Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Ohio

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.

With a mission to support scalable social impact, this funder provides Ohio criminal justice organizations and other early-stage ventures with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital plus intensive capacity-building support. Eligible entities include independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits tackling urgent social or environmental problems for underserved communities.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Ohio and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved people, including initiatives that may support justice-involved populations through skills training, job readiness, or economic mobility.

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 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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Ohio communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in its manufacturing communities, which may include criminal justice or community safety initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio working on community-based programs, education, arts, health, environment, or social services can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations whose projects, including some crime and justice initiatives, can achieve significant impact with relatively modest funding.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

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.