Kansas City.