Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Arkansas

Arkansas 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible government entities working on civil justice system improvements can apply for Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation’s Administration of Justice Grants, with awards up to Up to US $500,000 for research, pilot projects, and policy-focused reforms. Projects must have statewide impact and produce concrete outputs to improve access to justice.

Arkansas state, local, and tribal agencies working on criminal justice and crisis intervention can apply for funding to support crisis intervention court proceedings, law enforcement crisis programs, and referrals to community-based services. Focused on reducing crime and gun violence risk factors, the State of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration supports related programs and initiatives statewide.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing strategies can seek general or project support to advance social, economic, environmental, or criminal justice work in Arkansas and other Southeastern states. Focused on strengthening rural communities, Southern Partners Fund supports small-budget groups building leadership, reforming systems, and empowering residents to become community decision-makers.

Arkansas crime and justice nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support safety, crime prevention, and services for crime and domestic violence survivors. 501(c)(3) organizations serving Arkansas communities on Union Pacific’s network may request US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services, capacity building, and community safety initiatives.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in approved Extension Dioceses can seek funding to establish, expand, or enhance pastoral and social outreach ministries, including work with people affected by crime and incarceration. With a mission to strengthen Catholic communities, Catholic Extension provides Arkansas faith-based programs with support for catechesis, family ministries, evangelization media, social outreach, and post-disaster recovery of church life.

Researchers and institutions conducting criminal justice and citizen security studies in Arkansas and other eligible countries can apply for Innovations for Poverty Action’s Citizen Security Research Initiative, offering US $75,000 - US $400,000 for rigorous evaluations and related projects. Focus areas include crime and violence prevention, organized crime, drug trafficking, and strengthening law enforcement and justice systems.

Organizations and individuals improving criminal or civil justice systems in Arkansas can receive US $15,000 awards for proven, innovative programs or accomplishments. Foundation for Improvement of Justice provides Arkansas criminal justice reformers with national recognition, a medal, certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to an awards banquet; nominations are accepted year-round from all 50 states and D.C.

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.

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.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

William T. Maunsell Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support graduating seniors from Westfield High School, Westfield Vocational Technical High School and St. Mary’s High School in Westfield who have average grades and are pursuing degrees in education, criminal justice or nursing.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can seek funding for criminal justice initiatives in Arkansas, including pre-arrest interventions, law enforcement training, and specialized legal services. Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation supports programs across the continental U.S., so Arkansas criminal justice and reform efforts addressing serious mental illness may be eligible.

Nonprofit or academic research teams studying how to improve the use of research evidence to benefit U.S. youth ages 5–25, including those focused on criminal justice system reform in Arkansas, can apply for William T Grant Foundation’s Officers’ Research Grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000 for 1–2 year studies and related capacity-building support.

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 in Arkansas running neuroscience-related mental health programs 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, major depression, schizophrenia, recovery, crisis intervention, and mental health issues connected to the criminal justice system, with emphasis on measurable outcomes and disparities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits running neuroscience-focused mental health programs can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving: Neuroscience funding. Support targets Alzheimer’s, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and related conditions through recovery-focused services, early intervention, crisis response, continuity of care, and initiatives addressing health disparities and the criminal justice system, including work in Arkansas.

Early-career social science faculty researching criminal justice, economic mobility, or systemic inequality in the U.S., including Arkansas-focused work, can apply for Russell Sage Foundation’s Pipeline Grants. Focused on rigorous social science, it funds one-year projects using diverse methods and data, with awards of US $35,000 - US $50,000 and mentorship from senior researchers.

Researchers with doctorates conducting social science studies on behavioral science, decision making, and justice-related contexts in the U.S. can seek up to US $200,000 for high-quality, fully designed projects. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, Russell Sage Foundation provides Arkansas criminal justice reform scholars with support for work on policing, criminal legal systems, housing, employment, immigration, and racial/ethnic relations.

Researchers and research institutions studying community safety and criminal justice policies in the U.S., including Arkansas, can apply for causal research funding from Arnold Ventures. Focused on strong quasi-experimental or experimental designs and real-world behavioral outcomes, this opportunity may support Arkansas crime and justice reform studies with clear paths to state or federal policy impact.

Organizations and individuals in Arkansas focused on community and restorative justice projects can apply for mini-grants up to US $500. Grants from National Association of Community and Restorative Justice help members across the U.S. pilot or expand restorative justice initiatives, with added visibility and networking in the broader justice reform community.

Organizations and individuals advancing community and restorative justice in Arkansas can apply for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice’s Impact Grant, with awards up to US $3,000 for larger-scale initiatives, capacity-building, and innovative projects. Eligible applicants must be NACRJ members in the U.S. working on criminal justice system reform.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students studying criminal justice or first responder programs at U.S. institutions can receive $2,000 to support their education. CommunityGiving provides this scholarship for students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota, which may benefit those pursuing criminal justice careers similar to peers in Arkansas.

Organizations conducting research and analysis on U.S. public policy, including criminal justice system reform, may be eligible for funding that supports work relevant to Arkansas. Grants from Smith Richardson Foundation help advance studies on fiscal practices, education and post-secondary policy, and criminal justice costs and public safety that can inform policymakers and public debates nationwide.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

Arkansas students pursuing higher education in forensic science or criminal justice can access funding through the Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports tuition for Bachelor of Science studies. Administered by Benton Community Foundation, this renewable award also benefits police cadet and bicycle safety programs, and favors applicants active in sports and community service.

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.

The Soros Justice Fellowships support innovative individuals dedicated to reforming the U.S. criminal justice system. These fellowships, available in two tracks, offer funding for 12 or 18 months to projects that inspire dialogue, influence policy, and drive change. Track I is aimed at emerging leaders, while Track II is for seasoned professionals. With grants of $100,000 and $140,000 respectively, the program emphasizes collaboration and aims to foster a network of leaders committed to addressing injustice and inequality.