Proposal for Funding
National Violence Prevention Hotline is a 501c (3) organization seeking funding to begin formal operations and outreach for great collaboration with government agencies and the private sector.
https://violencepreventionhotline.org/
Our website contains background information, proposals, mission statements, news coverage, articles, resources, and multiple videos explaining in detail how the hotline as well as the greater organization may function. Most questions can be answered by reading through the website. Any others, please contact: [email protected]
Contents:
- Basic Information
- Reasons for Seeking Funding
- Formal Proposal for Funding
- Proposed Phases of Funding
- Transparency and Collaboration
- Further Talking Points
A. Basic Information
The National Violence Prevention Hotline
Mission
To provide free, confidential, expert support for people in distress who feel compelled toward committing acts of violence, with the goal of preventing harm before it occurs.
Vision
The National Violence Prevention Hotline exists to address a critical gap in mental health and crisis services. We believe anger is a human emotion that does not need to lead to violence, and that many people who struggle with violent impulses lack access to timely, appropriate support. By offering early intervention and reducing stigma, we aim to help people address distress, trauma, and unmet needs before violence becomes an outcome.
Services
The National Violence Prevention Hotline is designed to function as a national lifeline, available 24/7 by phone, chat, and text. Trained counselors will support individuals experiencing violent thoughts, as well as people who are concerned about someone in their lives—such as a family member, friend, coworker, or student—who may be showing warning signs of potential violence.
In addition, the hotline may serve as an entry point for victims of violence who are seeking guidance or resources before involving law enforcement. Beyond direct support, NVPH intends to partner with schools, community organizations, and other institutions to provide education on recognizing risk factors and preventing violence at the local level.
B. Reasons for Seeking Funding
At present, there is no hotline, chatline, or text service in the United States dedicated specifically to violence prevention.
Existing resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, domestic violence hotlines, and various “warm lines” serve essential roles and are provided at no cost to the public. However, there remains no national service focused on supporting individuals who are at risk of committing violence, or those who are worried about someone else before harm occurs.
Violence affects millions of people each year, and research consistently shows that a significant portion of violent acts are preventable with early intervention. Prevention is also far more cost-effective than responding after harm has occurred.
The National Violence Prevention Hotline proposes to operate 24/7 to provide confidential, expert support to people experiencing escalating distress, anger, or violent impulses. The hotline will focus on de-escalation, connection to appropriate professional care, and, when necessary, coordination with emergency services.
Many individuals who struggle with violent thoughts are afraid to disclose them to friends, family members, therapists, physicians, or law enforcement. NVPH aims to offer a safe, nonjudgmental point of contact regardless of a person’s background, location, or socioeconomic status.
This type of early, preventative intervention is especially critical during the “contemplation phase,” when a person may begin to fixate on violent ideas. Intervening at this stage can reduce the likelihood that someone moves toward action, helping protect individuals, families, and communities.
Like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the National Violence Prevention Hotline will not prevent every act of violence. However, it can provide a first point of support that de-escalates situations, redirects individuals toward help, and addresses a longstanding gap in our national crisis response system.
NVPH is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where we aim to establish the first call center and create high-quality local jobs as the organization grows.
C. Formal Proposal For Funding
The National Violence Prevention Hotline is seeking $400,000 or more in initial funding from foundations and donors.
We estimate that approximately $1 million will be required to fully launch and sustain a nationally staffed, 24/7 hotline. With partial funding, NVPH can begin pilot initiatives, collaborate with existing crisis lines, and work with government partners to test and refine the model.
Initial funding would allow us to pursue options such as:
- Launching a regional pilot in states such as Arizona, Colorado, or Michigan
- Operating a national hotline with limited hours
- Developing formal partnerships with existing crisis services
D. Proposed Phases of Funding
Phase I
Funding will support hiring a full-time or part-time coordinator responsible for building relationships with local, state, and federal agencies; engaging with existing hotlines to learn best practices; and developing a detailed implementation timeline for pilot programs or partnerships.
Phase II
Funding will support licensed clinicians who will develop evidence-informed scripts and protocols and, when live, staff the hotline. These professionals will be trained specifically in crisis response, threat assessment, and de-escalation.
Additional funding will support a liaison role to coordinate partnerships with crisis networks, schools, and community organizations, and to connect callers with local resources.
Legal and liability planning will also be addressed during this phase, including the development of clear threat-assessment protocols and procedures for involving law enforcement when imminent risk is identified.
Phase III
Funding will support outreach and awareness efforts. A hotline cannot be effective if people do not know it exists. This phase includes public education, partnerships, online outreach, and engagement with the mental health field.
Phase IV
Funding will support the development of educational resources focused on violence prevention for schools, workplaces, and community organizations. NVPH also aims to create training modules and collaborate with media professionals to promote more thoughtful, prevention-focused public conversations about violence.
E. Transparency and Collaboration with Foundations
Although the hotline has not yet launched, NVPH already receives inquiries from individuals seeking help for violent thoughts or concerns about others. At present, we triage these requests by directing people to local crisis centers, hospitals, or mental health providers. Demand for this service will increase significantly once operations begin.
We view foundation support as a partnership. Our goal is to launch NVPH in the most efficient, responsible, and cost-effective way possible.
Major donors will have access to quarterly financial reports and full transparency regarding how funds are used. Donations will support the mission directly, not board compensation.
We appreciate your consideration and welcome further conversation. For additional information, please contact us at [email protected]
Paul Krauss, MA LPC
President of National Violence Prevention Hotline
[email protected]
F. Further Talking Points
- Exploring collaboration with 988 as a complementary or “sister” program focused on violent intent. Potential 999
- Launching a regional pilot to generate data and demonstrate need
- Drawing lessons from the early skepticism surrounding suicide prevention hotlines, which are now a core part of national crisis response
- Engaging public figures and celebrities to speak about violence prevention without political framing