Best Crime Grants in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities working on community and public safety, crime prevention, or victim services can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building within Union Pacific–served communities, with emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations.

Organizations working on crime and justice initiatives in Minnesota can seek support for gun violence prevention, justice reform, and community-based violence intervention projects. Grants from The Joyce Foundation help advance research, policy advocacy, pilot initiatives, and racial equity-focused reforms that impact gun violence and public safety across the Great Lakes region.

Students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice careers who are graduating from specified northern Chautauqua school districts and enrolling full time at a 2- or 4-year college can apply for this scholarship. Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement may benefit those interested in crime and justice fields, including Minnesota students with local ties.

Students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice studies who reside within the Grand Haven or Spring Lake Public Schools districts can receive scholarship support through the Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to honor Officer Flahive’s legacy, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides assistance that may benefit Minnesota students who meet the residency and academic criteria.

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, supporting higher education costs. Administered by Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants submit one application plus transcripts and financial aid information for consideration.

Students in the Tri-Cities area pursuing criminal justice or law enforcement careers can receive scholarship support to further their education. With a mission to support education and community-minded leaders, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides need-informed awards for graduating seniors, current college students, or adults returning to school who meet GPA and documentation requirements.

Research institutions and partners conducting crime and justice studies in eligible countries, including the U.S., can apply for US $75,000 - US $400,000 to evaluate citizen security interventions and justice reforms. Focused on crime and violence prevention, the Innovations for Poverty Action Citizen Security Research Initiative funds impact evaluations, pilots, infrastructure, and foundational research projects.

Minnesota students planning to pursue legal careers can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship to support their law-related higher education. Offered through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, this scholarship encourages future attorneys and promotes public understanding of legal issues, which may benefit those interested in crime and justice fields.

State and territorial justice agencies improving prosecution or indigent defense in capital cases, including those serving Minnesota, can apply for funding to enhance legal representation in state capital proceedings. With a mission to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides up to US $450,000 to strengthen crime and justice outcomes.

Focused on education and related career paths, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites Minnesota students interested in crime and justice, law enforcement, or healthcare fields to consider the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Graduating seniors planning to attend a 4-year college and demonstrating financial need and volunteerism may be eligible.

State governments in Minnesota 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 support crime and justice efforts, the US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance provides this formula funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Minnesota 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 support enhanced investigative capacity and intergovernmental coordination nationwide, with awards up to US $300,000,000 available.

State, Tribal, and local government agencies and courts in Minnesota can seek funding to strengthen criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. US DOJ OVW provides US $400,000 - US $1,500,000 for initiatives that enhance offender accountability, victim safety, homicide reduction, and coordinated law enforcement and prosecution.

Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit Tribal organizations providing sexual assault intervention and victim services can seek funding for programs in Minnesota and nationwide. The US DOJ Office on Violence Against Women supports advocacy, accompaniment, support services, and related assistance for Native adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, with awards up to US $500,000.

Tribal governments and authorized designees in Minnesota can seek funding to strengthen criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in their communities. Grants from US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) support crime and justice initiatives for Tribal communities, with awards up to US $900,000.

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 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.