Best Restorative Justice Grants in California

We are living in a time of intensified state violence and mass criminalization. The current political climate has doubled down on surveillance, policing, incarceration, and the criminalization of protest, migration, and mutual aid. For directly impacted communities, the trauma is relentless — and those of us committed to resistance are feeling the weight of outrage fatigue.

But we know: the antidote to outrage fatigue is movement response. The expansion of state violence and mass incarceration often forces organizations to respond quickly to unanticipated events despite lacking the necessary resources or capacity.

The Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS) Fund-CJI’s rapid-response fund-is designed to support bold, strategic, and immediate actions by grassroots organizations on the front lines of resistance. The Fund awards grants up to $7,500 and enables organizations to move quickly and collaboratively in response to emerging threats and seize opportunities to advance justice, healing, and systemic transformation.

The State Justice Institute Project Grant aims to enhance the administration of justice in state courts through innovative projects. It supports education, training, and technical assistance initiatives that demonstrate a need for improvement. Projects are evaluated based on methodology, management capabilities, and potential long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include courts and related organizations, while funds cannot cover routine court operations or salaries of court employees.

The State Justice Institute offers Technical Assistance Grants to state and local courts for expert assistance in addressing operational challenges. Grants can provide up to $75,000 over 12 months, requiring a 50% match from applicants, with 20% in cash. Eligible entities include courts and regional associations, while ineligible expenses cover salaries and travel for court employees. The selection process emphasizes critical needs, sound approaches, consultant qualifications, and budget reasonableness, aiming to enhance court operations and compliance with federal requirements.

The Therapeutic Giving program from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine aims to support local and regional organizations focused on improving patient access to treatment and advancing health equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with funding preferences for programs that address significant healthcare disparities, mental health initiatives, and innovative solutions with measurable outcomes. The application period for local organizations runs from March 1 to May 31, while national organizations can apply in September.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Criminal Justice Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With an emphasis on effective programs and support services, the foundation seeks to address the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

The Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program aims to enhance the application of research findings for young people aged 5-25 in the U.S. It offers major grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, focusing on impactful studies and capacity-building for researchers. The foundation encourages collaboration among scholars and practitioners to strengthen research practices and evidence use in various settings.

The Strategic Initiatives Grants (SIG) program, managed by the State Justice Institute (SJI), offers flexible funding to tackle pressing national court issues. This innovative initiative encourages collaboration between SJI and its grantees to develop effective solutions for state courts across the U.S. Applicants are urged to reach out to SJI for guidance on their concept papers, ensuring a tailored approach to addressing critical judicial challenges.

The State Justice Institute's Curriculum Adaptation & Training Grant aims to empower courts and national associations to tailor educational programs to local needs. With funding up to $40,000 for 12 months, it encourages innovative training for judges and court personnel. Applicants must provide a 50% match, including at least 20% in cash. Selection criteria focus on project goals, the necessity of funding, and the effective integration of new curricula into existing court systems, ensuring impactful judicial education.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The WE Initiative Grant, part of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund's Social Well-being program, seeks nonprofit organizations dedicated to fostering belonging and community cohesion in the Bay Area. With a focus on cultural identity and collective action, grantees will receive $100,000 annually for five years to support collaborative projects aimed at uplifting diverse voices and driving community-led change. This initiative promotes connection, creativity, and healing to address social fragmentation and empower marginalized communities.

The Life Comes From It Grant, funded by the Tides Foundation, supports grassroots initiatives focused on restorative, transformative, and indigenous justice. It prioritizes projects led by communities of color, emphasizing alternatives to incarceration and community-led solutions. Applicants must be 501c3 organizations based in the United States. This grant fosters a collaborative approach to healing and justice, aiming to shift power dynamics and promote inclusive practices across generations.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.

The LA County Arts & Culture Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) program provides funding between $5,000 and $20,000 to support exemplary arts projects by municipal and nonprofit organizations outside of the arts. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts and culture, recognizing its role in civic problem-solving and community development. Emphasizing cultural equity, it promotes diverse participation in arts, fostering mutual respect and understanding across Los Angeles County's communities.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

Learning from Abroad to Reimagine Health Knowledge Systems for Equity and Wellbeing Grant

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to dismantling structural racism and eliminating barriers to health equity by working alongside communities, practitioners, and institutions. One way we support this mission is by investing in the knowledge of historically marginalized communities and deepening the relationships that build community power, evidence, and systems of change. Another way we do this is by looking beyond the U.S. borders. The Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions team looks abroad for ideas to improve health equity, justice, and wellbeing in the U.S.  

This funding opportunity invites organizations to learn and produce solutions to build a more inclusive and equitable health knowledge system, inspired by other countries that have faced or are currently facing similar health equity challenges. It allows organizations to learn from efforts outside of the U.S. to reimagine and rebuild the health knowledge system in ways that can withstand systemic threats while advancing health equity and wellbeing for the future. Among many other characteristics yet to be identified, our learnings to date suggest that the following contribute to this reimagined version of the health knowledge system:  

• The experience of people most affected by health inequities is centered in the generation of data and evidence and in policymaking;
• Health is more than the absence of disease. It is about individual and collective healing and wellbeing;
• Mis- and disinformation are eliminated and public trust in science and evidence is restored;
• History, culture, and language are preserved and protected, and ecological and biomedical sciences are braided with Indigenous, traditional, holistic, and community frameworks; and
• Cross-sector approaches and global learning networks break down siloes and allow for more effective and equitable solutions. They leverage lessons from resistance movements and connect artists, researchers, public health, and civil society.

The purpose of this CFP is to support organizations in pursuing action-oriented projects that leverage learning from outside the U.S. to create a more durable and equitable health knowledge system in the U.S. These efforts will advance health equity, justice, and wellbeing through community-driven knowledge generation, preservation, and narrative. Together, these actions lay the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient health knowledge system in times of crisis and beyond. 

Total Awards

Type of Award: Awards will be structured as grants and will be made to organizations, not to individuals.

• Number of Awards: Up to 15 awards will be funded.  
• Amount of Award: Awards will be up to $500,000 each. Please request only what is necessary to allow us to fund as many recipients as possible. We expect larger awards to correspond with more distributed funding (e.g., multiple people’s salaries or multiple activities). See more information on RWJF budget categories and allowable costs here.  
• Award Duration: Awards will be up to 36 months.  

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

The Doheny Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in Greater Los Angeles that align with its mission and four focus areas: Social Welfare, Health and Wellness, Education, and Religion. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations and can only apply once per year. The Foundation emphasizes initiatives that enhance the lives of vulnerable populations and promote economic self-reliance, while avoiding funding for specific exclusions such as political activities or work outside the U.S.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The California Watershed Protection Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting watersheds throughout California. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities. Priority is given to initiatives that engage impacted communities and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice. The fund emphasizes hands-on activities that yield tangible benefits for surface water quality, fostering community-based stewardship in response to fluctuating watershed needs.