Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Wisconsin

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support in communities where Costco operates. Organizations working on criminal justice–related initiatives that intersect with youth, child welfare, or human services may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s focus and outcome-based criteria.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental problems in Wisconsin can receive up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable solutions. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports ventures serving underserved communities, and Wisconsin groups working on criminal justice or justice system reform may be eligible if they meet its growth and impact criteria.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin working in health, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support local programs. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle initiatives that intersect with community safety and justice-related work.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation for programs in communities where PNC has a significant presence. Grants may support early learning for children birth to five, workforce development, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, and services for low- and moderate-income families.

Nonprofit charities in Wisconsin working on humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or contemporary arts initiatives can seek support for high-quality community projects. With a mission to foster sustainable development and social impact, Roche provides accredited charities with funding for programs that engage local partners and employees and are managed within its local affiliate framework.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Wisconsin organizations providing sexual assault victim services can apply for the Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) Grant Program to develop, expand, or enhance comprehensive support. This Wisconsin Department of Justice funding supports core services like 24-hour crisis response, advocacy, information and referral, support groups, accessible services, and community outreach and prevention education across the state.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations with charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or related programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for work carried out in the U.S. Support is aimed at well-managed organizations with broad impact. Criminal justice and justice-reform nonprofits may be eligible if their programs fit these priorities.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support community-focused sponsorships and programs. Support may cover basic needs, housing and shelters, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environment, sports, and diversity and inclusion efforts, which can include criminal justice–related initiatives that advance economic mobility and social progress.

With a mission to strengthen behavioral health care, Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides Wisconsin hospitals and clinics with funding to expand telepsychiatry for pediatric, child, and adolescent patients. Approximately US $180,470 may be used for telehealth technology and to recruit or retain psychiatrists, including providers serving justice-involved youth and other vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations in Wisconsin can apply for the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant, awarding more than US $50,000 to share their community impact through storytelling. Groups working in preservation, education, or wellness, including environmental conservation and mental health, may be eligible alongside criminal justice-related initiatives.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms in Wisconsin pursuing impact litigation can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs. Cases advancing economic, environmental, racial, or social justice, including criminal justice system reform, may be eligible when they benefit communities facing systemic oppression.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Wisconsin nonprofits working on community services, including programs connected to crime and justice, can seek grants or event sponsorships that support their service and fundraising goals. Focused on community involvement, Insperity invites 501(c)(3) organizations serving its employee communities to apply; criminal justice initiatives may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

With a mission to advance criminal justice reform and gun violence prevention, the Joyce Foundation provides Wisconsin crime and justice organizations with support for research, policy advocacy, and violence intervention initiatives. Eligible projects include national or regional efforts that impact the Great Lakes, with state and local work focused on Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and select nearby states.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations working on community-based programs, education, arts, environment, health facilities, or social services can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their work. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports a wide range of U.S. 501(c)(3) initiatives, which may include crime and justice or criminal justice system reform efforts within broader community programming.

Behavioral health providers and eligible agencies in Wisconsin can apply for Wisconsin Department of Health Services funding to expand tele-behavioral health services, reduce technology and location barriers, and address disparities in care. Grants up to US $50,000 support technology, broadband, technical assistance, and space remodeling at non-traditional access sites, which may include criminal justice-related settings.

Established recovery residences in Wisconsin that are nonprofits, public agencies, or Tribal nation agencies can receive funding to expand recovery housing for adults ages 18–24 with opioid and/or stimulant use disorders. Wisconsin Department of Health Services supports peer-based housing models that strengthen the substance use services continuum, which may benefit programs connected to the criminal justice system.

Wisconsin nonprofits, counties, and Tribal nations working on reentry services in Milwaukee County can access funding through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to support individuals transitioning from prison or jail. Approximately US $125,000 helps provide case management, peer support, and connections to housing, behavioral health care, employment, and other community-based criminal justice services.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

County human services departments, certified substance use providers, private nonprofits, Tribal agencies, and qualifying nonprofit minority agencies in Wisconsin can obtain funding to run Treatment Alternative Programs for justice-involved people with substance use concerns. Grants from Wisconsin Department of Health Services help Wisconsin criminal justice and treatment agencies deliver community-based interventions, with at least 75% of funds going to treatment services as defined in state law.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community safety, crime prevention, and related services in Wisconsin communities served by Union Pacific can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs supporting crime and violence prevention, survivor services, and emergency response may be eligible.