Best Crime Grants in Ohio

Ohio law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices can obtain reimbursement for extradition costs of dangerous wanted offenders through this program, including in-state and out-of-state transports. The Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services provides Ohio crime and justice agencies with funding for Tier 1 violent offenses, certain domestic-related misdemeanors, and interference with custody cases.

Organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact Ohio and the broader Great Lakes region can apply for support for research, policy, and advocacy projects. Grants from the Joyce Foundation help advance racial equity, reform policing, and develop community-based violence intervention strategies across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, crime labs, and allied professionals in Ohio can apply for the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services’ Sexual Assault Investigations Grant Program to reimburse sexual assault kit testing and related investigative costs. Funding can cover lab testing, kit transport, expert testimony, and training to build evidence-collection capacity.

Ohio state, tribal, and local government agencies working on crime and justice initiatives can apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, with awards from US $4,553 - US $150,000. With a mission to strengthen public safety, Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services supports law enforcement, courts, reentry, victim services, and violence prevention projects statewide.

Local government and justice agencies in Ohio seeking to reduce violent crime can apply for funding to implement proven or promising crime reduction strategies. Grants from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services support efforts targeting murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery, and include a bidders training webinar to guide applicants.

Units of local government and eligible Ohio law enforcement agencies can seek funding to reduce violent and gun-related crime through Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives. Grants from Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services help Ohio crime and justice partners strengthen community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused enforcement, and accountability efforts in collaboration with federal and local PSN task forces.

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 Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship. Students with at least a 2.5 GPA and financial need may benefit, including those pursuing crime and justice-related fields in Ohio-like contexts.

With a mission to support education and justice careers, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides Ohio crime and justice students with scholarship opportunities for criminal justice or law enforcement studies. Eligible Tri-Cities graduating seniors, current college students, or returning students with at least a 2.5 GPA and financial need may apply using one common application.

Researchers and institutions working on crime and justice studies can apply for US $75,000 - US $400,000 from Innovations for Poverty Action to evaluate citizen security, policing, and justice interventions. Focus areas include preventing crime and violence, countering organized crime, combating drug trafficking, and strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice systems in eligible countries, including the U.S.

Students interested in becoming attorneys in Ohio can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship to support their legal education. This scholarship from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County promotes higher education in law and strengthens public understanding of legal issues, which may benefit those focused on crime and justice careers.

With a mission to strengthen justice systems, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides Ohio legal and justice agencies with up to US $450,000 to improve representation in state capital cases. Eligible entities working on crime and justice initiatives may use funds to enhance prosecution capacity and indigent defense quality in capital litigation.

Focused on higher education, this scholarship invites eligible graduating seniors from Olean, Otto-Eldred, Portville, or Bradford Area High Schools, including those interested in criminal justice or law enforcement-related fields, to pursue 4-year college studies. Students with financial need, strong academics, and volunteer experience may be competitive applicants.

State governments in Ohio 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 public safety and uphold civil rights, the Bureau of Justice Assistance supports these crime and justice initiatives nationwide.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Ohio can seek funding to assign or hire full-time cross-designated prosecutors to investigate and prosecute fraud, criminal aliens, and drug or human trafficking crimes. Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance help strengthen criminal justice capacity and coordination nationwide, with awards up to US $300,000,000.

Tribal, state, and local governments and courts in Ohio can use this funding 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 for coordinated law enforcement, prosecution, protection-order enforcement, and victim safety initiatives, with national eligibility including territories.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program provides crucial support to Indian Tribes and organizations in addressing sexual assault through intervention and advocacy. This program aims to assist victims of all ages, including youth and children, as well as their families and those affected by the trauma, except for perpetrators. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 PM ET in JustGrants.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program is designed to empower Tribal governments in enhancing their criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. This initiative, funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, aims to support Tribal communities in creating safer environments through targeted funding and resources. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program provides essential support to Tribal governments as they prepare to exercise jurisdiction over non-Indians committing serious crimes within their boundaries. This program addresses various offenses, including domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence, ensuring enhanced safety and justice for Tribal communities. Applications are due by August 13, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET, with the aim of empowering Tribes to uphold their legal rights.

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.