Best Restorative Justice Grants in Indiana

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) 

Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. While funds can be used to support a broad range of activities, the program places emphasis on breaking the cycle of substance use and crime, combating violence, holding offenders accountable, reinforcing law enforcement efforts, supporting adjudication and enhancing technology and information sharing.

Program Areas

In general, JAG funds may be used to hire additional personnel and/or purchase equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following program areas:

• Law enforcement programs.
• Prosecution and court programs.
• Prevention and education programs.
• Corrections and community corrections programs.
• Drug treatment and enforcement programs.
• Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
• Mental health programs related to law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams.

This JAG award will be used to support criminal justice initiatives that fall under one or more of the allowable program areas above. Funded programs or initiatives may include multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces, crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, justice information sharing initiatives, or other programs aimed at reducing crime and/or enhancing public/officer safety.

Organizations conducting research or policy projects on criminal justice system reform and related public policy can apply for national funding that also includes Indiana. Grants from Smith Richardson Foundation help Indiana criminal justice and restorative justice initiatives by supporting analysis, evaluation, and new ideas that inform policymakers on effective, efficient, and fair justice policies.

Nonprofit organizations addressing criminal justice system reform and mental health in Indiana can seek funding for programs focused on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, including pre-arrest interventions, law enforcement training, and specialized legal services. The Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation supports 501(c)(3) public charities across the continental U.S. that limit administrative costs and center serious mental illness in their work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana running neuroscience-related mental health programs can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving support. Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine help Indiana criminal justice and restorative justice initiatives addressing depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, crisis intervention, stigma, and health disparities, with preference for innovative, measurable programs that improve access, continuity of care, and recovery-focused services.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running neuroscience-focused mental health programs, including those in Indiana, can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving support to improve access to care and health equity. Programs addressing Alzheimer’s, depression, schizophrenia, crisis intervention, or criminal justice–related mental health services may be eligible, with preference for measurable, system-improvement initiatives over events.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, systemic inequality, or criminal justice can seek US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Scholars in Indiana examining criminal justice system reform or restorative justice within broader inequality and opportunity topics may be especially competitive.

Researchers with doctorates studying behavioral science, decision making, and justice-related social science can seek up to US $200,000 for high-quality empirical projects. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, Russell Sage Foundation provides Indiana criminal justice reform and restorative justice scholars with support for work on policing, courts, incarceration, housing, employment, immigration, and related inequalities.

Researchers proposing causal studies on community safety and the criminal justice system in the U.S. can apply for up to US $500,000 from Arnold Ventures. Focused on rigorous designs and real-world behavioral outcomes, this opportunity may benefit Indiana projects advancing criminal justice system reform and restorative justice-related policies or interventions.

Organizations and individuals in Indiana practicing community or restorative justice can apply for mini-grants of up to US $500 to support meaningful projects. Grants from the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice help members nationwide advance criminal justice system reform and gain visibility and connections in the restorative justice community.

Organizations and individuals working on restorative or community justice in Indiana can apply for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice’s Impact Grant; awards up to US $3,000 for larger-scale initiatives, capacity-building, and innovative projects. Applicants must be NACRJ members and not have received a 2024 grant.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies at U.S. colleges can receive $2,000 through the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship. CommunityGiving supports emerging leaders interested in criminal justice system reform and public safety, which may benefit Indiana students with relevant academic and career goals.

Researchers studying how to improve the use of research evidence in criminal justice, juvenile justice, or related youth-serving systems in the U.S., including Indiana, can apply for William T Grant Foundation’s Officers’ Research Grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000. Projects should benefit young people ages 5–25 and may be stand-alone or part of larger studies.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing criminal justice, education, or nursing degrees and needing tuition support may be eligible for scholarships up to US $3,000. Grants from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts help students from specific Westfield, MA schools, which may include those interested in restorative justice-related criminal justice studies in Indiana or elsewhere.

Researchers and institutions conducting citizen security and criminal justice reform studies, including restorative justice–related work in Indiana and other eligible countries, can apply for the Citizen Security Research Initiative. Focus areas include crime and violence prevention, organized crime, drug trafficking, and strengthening law enforcement systems, with awards from US $75,000 - US $400,000 funded via Innovations for Poverty Action.

Focused on criminal justice education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites Indiana criminal justice system reform advocates to note this scholarship for graduating high school seniors in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties planning higher education in criminal justice. Indiana organizations working with eligible students or similar pathways may find this opportunity relevant.

Indiana students pursuing higher education in forensic science or criminal justice can access funding through the Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is administered by Benton Community Foundation. Eligible applicants are active in sports and community service, maintain a 3.0–3.5 GPA, and may be interested in criminal justice system reform and related careers.

Students pursuing an education in criminal justice in Indiana can apply for the FOP Lodge #88 Criminal Justice Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland. This scholarship supports higher education and career preparation in criminal justice, and Indiana students interested in criminal justice system reform or restorative justice may be eligible.

Indiana students pursuing higher education in emergency services or criminal justice can receive scholarship support that may advance future restorative justice work. Noble County Community Foundation provides Indiana criminal justice system reform students with US $500 toward study at any accredited college or university, with preference for West Noble High School seniors and eligibility limited to specified local high schools or homeschoolers in Noble County.

The BJA FY 2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence program aims to support states and local governments in covering costs related to postconviction case reviews, evidence location, and DNA testing in violent felony cases. This initiative is part of the Office of Justice Programs' commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing wrongful convictions, ensuring that justice is served and the rights of innocent individuals are protected.

Individuals such as lawyers, advocates, organizers, journalists, artists, and filmmakers working on criminal justice reform projects in Indiana and across the U.S. can apply for Soros Justice Fellowships, which provide US $100,000 - US $140,000 for 12–18 month, full-time work. Open Society Institute offers early-career and experienced tracks that may support restorative justice-focused initiatives.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The Foundation for Improvement of Justice Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the civil and criminal justice systems in the U.S. Nominations are accepted year-round, with winners receiving a Paul H. Chapman Medal, $15,000, a certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to the awards banquet. This initiative aims to encourage continued innovation in justice practices. Eligibility includes unique improvements to justice systems, while future project grants and past awardees are ineligible.

The SC Ministry Foundation provides annual grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. These grants can be used for core programs, planning, and program expansion. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability and avoid duplication of services. The application process starts with a pre-application survey, and funding decisions are typically made by June 30. Priority is given to projects in education, healthcare, and social services.

We are living in a time of intensified state violence and mass criminalization. The current political climate has doubled down on surveillance, policing, incarceration, and the criminalization of protest, migration, and mutual aid. For directly impacted communities, the trauma is relentless — and those of us committed to resistance are feeling the weight of outrage fatigue.

But we know: the antidote to outrage fatigue is movement response. The expansion of state violence and mass incarceration often forces organizations to respond quickly to unanticipated events despite lacking the necessary resources or capacity.

The Strategic Opportunities Support (SOS) Fund-CJI’s rapid-response fund-is designed to support bold, strategic, and immediate actions by grassroots organizations on the front lines of resistance. The Fund awards grants up to $7,500 and enables organizations to move quickly and collaboratively in response to emerging threats and seize opportunities to advance justice, healing, and systemic transformation.

The Community Foundation of Howard County offers General Grants to support various programs and services across the community. These grants focus on health and medical initiatives, social services, education, cultural affairs, civic engagement, and community beautification. Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Howard County residents are eligible, while certain requests, such as those for individual support or prior costs, are ineligible. This program aims to enhance community vitality and support nonprofit capacity building.

The State Justice Institute Project Grant aims to enhance the administration of justice in state courts through innovative projects. It supports education, training, and technical assistance initiatives that demonstrate a need for improvement. Projects are evaluated based on methodology, management capabilities, and potential long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include courts and related organizations, while funds cannot cover routine court operations or salaries of court employees.

The State Justice Institute offers Technical Assistance Grants to state and local courts for expert assistance in addressing operational challenges. Grants can provide up to $75,000 over 12 months, requiring a 50% match from applicants, with 20% in cash. Eligible entities include courts and regional associations, while ineligible expenses cover salaries and travel for court employees. The selection process emphasizes critical needs, sound approaches, consultant qualifications, and budget reasonableness, aiming to enhance court operations and compliance with federal requirements.