Pathways to Healing funds established to support survivors of gun violence

In response to the recent incidents of mass casualty crimes at Old National Bank and Chickasaw Park, the Community Foundation of Louisville has established funds to support the survivors. We acknowledge that those who survived these tragic events will have a long journey ahead to cope with the enduring trauma of senseless violence. In recent years, Louisville has experienced a significant increase in gun violence, with over 160 gun-related deaths occurring yearly. These incidents of recurring violence are an indicator of a community in crisis.

Many are asking, what can they do to address this crisis right now? The Community Foundation of Louisville staff has spoken with survivors of gun violence and nonprofit leaders to develop a comprehensive strategy to answer this question. We heard that survivors and nonprofits are seriously under-resourced. We invite you to participate in the following three-part strategy to honor the lives of those murdered in Old National Bank and Chickasaw Park, to assist nonprofits that are helping survivors of gun violence, and to assist nonprofits working to reduce gun violence.

Pathway 1: Donate to provide direct cash payments to survivors of mass casualty crimes through a partnership with the National Compassion Fund (NCF), by July 20, 2023.

• Love for Louisville Old National Bank Survivors Fund
• Love for Louisville Chickasaw Park Survivors Fund

Pathway 2: Donate to the Survivors of Gun Violence Recovery Fund

• Out of this Fund, the Community Foundation will issue grants to nonprofits providing assistance to survivors of multiple forms of gun violence.

Pathway 3: Donate to the Community Safety and Healing Fund (CSHF) Gun Violence Reduction Initiative

• Out of this Fund, the Community Foundation will issue grants to nonprofits providing intervention, prevention, and advocacy to reduce gun-related homicides.

The Community Foundation of Louisville offers these pathways to increase access to resources to help those affected cope with the enduring trauma of senseless violence, and to support advocacy and the search for those changes in policy and other shifts to reduce gun violence in our community. We invite all community members to join us in making short- and long-term solutions possible.

For more information, visit www.cflouisville.org/gv-relief/.