Best Crime Grants in Colorado

Nonprofit organizations in Colorado providing direct intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and support services for sexual assault victims of all ages can receive funding for personnel, operating costs, emergency assistance, training, supervision, travel, and related supplies. The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice’s Sexual Assault Services Program supports crime victim services and community safety efforts across the state.

Colorado crime and justice organizations addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking can access funding through the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice to strengthen victim services and system responses. Eligible projects include direct victim services, investigation and prosecution of VAWA crimes, training, specialized units, multidisciplinary teams, prevention/education, and batterers intervention programs for victims age 11 and older.

Students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice careers who are graduating from specified northern Chautauqua school districts and accepted to a full-time 2- or 4-year college may be eligible for this scholarship. Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship supports higher education paths that prepare future crime and justice professionals, which may benefit Colorado-focused crime and justice initiatives indirectly.

Individuals pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice studies who reside in the Grand Haven or Spring Lake Public Schools districts can receive scholarship support through the Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship from Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Applicants must show financial need consideration, meet residency and character requirements, and submit transcripts, Student Aid Report details, and any required recommendations.

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, administered through Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Colorado students interested in crime and justice fields may find similar foundation-managed scholarship opportunities that support higher education pathways.

Students pursuing criminal justice or law enforcement careers in Colorado and other U.S. Tri-Cities communities may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education costs. With a mission to honor Marv VandenBosch’s legacy, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides need-informed awards to graduating seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school who meet GPA and documentation requirements.

Research institutions and partners conducting crime and justice studies, including those relevant to Colorado, can apply for Innovations for Poverty Action’s Citizen Security Research Initiative. Focus areas include organized crime, drug trafficking, violence prevention, and strengthening law enforcement and justice systems. Awards range from US $75,000 - US $400,000 for pilots, evaluations, infrastructure, and foundational research.

Students pursuing legal education who aim to become attorneys can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship supports higher education in law and may benefit Colorado residents interested in crime and justice careers by advancing public understanding of legal issues.

State and territorial justice agencies and partners improving capital case prosecution and indigent defense may be eligible for funding to strengthen legal representation in death penalty cases in Colorado and nationwide. With a mission to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights, the US Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance offers up to US $450,000 for these crime and justice initiatives.

Graduating high school seniors planning four-year degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, education, or healthcare may be eligible for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Focused on these fields, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites students, including those interested in crime and justice careers in Colorado, to apply if they demonstrate financial need, volunteerism, and strong academic performance.

State governments in Colorado can seek 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 support public safety and justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides this formula funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Colorado can seek support to assign or hire full-time cross-designated prosecutors for fraud, criminal alien, and drug or human trafficking cases. Grants from US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance help build investigative capacity and coordination with federal authorities; awards up to US $300,000,000 nationwide.

Tribal, state, and local governments and courts in the U.S., including Colorado, can seek $400,000 to $1,500,000 to strengthen criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) funds coordinated efforts to improve offender accountability, victim safety, and protection-order enforcement.

Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit Tribal organizations in Colorado can seek funding to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and support services for victims of sexual assault. US DOJ Office on Violence Against Women offers up to US $500,000 to strengthen crime and justice responses and victim services for Indigenous communities.

Tribal governments and authorized designees in Colorado 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 (OVW) offer up to US $900,000 and may benefit Tribal crime and justice initiatives.

Tribal governments in Colorado can seek funding to prepare for or exercise special tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit specified crimes in their territory. With a mission to strengthen justice for Native communities, US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides support for cases involving domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, and related offenses, awarding US $1,000,000 - US $1,500,000.

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.

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.