Best Grants for Criminal Justice in New York

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support that may complement criminal justice or reentry initiatives. Focused on measurable community need and collaboration, Costco Foundation invites applications demonstrating evidence-based outcomes and a broad base of financial support for local programming.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in New York, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health, education, and community initiatives. Funding may benefit criminal justice–related programs that provide healthcare or social services to underserved populations, support food pantries, or expand STEM and health education in affected communities.

New York organizations and social enterprises serving urban children and youth through education, health, or family economic stability projects can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are typically more than US $50,000. Eligible entities include nonprofits, schools, governments, and other mission-driven organizations working in the U.S. on project support or scaling efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate justice, racial justice, or immigrant justice, including criminal justice reform efforts in New York, can seek support for advocacy, organizing, and related programs. The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation prioritizes work in New York City, Baltimore, and the DC Capital Region, including general operating or project support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth development programs in New York City can receive support for community-based services that help young people reach their full potential. Pinkerton Foundation provides funding for after-school, weekend, and summer initiatives, including academic enrichment, career readiness, cultural programs, and pathways forward for youth involved with the criminal justice or foster care systems.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Public charities and fiscally sponsored groups in New York working on civil legal advocacy and criminal justice system reform can apply for New York Community Trust’s Promising Futures Human Justice grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports policy and systems change, capacity-building, and improved civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit organizations working on criminal justice, reentry, and related family support in New York can access funding through the Sills Family Foundation; awards US $10,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects. Programs serving families impacted by incarceration, violence prevention, and youth justice in metro New York City may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, family support, youth, workforce, or criminal justice services in New York City can apply for Tiger Foundation grants of US $50,000 - US $300,000. Grants from Tiger Foundation help New York criminal justice and related service providers deliver high-impact, direct human services and innovative programs for low-income communities year-round.

Nonprofit public charities and fiscally sponsored groups serving Westchester County in New York can seek funding for civil legal services, social justice organizing, youth justice, and related community programs. Focused on community well-being, the New York Community Trust invites organizations working on criminal and juvenile justice, economic stability, and youth development to apply through the Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in New York and nationwide can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000. The Impact Fund supports out-of-pocket litigation expenses in cases that challenge systemic injustice, including those connected to criminal justice system reform.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations running reintegration, reentry, or life-skills programs for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can seek project funding that limits administrative costs to seven percent. The Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation supports U.S. mental health and social service initiatives, and New York criminal justice reform groups with relevant programming may be eligible.

New York criminal justice and behavioral health nonprofits can access funding to develop or enhance community-based diversion programs that reduce justice involvement for adults with complex behavioral health needs. Eligible organizations must already provide services in specified upstate counties and be prequalified and registered in the Statewide Financial System to apply for up to US $200,000 from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving underserved youth, including those intersecting with crime prevention or community safety, may be competitive.

501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving youth in New York with programs in mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, housing, or workforce development may be eligible for US $50,000 - US $200,000 to support services in communities harmed by past drug policies. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Community Grants Reinvestment Fund backs youth-focused, restorative justice and community resilience efforts.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving youth ages 0–24 with programs in mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, housing, or workforce development may be eligible for US $200,000 to support communities impacted by past drug policies. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Community Grants Reinvestment Fund supports restorative, youth-focused services that intersect with criminal justice system impacts.

Neighborhood-based organizations in New York developing or expanding programming in physical spaces to address high rates of gun violence can apply for US $1,000,000 - US $5,000,000 in support from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Funding backs community-driven, healing-centered initiatives that enhance public safety and interrupt cycles of violence for youth and residents.

Nonprofit organizations in New York at risk of hate crimes or attacks can receive funding for physical security and cybersecurity enhancements through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Grants up to US $250,000 support measures like locks, alarms, and other safety upgrades, including projects that build on previously funded security improvements.

Eligible New York cross-sector collaboratives focused on youth justice and prevention can seek funding to establish Transformative Youth Justice Hubs, which coordinate resources and drive systems change. Focused on criminal justice system reform, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services invites applicants to request up to US $1,000,000 over three years for hub development and coordination, not direct services.

The Trinity Grants: Racial Justice Initiative, spearheaded by Trinity Church Wall Street, aims to foster equitable justice systems through community-driven approaches. Focused on mental health, safety, and reducing incarceration, this initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, particularly people of color. It addresses the need for restorative justice, legislative reforms, and comprehensive support for those impacted by the criminal legal system, aiming to transform communities and enhance public safety.