Best Crime Grants in Montana

Catholic dioceses in Montana and other designated Extension Dioceses seeking to expand pastoral and social outreach ministries can apply for Catholic Extension’s Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants. Funding supports catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, Catholic media, liturgical life, social outreach to homeless, immigrants, or incarcerated people, and minor post-disaster support, which may benefit crime and justice-related ministries.

Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in Montana seeking support for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces can apply for competitive Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) MJDTF funding. Grants from Montana Board of Crime Control help crime and justice organizations strengthen coordinated drug enforcement efforts, with a required 30% hard cash local match from non-federal sources.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on carceral systems reform and abolition in Montana and the broader five-state region can apply for up to US $25,000 to support community organizing. Focus areas include ending racialized criminalization, alternatives to incarceration, youth incarceration, immigrant detention, and related crime and justice issues prioritized for BIPOC-led, small-budget groups.

Local governments, tribal governments, state agencies, and private nonprofit agencies in Montana can receive funding to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking through services, training, and justice system improvements. Montana Board of Crime Control administers approximately US $800,000 in STOP Violence Against Women Act funds, requiring a 25% match except for federally recognized tribes and victim service providers.

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 through Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s single application, students with at least a 2.5 GPA and financial need consideration may benefit.

With a mission to support education, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides Montana students interested in crime and justice with scholarship opportunities for criminal justice or law enforcement studies. Tri-Cities high school seniors, current college students, or returning students with financial need and at least a 2.5 GPA may be eligible.

Researchers and institutions conducting crime and justice impact evaluations or pilot studies in eligible countries, including the U.S., can apply for US $75,000 - US $400,000 from Innovations for Poverty Action. Focused on citizen security, this initiative funds studies on organized crime, drug trafficking, violence prevention, and strengthening law enforcement and justice systems.

Students interested in pursuing legal careers in Montana can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship, which supports law-related higher education. Offered through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, this scholarship may benefit those focused on crime and justice studies and preparing to become attorneys.

With a mission to strengthen criminal justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides Montana justice agencies and legal service entities with funding to improve prosecution and indigent defense in state capital cases. Eligible applicants in Montana and other U.S. jurisdictions can seek up to US $450,000 to enhance legal representation and uphold defendants’ rights in capital litigation.

Focused on education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites Montana students pursuing crime and justice, law enforcement, or healthcare-related majors to apply for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Graduating seniors planning to attend a 4-year college who demonstrate financial need, volunteerism, and strong academic performance may benefit from this support.

State governments in Montana can apply for the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program to create or enhance crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs. With a mission to support crime and justice efforts, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides US $108,282 - US $14,672,296 for ERPO initiatives, mental health, drug, and veterans treatment courts nationwide.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Montana 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 coordination with federal authorities across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Montana criminal justice agencies, courts, and related government entities can seek funding to improve responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. US DOJ Office on Violence Against Women provides US $400,000 - US $1,500,000 to enhance offender accountability, victim safety, homicide reduction, protection-order enforcement, and coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts.

Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit Tribal organizations in Montana can seek funding to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and support services for sexual assault victims. The Office on Violence Against Women supports crime and justice efforts nationwide through the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program, offering up to US $500,000 for eligible projects.

Tribal governments and authorized designees in Montana 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) offer up to US $900,000 to enhance safety and justice for Native survivors.

Tribal governments in Montana working on crime and justice can seek funding to prepare for or exercise special tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit covered crimes. With a mission to strengthen tribal justice responses, US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides support for addressing domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, and related offenses; awards 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.