Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Wyoming

Organizations working on criminal justice system reform and broader carceral systems organizing in Wyoming and the wider Northwest can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest, with awards of US $25,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) nonprofits, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups prioritizing BIPOC and low-income communities and using a community organizing framework.

Organizations in Wyoming working on criminal justice system reform and carceral systems organizing can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest. 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) groups, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored organizations led by BIPOC communities with budgets under $500,000 may receive up to US $25,000 for community organizing addressing systemic criminalization.

Wyoming Catholic diocesan ministries serving people affected by crime and the justice system can access funding through Catholic Extension to establish, expand, or enhance pastoral and social outreach. Eligible Extension dioceses may seek support for prison ministries, immigrant services, homelessness outreach, catechetical resources, family ministries, and disaster-related efforts that strengthen Catholic community life.

Research institutions and organizations conducting citizen security and criminal justice studies in Wyoming and internationally can apply for Innovations for Poverty Action’s Citizen Security Research Initiative, offering US $75,000 - US $400,000 for rigorous impact evaluations, pilots, infrastructure, and foundational research. Projects must address crime and justice, public safety, or criminal justice system reform priorities.

Organizations and individuals improving criminal or civil justice systems can receive US $15,000 awards for proven, innovative programs in the U.S., including Wyoming. Grants from Foundation for Improvement of Justice help criminal justice reform and crime and child protection efforts by recognizing successful models, with nominations accepted year-round from all 50 states and D.C.

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 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.

Wyoming nonprofits working on criminal justice system reform and mental health in justice settings can access funding via Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine to support neuroscience-related programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may propose initiatives in areas like schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or Alzheimer’s that improve access to care, reduce disparities, support crisis intervention, or address stigma within justice-involved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on mental health and criminal justice issues in Wyoming can seek support for neuroscience-related programs such as crisis intervention, early intervention, relapse prevention, and stigma reduction. Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine funds initiatives improving access to care, health equity, and linkages to treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. criminal justice, economic mobility, or systemic inequality can receive US $35,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects from the Russell Sage Foundation. Wyoming scholars examining legal systems, safety net access, labor markets, or related structural barriers may be especially competitive, with mentoring support also provided.

Researchers with doctorates conducting social science studies on criminal justice, policing, or related decision-making processes in the U.S., including Wyoming, can seek up to US $200,000 for behavioral science and decision-making projects. Russell Sage Foundation supports rigorous, well-developed research designs through a competitive LOI and invited full-proposal process.

Researchers and research institutions in the U.S. studying community safety and the criminal justice system can apply for Arnold Ventures’ causal research RFP, with awards up to US $500,000. Grants from Arnold Ventures help Wyoming crime and justice researchers test real-world policies and interventions using rigorous causal designs and behavioral outcome data.

Wyoming criminal justice and restorative justice practitioners who are NACRJ members can access funding for small community and restorative justice projects through mini-grants. National Association of Community and Restorative Justice offers up to US $500 twice a year, and Wyoming organizations or individuals working on criminal justice system reform may be eligible.

Nonprofits and other NACRJ members in Wyoming can seek funding for restorative and criminal justice system reform projects, with awards up to US $3,000. The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice supports larger-scale initiatives, capacity-building, and innovative efforts that strengthen community and restorative justice practice nationwide.

Students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies at U.S. community colleges or universities can apply for CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship; awards US $2,000 for education costs. Eligible applicants are high school seniors, college, or non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota, which may interest Wyoming programs seeking comparable opportunities.

Wyoming criminal justice organizations and researchers can access funding through William T Grant Foundation to study how research evidence is used to benefit young people ages 5–25. Awards of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support stand-alone or add-on studies, plus capacity-building and connections with scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working on child welfare and criminal justice reform.

Graduating seniors pursuing education, criminal justice, or nursing degrees who attend specified Westfield, Massachusetts high schools can receive up to US $3,000 to help cover college costs. With a mission to support students in need, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provides scholarships that Wyoming criminal justice–focused students may review for general eligibility context.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study criminal justice and connected to Cattaraugus or Allegany County may benefit from this memorial scholarship, which supports higher education in the field. With a mission to honor Deputy Wayne Krieger, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides support that Wyoming criminal justice students could look to as a model opportunity.

College-bound students pursuing forensic science or criminal justice degrees in the U.S. can receive renewable tuition support plus backing for related police cadet and bicycle safety programs. Focused on higher education and criminal justice, Benton Community Foundation invites applicants who are active in sports and community service and meet the stated GPA criteria.

Students pursuing higher education in criminal justice, including those in Wyoming, can receive scholarship support to advance their studies. Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland provides funding to help future criminal justice professionals with college or career preparation. Wyoming students interested in criminal justice system reform or related fields may be eligible for this scholarship opportunity.

High school seniors pursuing criminal justice or related emergency services degrees, including those interested in crime and justice careers in Wyoming, can seek scholarship support from the Noble County Community Foundation. This fund awards US $500 to one senior from specified Noble County, Indiana schools or homeschool, attending any accredited college or university.

The Smith Richardson Foundation's Domestic Public Policy Grant supports initiatives that help address critical challenges in the U.S. It funds research and evaluations of public policies while promoting innovative solutions to enhance education, fiscal practices, and the criminal justice system. The Foundation aims to foster effective policies that improve economic opportunities and public services, ensuring a prosperous future for all citizens.

The Soros Justice Fellowships support innovative individuals dedicated to reforming the U.S. criminal justice system. These fellowships, available in two tracks, offer funding for 12 or 18 months to projects that inspire dialogue, influence policy, and drive change. Track I is aimed at emerging leaders, while Track II is for seasoned professionals. With grants of $100,000 and $140,000 respectively, the program emphasizes collaboration and aims to foster a network of leaders committed to addressing injustice and inequality.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The SC Ministry Foundation provides annual grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. These grants can be used for core programs, planning, and program expansion. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability and avoid duplication of services. The application process starts with a pre-application survey, and funding decisions are typically made by June 30. Priority is given to projects in education, healthcare, and social services.

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.