Why Do Anti-Gun Violence Nonprofit Organizations Exist?
Every day, communities across the U.S. feel the devastating impact of gun violence. In 2024 alone, 40,846 lives were lost, and over 450 mass shootings shook families and neighborhoods. While these numbers remain tragically high, the past three years have shown a decline—proving that prevention efforts are making a difference. That’s why organizations like Vision Quilt and the other 9 nonprofits on this list are more crucial than ever in continuing the fight for safer communities. Through prevention, education, advocacy, and community support, these nonprofits provide both hope and tangible solutions, working toward a future free from the devastating impact of gun violence.
If you want to be part of the solution—whether through advocacy, donations, or volunteering—here are 10 organizations taking charge. Find the one that resonates with you and take action today. Stay tuned for more information about additional organizations taking charge. Together, we can prevent gun violence!
List of 10 Nonprofits Tackling Gun Violence
Nonprofit #1: Vision Quilt
Who they are:
Founded in 2015, Vision Quilt is a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing gun violence through the transformative power of art, education, and inclusive systemic change efforts. What sets Vision Quilt apart is its belief that art can be a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and action—especially for youth and communities directly impacted by gun violence.
Instead of focusing solely on policy or intervention, Vision Quilt creates a space where people can process their experiences, express their hopes for a safer future, and engage in meaningful conversations through visual storytelling. By integrating art with education and activism, Vision Quilt fosters an environment where participants can challenge the normalization of violence, explore solutions, and inspire collective change.
Through community-driven exhibitions, school-based programs, and collaborative workshops, Vision Quilt amplifies the voices of those most affected, ensuring that their stories, pain, and resilience are not just seen, but also drive real change. Their work transforms grief into action, awareness into advocacy, and art into a movement for safer communities.
What they do:
Through interactive workshops, public exhibitions, and educational programs, Vision Quilt provides creative platforms for individuals and communities to express, heal, and advocate for change.
Addressing Gun Violence Curriculum - A free, interdisciplinary program designed for schools and community groups, helping students and participants explore the root causes of gun violence, create powerful art panels, and engage in critical conversations about prevention and healing.
Art Panels as Activism – Vision Quilt’s signature 18x24 fabric panels serve as personal and collective statements against gun violence. These panels, created by youth, survivors, and advocates, are displayed in exhibitions, schools, and community spaces to spark awareness and inspire action.
Workshops & Community Dialogues – Through hands-on art-making workshops and storytelling sessions, Vision Quilt creates safe spaces for reflection and discussion, encouraging participants to process trauma, reimagine safer communities, and build resilience.
Public Exhibitions & Advocacy – Vision Quilt organizes local and national exhibitions that amplify the voices of those most affected by gun violence, turning their art into a powerful tool for public engagement and policy awareness.
Training for Educators & Community Leaders – Vision Quilt provides specialized training for educators, nonprofit leaders, and community members, equipping them with trauma-informed strategies to address gun violence in their schools and neighborhoods. These trainings help expand the reach of Vision Quilt’s work, ensuring that more communities have the tools to foster healing, prevention, and advocacy through art.
Collaborations & Partnerships – Vision Quilt works closely with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to bring trauma-informed programming to youth and underserved communities. Partners include Youth Alive, Lighthouse Community Public Schools, and other organizations committed to violence prevention.
Who they help:
Vision Quilt empowers BIPOC youth, survivors, and educators in both urban and rural communities that are disproportionately affected by gun violence. Since its founding, the organization has served over 2,500 individuals through its workshops, exhibitions, and community dialogues.
What they’ve achieved:
✅Hosted numerous exhibitions showcasing youth-created art panels, including high-impact events in Oakland, CA.
✅Amplified voices of survivors and youth advocates through public storytelling and media campaigns.
How to volunteer:
Volunteers can support Vision Quilt by assisting with workshops, helping to organize exhibitions, or contributing to outreach efforts. Whether you’re an artist, educator, or community member, there are opportunities to make an impact.
Ways to Contribute:
Donations help Vision Quilt expand its programs and reach more communities. You can contribute directly through their website at visionquilt.org. Every dollar supports materials, training, and outreach efforts to prevent gun violence.
Nonprofit #2: Everytown for Gun Safety
Who they are:
Everytown for Gun Safety is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the U.S., dedicated to advocating for stronger gun laws, policy reforms, and grassroots activism. Formed from a merger between Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action, Everytown mobilizes millions of supporters, survivors, and activists to push for stricter firearm regulations and violence prevention initiatives nationwide.
What they do:
Everytown for Gun Safety tackles gun violence through legislative advocacy, legal action, survivor support, and public education.
Advocacy for Stronger Gun Laws – Advocates for stricter background checks, assault weapon bans, and policies to prevent gun violence.
Moms Demand Action – A grassroots movement mobilizing volunteers in all 50 states to advocate for safer communities.
Survivor Network – Connects gun violence survivors, providing support and advocacy platforms.
Community-Based Violence Prevention – Invests in violence interruption programs, mental health support, and de-escalation training.
Litigation & Legal Action – Uses legal action to challenge reckless gun laws and hold manufacturers accountable.
Research & Public Awareness Campaigns – Produces research, reports, and educational campaigns to inform policy and engage the public.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Expanded background checks, blocking illegal gun sales.
✅ Played a key role in passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (2022).
✅ Supported community-based intervention programs to reduce shootings.
✅ Held gun manufacturers accountable through lawsuits.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Join Moms Demand Action or an Everytown chapter in your community.
💡 Donate – Support advocacy, survivor aid, and violence prevention at everytown.org.
💡 Take Action – Contact elected officials, sign petitions, and spread awareness.
Nonprofit #3: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
Who they are:
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is one of the oldest and most influential gun violence prevention organizations in the U.S.. Named after Jim and Sarah Brady, who led the fight for stronger gun laws after Jim was wounded in an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, Brady has worked for over four decades to advance common-sense firearm regulations, public education, and legal action against the gun industry.
What they do:
Brady takes a three-pronged approach to gun violence prevention through legislation, litigation, and education:
Advocacy for Stronger Gun Laws – Fights for universal background checks, assault weapon bans, and extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws).
End Family Fire Initiative – Promotes safe gun storage to prevent unintentional shootings and firearm-related suicides.
Brady Legal Action – Uses impact litigation to hold gun manufacturers and dealers accountable for reckless practices.
Gun Violence Prevention Education – Conducts public awareness campaigns, research, and community-based education programs.
Fighting Ghost Guns – Advocates for stricter regulations on untraceable firearms used in violent crimes.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Instrumental in passing the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993), establishing federal background checks.
✅ Helped block over 4 million illegal gun sales through the Brady Background Check system.
✅ Successfully sued and held gun manufacturers accountable for negligence.
✅ Expanded extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws) across multiple states.
✅ Launched End Family Fire, a campaign raising national awareness about safe gun storage and suicide prevention.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Join Brady’s grassroots efforts to advocate for gun safety laws in your community.
💡 Donate – Support legal battles, policy advocacy, and education programs at bradyunited.org.
💡 Take Action – Sign petitions, contact legislators, and help spread awareness about gun violence prevention.
Nonprofit #4: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Who they are:
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is one of the largest grassroots movements fighting for stronger gun laws and safer communities. Founded in 2012 by Shannon Watts in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Moms Demand Action has grown into a nationwide network of volunteers advocating for common-sense firearm regulations.
What they do:
Advocacy for Safer Gun Laws – Pushes for background checks, red flag laws, and assault weapon bans at state and federal levels.
Grassroots Mobilization – Organizes volunteers in all 50 states to take action in their communities.
Be SMART Program – Educates families about safe firearm storage to prevent unintentional shootings and suicides.
Support for Survivors – Provides a platform for gun violence survivors to share their stories and advocate for change.
Community-Based Violence Prevention – Partners with local organizations to fund and support gun violence intervention programs.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Helped pass over 300 gun safety laws at the state and federal levels.
✅ Successfully pushed for background check expansions and red flag laws.
✅ Launched the Be SMART campaign, educating millions on safe gun storage.
✅ Built a nationwide network of volunteers, making it one of the most influential grassroots movements in the U.S.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Join a Moms Demand Action chapter in your state to advocate for gun safety laws.
💡 Donate – Support policy efforts, survivor programs, and violence prevention at momsdemandaction.org.
💡 Take Action – Attend rallies, contact legislators, and spread awareness in your community.
Nonprofit #5: Sandy Hook Promise
Who they are:
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing school shootings and gun violence through education, advocacy, and intervention programs. Founded in 2013 by parents who lost their children in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, SHP works to empower youth and communities with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs and prevent violence before it happens.
What they do:
"Know the Signs" Programs – Free training that teaches students and educators how to recognize warning signs of gun violence and intervene before it’s too late.
Say Something Program – Helps students identify and report threatening behaviors or social media posts that could lead to violence.
Start With Hello – An anti-isolation initiative that encourages inclusivity, kindness, and mental health awareness to prevent school violence.
Legislative Advocacy – Fights for gun safety measures, extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws), and mental health support policies at the state and federal levels.
School Safety Initiatives – Partners with schools and communities to implement violence prevention strategies and emergency preparedness plans.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Trained over 18 million students and adults in violence prevention strategies.
✅ Helped prevent multiple school shootings, suicides, and acts of violence through intervention programs.
✅ Advocated for and helped pass extreme risk protection orders and other gun safety laws in multiple states.
✅ Expanded violence prevention programs to over 50,000 schools across the U.S.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Bring SHP’s violence prevention programs to schools and communities.
💡 Donate – Support SHP’s free educational programs and advocacy efforts at sandyhookpromise.org.
💡 Take Action – Sign petitions, contact lawmakers, and spread awareness to help prevent school shootings.
Nonprofit #6: Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence
Who they are:
Giffords is a leading gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011. With the motto “Courage to fight gun violence,” Giffords is dedicated to advocating for stronger gun laws, supporting survivors, and funding research-driven solutions to save lives.
What they do:
Gun Law Advocacy – Champions universal background checks, assault weapon bans, and red flag laws at the state and federal levels.
Giffords Law Center – Provides legal expertise to challenge reckless gun policies and defend lifesaving laws in court.
Community-Based Solutions – Invests in violence intervention programs that address gun violence at the root.
Public Awareness & Research – Publishes data-driven reports on gun violence prevention and safe firearm regulations.
Supporting Leaders for Change – Endorses political candidates committed to enacting strong gun safety laws.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Helped pass dozens of gun safety laws nationwide.
✅ Expanded background check requirements in multiple states.
✅ Successfully sued the gun industry for negligence, holding manufacturers accountable.
✅ Released influential research on gun violence and prevention strategies.
✅ Endorsed hundreds of political candidates committed to gun reform.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Support Giffords’ advocacy efforts and help mobilize communities.
💡 Donate – Fund legal challenges, research, and policy advocacy at giffords.org.
💡 Take Action – Contact lawmakers, sign petitions, and spread awareness to push for safer gun laws.
Nonprofit #7: Youth Alive!
Who they are:
Youth ALIVE! is an Oakland-based nonprofit dedicated to violence prevention, intervention, and healing for communities affected by gun violence. Since 1991, Youth ALIVE! has worked to break the cycle of violence by empowering young people, survivors, and community members with tools to prevent retaliation, heal from trauma, and advocate for safer neighborhoods.
What they do:
Violence Interruption – Trained intervention specialists mediate conflicts and de-escalate tensions before they escalate into shootings.
Crisis Response & Hospital-Based Intervention – Works with hospitals to provide immediate support to gunshot survivors, reducing retaliation and re-injury risks.
Teens on Target (TNT) Program – Empowers young leaders to advocate for violence prevention policies and educate peers on alternatives to violence.
Healing & Mental Health Support – Provides trauma-informed counseling, grief support, and case management for survivors and families.
Community Advocacy – Collaborates with policymakers and local organizations to push for systemic changes in public safety and violence prevention policies.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Helped reduce gun violence rates in Oakland through direct intervention efforts.
✅ Provided life-saving hospital-based crisis intervention to over 500 gunshot survivors.
✅ Trained hundreds of youth leaders through the Teens on Target (TNT) program.
✅ Advocated for violence prevention policies that support community-led solutions.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Support youth leadership programs, community outreach, and advocacy efforts.
💡 Donate – Help expand intervention and healing programs at youthalive.org.
💡 Take Action – Advocate for violence prevention policies and spread awareness in your community.
Nonprofit #8: March For Our Lives
Who they are:
March For Our Lives (MFOL) is a youth-led movement dedicated to ending gun violence through policy change, activism, and voter engagement. Founded in 2018 by survivors of the Parkland school shooting, MFOL has mobilized millions of young people to demand stronger gun laws and hold lawmakers accountable.
What they do:
Policy Advocacy – Pushes for universal background checks, red flag laws, and an assault weapons ban at the state and federal levels.
Youth-Led Activism – Empowers students and young leaders to protest, organize, and advocate for safer communities.
Voter Mobilization – Encourages young people to vote for candidates committed to gun reform.
Community Outreach & Education – Runs programs to educate youth on civic engagement and public safety.
Survivor Support – Provides mental health resources and advocacy platforms for those impacted by gun violence.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Led one of the largest youth-led protests in U.S. history, with millions marching for gun safety in 2018.
✅ Helped pass dozens of state-level gun safety laws.
✅ Played a key role in advancing federal gun reform, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (2022).
✅ Registered over 200,000 young voters to support gun violence prevention policies.
✅ Launched initiatives to invest in community-based violence prevention programs.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Join or start a March For Our Lives chapter in your community.
💡 Donate – Support youth activism and gun reform efforts at marchforourlives.com.
💡 Take Action – Attend rallies, contact lawmakers, and register to vote for gun safety candidates.
Nonprofit #9: Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF)
Who They Are
The Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF) is a Black- and Brown-led advocacy organization dedicated to ending gun violence in communities of color. CJAF takes a public health approach to gun violence prevention, focusing on policy change, community investment, and grassroots activism to create safer neighborhoods. By amplifying the voices of those most impacted by gun violence, CJAF ensures that communities of color are leading the fight for real solutions.
What They Do
Policy & Advocacy – Fights for federal and state policies that invest in violence prevention programs instead of over-policing.
Community-Based Solutions – Promotes local, non-police interventions like violence interruption programs.
Leadership Development – Trains Black and Brown activists and community leaders to advocate for gun safety.
Survivor Support & Storytelling – Elevates the experiences of gun violence survivors to drive policy change.
Public Awareness & Research – Educates the public on systemic causes of gun violence and solutions that prioritize community well-being.
Who They Help
✅ Communities of color, investing in locally driven solutions to gun violence.
✅ Survivors and families, amplifying their voices in the policy-making process.
✅ Grassroots activists, training them to lead change in their communities.
✅ Policymakers, equipping them with research and data to drive evidence-based reforms.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Secured millions in federal funding for community-based gun violence prevention programs.
✅ Helped pass state and local legislation investing in non-police intervention strategies.
✅ Trained hundreds of young leaders of color in gun violence prevention advocacy.
✅ Shifted the national conversation toward public health-focused violence prevention.
How to Get Involved
💡 Volunteer – Support CJAF’s community organizing and advocacy efforts.
💡 Donate – Help fund racial justice-driven gun violence prevention at cjactionfund.org.
💡 Take Action – Contact legislators, attend events, and share CJAF’s mission in your community.
Nonprofit #10: Violence Policy Center (VPC)
Who they are:
The Violence Policy Center (VPC) is a national nonprofit dedicated to research, advocacy, and public education on gun violence prevention. Unlike many organizations that focus on direct intervention, VPC’s approach centers on data-driven research and policy analysis to expose the impact of gun violence and push for stronger firearm regulations. By analyzing trends, highlighting industry influence, and advocating for policy change, VPC plays a crucial role in shaping the national conversation on gun violence prevention.
What they do:
Gun Industry Accountability – Investigates and exposes irresponsible firearm industry practices that contribute to gun violence.
Policy & Legislative Advocacy – Provides research-backed recommendations to policymakers on gun safety laws.
Data-Driven Reports – Publishes in-depth studies on gun deaths, firearm trafficking, and the gun lobby’s influence.
Public Awareness Campaigns – Educates the public and media on the realities of gun violence and solutions to address it.
Focus on At-Risk Populations – Highlights the disproportionate impact of gun violence on women, youth, and communities of color.
Who They Help
✅ Lawmakers and policymakers, providing research to support evidence-based gun laws.
✅ Journalists and researchers, supplying data to shape media coverage and analysis.
✅ Advocacy groups, offering reports that strengthen grassroots activism.
✅ The public, raising awareness on the real impact of gun violence in America.
What They’ve Achieved
✅ Published groundbreaking research on the gun industry’s role in violence.
✅ Helped pass state and federal gun safety laws through policy recommendations.
✅ Exposed firearm-related domestic violence trends, leading to stronger protections for survivors.
✅ Successfully challenged pro-gun narratives in media and policy debates.
How to Get Involved
💡 Support Research & Advocacy – Stay informed and share VPC’s findings at vpc.org.
💡 Take Action – Advocate for gun safety laws using VPC’s reports and policy recommendations.
💡 Donate – Help fund VPC’s critical research and policy work.
Conclusion
The fight against gun violence requires a collective effort, and these 10 organizations are leading the way in creating safer communities through advocacy, education, and direct action. Vision Quilt stands out for its unique approach to empowering youth through art and dialogue, proving that creativity can be a powerful tool for change.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or spread the word about these nonprofits, your contribution matters. Together, we can create a future free from gun violence. Visit visionquilt.org to learn more and take action today.
Comentarios