Best Crime Grants in Iowa

Iowa 501(c)(3) public charities working on community safety, crime prevention, and support for crime victims can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building efforts in eligible Union Pacific–served communities, with emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit, community-based, law enforcement, prosecutor, and other governmental organizations in Iowa can seek funding to support victims of violent crime and related criminal justice responses. The Iowa Department of Justice Victim Assistance Section supports crime and justice initiatives, including victim services, investigation and prosecution of crimes against women, evidence collection, and training.

Iowa nonprofit, community-based, and governmental organizations providing crime and victim services can apply for Iowa Department of Justice funding to deliver trauma-informed, victim-centered training and technical assistance statewide. Iowa crime and justice agencies, including law enforcement and victim service providers, may benefit from projects that strengthen healing, stability, and justice for those impacted by violent crime.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

Graduating high school seniors in the Tri-Cities community planning to study law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology can apply for the Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, supporting higher education costs. Administered by Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, awards consider financial need, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and required documents like transcripts and Student Aid Report details.

Students from the Tri-Cities area pursuing criminal justice or law enforcement careers can receive scholarship support for higher education. With a mission to back educational and justice-focused pathways, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides need-informed awards to graduating seniors, current college students, or returning students who meet GPA and documentation requirements, which may benefit Iowa crime-focused career seekers studying there.

Researchers and institutions conducting crime and justice impact evaluations, pilots, or foundational studies in eligible countries, including the U.S., can seek US $75,000 - US $400,000 for citizen security research. Focus areas include organized crime, drug trafficking, crime and violence prevention, and strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice systems through Innovations for Poverty Action’s Citizen Security Research Initiative.

Students interested in becoming attorneys and pursuing law-related higher education, including those in Iowa, can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship from Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship supports legal education and helps future legal professionals who may go on to work in crime and justice fields.

State and territorial justice agencies and legal service entities handling capital cases can seek funding to strengthen prosecution and indigent defense representation in death penalty proceedings, including in Iowa. With a mission to uphold the rule of law, the US Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance provides up to US $450,000 for improving capital case litigation quality.

Graduating high school seniors interested in criminal justice, law enforcement, education, or healthcare fields can apply for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Focused on supporting postsecondary study, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites students with financial need, strong academics, and volunteer experience to pursue four-year college degrees that may support future crime and justice careers.

State governments in Iowa can apply for US $108,282 - US $14,672,296 to create or enhance crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs, including ERPO, mental health, drug, and veterans treatment courts. With a mission to strengthen crime and justice responses, the Bureau of Justice Assistance supports statewide efforts to address violent crime and public safety challenges.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Iowa can seek funding to assign or hire full-time cross-designated prosecutors to handle fraud, criminal alien, and drug or human trafficking cases. Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance help strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity and coordination with federal authorities for crime and justice initiatives.

Tribal, state, and local government agencies and courts in Iowa can use these grants to strengthen criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Office on Violence Against Women provides US $400,000 - US $1,500,000 to improve offender accountability, enhance victim safety, and support coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts nationwide.

Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit Tribal organizations in Iowa and nationwide can obtain funding to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, support services, and related assistance for sexual assault victims and affected family members. US DOJ Office on Violence Against Women offers up to US $500,000 through its Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program to expand these crime victim services.

Tribal governments and authorized designees in Iowa can seek funding to strengthen criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities. Grants from US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women help eligible Tribal entities nationwide access up to US $900,000 for coordinated safety and justice initiatives.

Tribal governments in Iowa seeking to exercise special tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians for covered crimes can apply for this federal grant, with awards from US $1,000,000 - US $1,500,000. With a mission to strengthen tribal justice responses, US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) supports work on assault, domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, and related offenses.

The NIJ FY 2026 State and Local Collection and Reporting of Crime Data program invites proposals for research aimed at enhancing the accuracy of crime data collection and reporting. This funding opportunity seeks to identify common challenges and develop effective best practices to improve data quality across jurisdictions. Studies that analyze how agencies collect offense data to ensure alignment with actual events and strengthen data governance practices are particularly encouraged.

The DOJ FY 2026 NIBIN Modernization Program aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies by providing funding for modern ballistic imaging equipment. This initiative, authorized under Public Law 119-21, seeks to improve crime gun intelligence and support investigations into crimes involving illegal aliens and transnational criminal organizations. With a focus on upgrading outdated technology at 194 sites, this program ensures comprehensive maintenance and operational efficiency for five years, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

Sarpy County Bar Association Scholarship Application Guidelines

The Sarpy County Bar Association Scholarship Fund makes this scholarship available to students studying criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, or pre-law

The Fund shall annually distribute two (2) scholarships in the total amount of $1,500, split evenly per semester (i.e., $750 Fall Semester, and $750 Spring/Semester).

This research aims to explore the impact of international parental child abduction (IPCA) on affected children and left-behind parents. By identifying both short- and long-term effects across various domains such as mental health and child welfare, the study seeks to uncover gaps in support systems and recommend actionable solutions. The findings will enhance understanding and support for families experiencing IPCA in the United States, ultimately benefiting individuals and their communities.

The Fy 2026 Drug Court Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement, led by ONDCP, aims to enhance access to evidence-based addiction treatments through drug courts. This initiative focuses on educating and training stakeholders to implement effective treatment strategies for individuals with addiction, particularly those facing co-occurring mental health conditions. By reducing criminal justice costs and recidivism rates, the program supports the President's priorities for long-term recovery and improved public health.

This research study, funded by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, aims to explore the effects of international parental child abduction (IPCA) on affected children and their left-behind parents. It seeks to identify the short- and long-term impacts across various domains such as mental health, child development, and legal systems. The study will also pinpoint gaps in support for these families and propose actionable solutions to enhance their well-being and community integration.

The BJA FY 2026 Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Program aims to enhance the safety of federal judges and their families by preventing the disclosure of sensitive information. This funding opportunity supports state and local governments, including tribal entities, in implementing protective measures. The program emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure justice is administered without fear of personal reprisal. Grants can only be used for the designated purpose of safeguarding federal judges as outlined in the statute.

The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting applications for the FY26 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) to streamline the grant process for federally recognized tribes. This initiative combines various competitive funding opportunities into a single application, allowing tribes to address public safety and victimization comprehensively. Eligible areas include criminal justice, substance use, and support for victims of domestic violence. The deadline for applications is October 22, 2026.

The DOJ's FY 2026 BIDEN Program aims to address immigration-related challenges by providing funding to eligible state and local governments. This initiative focuses on enhancing law enforcement's capacity to apprehend criminal aliens, investigate gang activities, and manage court operations related to crimes committed by aliens. By supporting these critical efforts, the program aims to improve public safety and uphold the rule of law in communities across the nation.

Herold and Retta Reuss Public Safety Scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate the drive and ability to be successful in pursuing a college education and/or a certification process in the fields aforementioned. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship may apply for further support in subsequent years.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.