Best Crime Grants in Wisconsin

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working on community and public safety, crime prevention, and support for crime victims can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs must primarily serve a Union Pacific community and align with safety-focused objectives such as preventing crime and supporting survivors of violence.

County human services departments, certified substance use treatment nonprofits, Tribal agencies, and qualifying minority agencies in Wisconsin can receive funding to operate Treatment Alternative Programs for justice-involved people with substance use concerns. Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides Wisconsin crime and justice organizations with support to deliver treatment services that reduce re-arrest risk and enhance community safety.

Nonprofits and research or advocacy organizations working on crime and justice issues in Wisconsin and the broader Great Lakes region can seek support for gun violence prevention and justice reform projects. The Joyce Foundation funds policy, research, education, advocacy, and violence intervention initiatives that advance racial equity and improve public safety outcomes.

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 through the Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship, administered by Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. While residency is tied to the Grand Haven or Spring Lake Public Schools districts, Wisconsin students fitting these criteria and location requirements may be eligible.

Wisconsin high school seniors interested in crime and justice fields can access funding through Grand Haven Area Community Foundation to pursue higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Applicants must be graduating seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA; financial need is considered and transcripts and a Student Aid Report are required.

Tri-Cities students pursuing criminal justice or law enforcement careers, including graduating seniors, current college students, or returning learners, can access scholarship support through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation in Wisconsin. Applicants should demonstrate financial need, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and submit transcripts, Student Aid Report details, and any required recommendation letters.

Research institutions and partners working on crime and justice can apply for Innovations for Poverty Action support to evaluate citizen security and justice initiatives, including in Wisconsin-eligible countries and the U.S., with awards of US $75,000 - US $400,000. Funding backs impact evaluations, pilot studies, infrastructure, and foundational research on safer communities and stronger law enforcement systems.

Students interested in pursuing legal careers and law-related higher education may be eligible for scholarships supporting their studies, including those connected to crime and justice fields. With a mission to strengthen community understanding of legal issues, Community Foundation for Muskegon County backs programs like Law to Teens, Law Day Awards, and this Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship.

State and territorial justice agencies and legal entities working on capital case prosecution or indigent defense can seek up to US $450,000 to improve legal representation quality in capital cases, including in Wisconsin. With a mission to uphold the rule of law, the US Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance supports crime and justice initiatives nationwide.

Graduating high school seniors planning four-year degrees in education, criminal justice or law enforcement, or healthcare fields may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education. The Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship from Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation assists students with financial need and strong academics and volunteerism, which may interest Wisconsin programs guiding justice-focused youth toward college.

State governments in Wisconsin and nationwide can apply for substantial U.S. Department of Justice funding to create or enhance crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs, including ERPO, mental health, drug, and veterans treatment courts. The Bureau of Justice Assistance provides US $108,282 - US $14,672,296 to support crime and justice-focused crisis intervention initiatives.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Wisconsin can apply for funding to assign or hire full-time special prosecutors focused on fraud, criminal aliens, and drug or human trafficking cases. Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity and expand coordination with federal authorities on crime and justice efforts nationwide.

Wisconsin criminal justice agencies, courts, and related governmental entities addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can access funding through US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women to strengthen their response. Awards of US $400,000 - US $1,500,000 support improved offender accountability, victim safety, homicide reduction, and coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial action.

Tribal governments and nonprofit Tribal organizations providing sexual assault intervention and victim services in Wisconsin can apply for grants up to US $500,000. Grants from the US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women help support advocacy, accompaniment, and related assistance for Native adult, youth, and child victims, as well as affected family and household members.

Tribal governments and authorized designees in Wisconsin can seek funding to strengthen criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in their communities. US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides up to US $900,000 to support these crime and victim safety initiatives in Tribal jurisdictions.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program provides essential support to Tribal governments as they prepare to exercise jurisdiction over non-Indians committing serious crimes within their boundaries. This program addresses various offenses, including domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence, ensuring enhanced safety and justice for Tribal communities. Applications are due by August 13, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET, with the aim of empowering Tribes to uphold their legal rights.

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.