Best Crime Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects improving quality of life in Baltimore City can receive up to US $10,000 for community programs, capital projects, pilots, and operating support. With a mission to strengthen Baltimore, Abell Foundation provides Maryland crime and justice initiatives with funding across areas like criminal justice, addiction, reentry, and community safety.

Maryland organizations developing AmeriCorps programs to address community safety, crime and justice, or related community services can seek planning support through workforce development planning grants; awards up to US $240,000 for program design and capacity-building. Focused on new AmeriCorps Maryland programs, the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation funds six-month planning efforts, not member positions.

Maryland criminal justice and reentry programs seeking support for services or operations in Maryland can access funding through the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. Grants back initiatives tied to Justice Reinvestment Act reforms, including reentry, victim services, and behavioral health connections. Eligible costs include personnel, equipment, contractual services, operating expenses, travel, and other related needs.

With a mission to strengthen crime and justice responses, the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services provides Maryland nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, with funding for security enhancements. Grants up to Up to US $150,000 can cover contractual services, equipment, operating expenses, personnel, travel, and other eligible costs to protect facilities vulnerable to hate crimes.

State and local criminal justice agencies in Maryland can seek funding to address violent crime, support crime victims, and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, detention, and rehabilitation services. Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services supports crime and justice initiatives in Maryland by awarding US $10,000 - US $100,000 through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

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.

Students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice studies with financial need can receive scholarship support, including those from Maryland. With a mission to assist aspiring public safety professionals, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides funding to individuals who meet residency, academic, and career-intent criteria, which may benefit those focused on crime and justice fields.

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 by Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Maryland students pursuing crime and justice–related degrees may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s location and program requirements.

With a mission to support students’ educational and career goals, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides Maryland crime and justice students with scholarship opportunities for criminal justice or law enforcement studies. Tri-Cities high school seniors, current college students, or adults returning to school with financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA may be eligible.

Researchers and research institutions conducting crime and justice studies in countries including the U.S. can seek funding to evaluate interventions, pilots, and infrastructure that improve citizen security and justice systems. Focused on crime and violence, Innovations for Poverty Action backs projects on organized crime, drug trafficking, and law enforcement reform with awards from US $75,000 - US $400,000.

Students pursuing legal careers in Maryland can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to support law-related higher education. This scholarship encourages future attorneys and may benefit those interested in crime and justice fields or broader legal education pathways.

With a mission to strengthen criminal justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides Maryland legal and justice system entities with funding to improve prosecution and indigent defense in state capital cases. Eligible public agencies and partners working on crime and justice initiatives may receive up to US $450,000 to enhance representation quality and uphold civil rights.

Focused on criminal justice and related studies, this scholarship invites Maryland-area high school seniors interested in law enforcement or justice careers to pursue 4-year college degrees. Administered by Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, it supports students with financial need, strong academics, and volunteer experience who plan to enter crime and justice fields.

State governments in Maryland seeking support to create or enhance crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs can apply for US $108,282 - US $14,672,296 in federal funding. With a mission to strengthen crime and justice responses, the US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance backs ERPO, mental health, drug, and veterans treatment courts nationwide.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Maryland 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 build investigative capacity and strengthen crime and justice efforts through coordination with federal authorities. Awards up to US $300,000,000.

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 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.