Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Ohio

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may benefit justice-involved youth and families. Focused on these core areas, Costco Foundation invites organizations to apply with evidence-based programs, clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified financial support in communities where Costco operates.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can use this funding for programs such as child advocacy, homelessness services, poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and environmental education in Ohio and beyond. The DanPaul Foundation offers up to US $15,000 for projects that directly benefit children and young people.

Nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Ohio can receive funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on community safety, State Farm Companies Foundation invites organizations to propose projects such as auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, job training, or K-16 education and career pathways, which may support criminal justice-related efforts.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Ohio, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health and welfare, education, or community initiatives. Funding may benefit programs such as healthcare for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM education, or healthy-lifestyle and screening efforts, including projects connected to crime and justice or criminal justice system reform.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Ohio communities where PNC operates can seek funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for education, housing stability, small business support, human services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work, including in Ohio. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports projects that highlight real-world impact, which may benefit criminal justice and community wellness initiatives that fit its three pillars.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofits and research institutions working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, can seek funding for research, policy advocacy, and pilot initiatives. With a mission to build safe and just communities, The Joyce Foundation supports projects advancing racial equity, reforming policing, and strengthening community-based violence intervention strategies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Ohio can seek project support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to respect all life and the environment, the foundation provides charitable organizations with funding that may benefit programs connected to crime and justice or criminal justice system reform.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other community-focused work. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, Lawrence Foundation invites applicants whose work may include criminal justice or related community services initiatives.

Nonprofit, private organizations in Ohio operating family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence shelters, or providing related counseling and advocacy, can apply for the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services’ FVPSA funding. Grants support immediate shelter, supportive services, and prevention programming for victims and their dependents, and require collaboration with key community justice and service partners.

Criminal justice agencies and community public safety programs in Ohio can seek funding to implement proven or promising strategies that reduce violent crime, including murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Grants from Ohio Department of Public Safety support crime and justice initiatives that strengthen community safety and address gun violence and victimization.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Ohio can seek project, operating, or capital support that advances economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding in areas like poverty alleviation, homelessness, mental health, literacy, and job readiness where it has a business presence.

With a mission to support criminal justice agencies, Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services provides Ohio law enforcement, prosecutors, and crime labs with reimbursement for sexual assault kit testing and related investigation costs. Funding can cover lab testing, kit transport, expert testimony, and training to build capacity for sexual assault and trafficking investigations.

Law enforcement agencies in Ohio can obtain reimbursement for in-state and out-of-state extradition costs for dangerous wanted offenders through this program, including transports via state-approved companies. With a mission to support Ohio’s criminal justice system, the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services funds Tier 1 violent offenses, certain misdemeanors, and interference with custody cases.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award program. Recognized collaborations that measurably improve lives and address significant social issues may be honored with one of six annual awards. Ohio organizations working on criminal justice or justice system reform through cross-sector partnerships may be competitive.

Ohio criminal justice and victim service agencies can access funding through the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services to combat violent crimes against women and strengthen victim services. Grants support law enforcement, prosecution strategies, and services addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence under the STOP Violence Against Women Act program.

Criminal justice agencies and local governments in Ohio can apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to support crime prevention, law enforcement, and related justice initiatives. Grants from Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services help fund evidence-based programs in areas like crime and justice, crisis intervention, reentry, juvenile justice, victim services, and violence prevention, with awards from US $4,553 - US $150,000.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those working on crime, justice, or reentry in Ohio, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 and non-sectarian missions may be considered.