Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Hawaii

Criminal justice agencies and related organizations in Hawaii can seek funding to improve law enforcement, courts, corrections, reentry, and crisis intervention efforts. Grants from the State of Hawaii Department of the Attorney General support projects up to US $20,135,051 for personnel, equipment, data systems, training, research, and other initiatives that strengthen the criminal justice system and reduce drug crime and reentry barriers.

Hawaii students pursuing higher education in criminal justice or criminology can receive scholarship support for tuition and related college costs. The Greg T Miki Legacy Scholarship Fund from Hawai'i Community Foundation assists residents who demonstrate financial need, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, and show community service, with preference for those born in Hawaii.

Grassroots groups in Hawaii working on social justice, including criminal justice system reform and related community organizing, can access funding through Hawai'i People's Fund’s Urgent Action Grants. Awards up to US $5,000 support rapid-response efforts such as mutual aid, organizing against incarceration harms, protecting indigenous rights, and other change-oriented campaigns for marginalized communities.

Organizations and research institutions working on citizen security and criminal justice research can seek US $75,000 - US $400,000 to evaluate interventions and generate evidence for safer communities. Focused on crime, violence prevention, and justice reform, Innovations for Poverty Action invites projects that may benefit criminal justice efforts in Hawaii and other eligible countries.

Organizations and individuals with proven criminal or civil justice reforms in Hawaii can receive US $15,000 awards recognizing successful, model programs. Foundation for Improvement of Justice provides U.S. crime and justice innovators with a medal, cash award, certificate, and paid trip to an Atlanta awards banquet; nominations are accepted year-round from all states.

The Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program aims to enhance the application of research findings for young people aged 5-25 in the U.S. It offers major grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, focusing on impactful studies and capacity-building for researchers. The foundation encourages collaboration among scholars and practitioners to strengthen research practices and evidence use in various settings.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on criminal justice responses to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Hawaii can seek project funding to improve outcomes for people with serious mental illness. Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation supports efforts such as diversion, law enforcement training, legal services, and reentry within its nationwide criminal justice grant segment.

The BJA FY 2026 Smart Reentry Demonstration Program aims to support state, local, and tribal governments in implementing effective reentry strategies for individuals transitioning from correctional facilities back to their communities. This program encourages comprehensive interventions designed to reduce recidivism by addressing various reentry needs, as outlined in the Second Chance Act. Applications are due by October 1, 2026, at 8:59 PM ET, and are submitted through JustGrants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running neuroscience and mental health programs in the U.S., including Hawaii, can seek support to improve access to care, advance health equity, and strengthen frontline workforces. Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine help initiatives addressing Alzheimer’s, depression, schizophrenia, crisis intervention, stigma, and criminal justice-related mental health education and support.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S., including those in Hawaii, can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving: Neuroscience support to fund programs improving mental health and neuroscience-related care. Funding may benefit initiatives on recovery, crisis intervention, early intervention, stigma reduction, health disparities, or mental health and the criminal justice system.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. criminal justice, legal systems, or related inequalities can apply for $35,000 to $50,000 in research funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on economic mobility and systemic barriers, this program may benefit Hawaii-based scholars examining crime, punishment, safety net access, or justice system reform.

Doctoral-level researchers studying behavioral science and decision making in criminal justice contexts in Hawaii and across the U.S. can seek up to US $200,000 for high-quality social science research projects. With a mission to advance social science, Russell Sage Foundation provides support for rigorous, well-developed studies requiring strong research designs and preliminary work.

Researchers studying crime and justice policies in the U.S., including those focused on Hawaii, can seek up to US $500,000 for rigorous causal studies of community safety and criminal justice interventions. Focused on evidence-based reform, Arnold Ventures prioritizes strong causal designs, real-world behavioral outcomes, and projects with clear pathways to state or federal policy impact.

Organizations and individuals in Hawaii working on community and restorative justice projects can apply for mini-grants supporting criminal justice system reform efforts. Grants from the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice help members across the U.S. fund small-scale initiatives, with awards up to US $500 and added visibility within the restorative justice community.

Organizations and individuals working on criminal justice system reform in Hawaii can apply for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice’s Impact Grant; awards up to US $3,000 for restorative justice initiatives and capacity-building projects. NACRJ members nationwide may be eligible for larger-scale, innovative efforts that create meaningful community impact.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder programs at U.S. colleges can receive scholarship support, including those from Hawaii interested in public safety careers. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship awards US $2,000 to students with a 2.5+ GPA who demonstrate leadership potential.

Researchers and institutions studying how to improve the use of research evidence to benefit U.S. youth ages 5–25, including those focused on criminal justice in Hawaii, can apply for William T Grant Foundation’s Officers’ Research Grants. Awards range from US $25,000 - US $50,000 over 1–2 years and include capacity-building support and peer learning opportunities.

Hutsell, Alan Scholarship Fund

For a high school senior from Central Noble, East Noble, Wawasee, West Noble or homeschool (homeschooled student must live in Noble County) who will be pursuing advanced education in emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Awards Per Year:

• 1 scholarship

Applicant High School:

• Central Noble, East Noble, Homeschooled, Wawasee, West Noble

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Services, Emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Graduating seniors pursuing criminal justice, nursing, or education who are eligible for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts scholarship program may receive up to US $3,000 toward college costs. Grants from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts help students, including those interested in criminal justice system reform, cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

FOP Lodge #88 Criminal Justice Scholarship

Established by the FOP Thomas Pangborn Lodge #88, this scholarship shall provide awards to deserving students pursuing an education in criminal justice.

Benton County high school students pursuing forensic science or criminal justice degrees can receive renewable tuition support, plus funding for related local programs. Hawaii criminal justice organizations may be eligible if they connect through education-focused partnerships. The Benton Community Foundation fund also benefits the Corvallis Police Cadet program and bicycle safety initiatives.

Graduating high school seniors in Cattaraugus or Allegany counties planning to study criminal justice can receive scholarship support for higher education. Focused on criminal justice studies, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites students, including those in BOCES criminal justice programs, to apply; Hawaii-based criminal justice nonprofits may find this listing when exploring broader education-related opportunities.

The Strategic Initiatives Grants (SIG) program, managed by the State Justice Institute (SJI), offers flexible funding to tackle pressing national court issues. This innovative initiative encourages collaboration between SJI and its grantees to develop effective solutions for state courts across the U.S. Applicants are urged to reach out to SJI for guidance on their concept papers, ensuring a tailored approach to addressing critical judicial challenges.

Organizations conducting research or policy projects on U.S. criminal justice, education, or economic policy can apply for national funding that may support work benefiting Hawaii. Grants from Smith Richardson Foundation help criminal justice system reform efforts by backing analysis of costs, public safety, and innovative strategies that inform policymakers and public debates.

The State Justice Institute's Curriculum Adaptation & Training Grant aims to empower courts and national associations to tailor educational programs to local needs. With funding up to $40,000 for 12 months, it encourages innovative training for judges and court personnel. Applicants must provide a 50% match, including at least 20% in cash. Selection criteria focus on project goals, the necessity of funding, and the effective integration of new curricula into existing court systems, ensuring impactful judicial education.

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.

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.