Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Montana

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana running programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community wellbeing, this grant may benefit criminal justice and reentry programs that serve children, youth, or families through evidence-based, collaborative services.

Montana nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and innovative human services or social problem–solving programs can seek funding that may support crime and justice or criminal justice reform initiatives. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to submit a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only grants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs in Montana and beyond can receive up to US $15,000 for direct services and enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation funds work such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty support, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused initiatives that may benefit justice-involved children and families.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Montana can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including community safety and crime-related efforts. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K–12 and higher education programs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides Montana nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations with funding for health and welfare, education, and community initiatives. Grants may support food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, or healthy lifestyle initiatives, which could benefit organizations addressing criminal justice-related community needs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding; awards may benefit criminal justice–related efforts that fit these priorities. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help U.S. organizations advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities.

Grants from The Impact Fund help Montana legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursue impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, and social justice. Eligible cases, often class actions, can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation costs, and may advance criminal justice reform and systemic change for oppressed communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can receive funding for hunger relief, shelter, economic development, arts access, and adult self-sufficiency programs from Ameriprise Financial. Montana organizations working on community safety, reentry, or stability for justice-involved adults may be eligible if they fit these focus areas and engage Ameriprise volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and governmental entities serving rural communities in Montana can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for education, human and social services, conservation, health, and arts projects. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Steele-Reese Foundation provides funding that can include programs for people involved in the criminal justice system and related support services.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, social service, health, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants are generally for one year, primarily to U.S. applicants, and may support organizations working on crime and justice or criminal justice system reform.

Montana Board of Crime Control 

Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) was created in 1968 as a planning and research agency under the authority of 2-15-2006, MCA whose goal was, and still is to promote public safety. The MBCC is a 18-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Governor. MBCC provides financial support, technical assistance, and supportive services to state and local criminal justice agencies. The board provides funding to local, regional, and statewide projects with the central goal of making Montana a safer state.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

Intent

• To assist states in the development of effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women
• To develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women

Description

MBCC is soliciting proposals to offer comprehensive specialized services, tailored to the distinct needs of victims of crime under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), to be funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime. VOCA Federal Guidelines state that services are defined as those efforts that: 1) respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims; 2) assist primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization; 3) assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; and 4) provide victims of crime with a measure of safety and security. For the purposes of this program, a crime victim is a “person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.” The four federally required service categories include victims of child abuse, victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault, and underserved victim populations.

Criteria

Eligible organizations must utilize volunteers and provide victims with assistance with victim compensation.

Match

20% match required. Eligible organizations provide direct services to crime victims free of charge. No match requirement for Federally Recognized Tribes.

Restrictions

• No primary prevention activities
• No offender related rehabilitation or treatment
• No research projects

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to create storytelling projects that highlight their impact across preservation, education, or wellness programs in Montana and nationwide. With a mission to support community-focused initiatives, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides funding to help share meaningful work, which may include criminal justice-related efforts.

Montana Board of Crime Control 

Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) was created in 1968 as a planning and research agency under the authority of 2-15-2006, MCA whose goal was, and still is to promote public safety. The MBCC is a 18-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Governor. MBCC provides financial support, technical assistance, and supportive services to state and local criminal justice agencies. The board provides funding to local, regional, and statewide projects with the central goal of making Montana a safer state.

Domestic Violence Intervention (DVI) Program

Intent

To assist courts in implementing an Offender Intervention Program that meets the standards adopted by the Montana Board of Crime Control.

Description 

MBCC is soliciting proposals to implement Misdemeanor Probation, Court Ordered Pretrial Services, and Domestic Violence Intervention Programs in Montana. Funding is granted annually. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program grant application process is competitive. Previous funding does not guarantee an award during this funding cycle.

Criteria

• Supervision/Probation for offenders convicted of 1st or 2nd offence
• Electronic monitoring devices
• Victim safety measures (lethality assessment)
• Utilize evidence-informed Offender Intervention Programs meeting MBCC standards

Match

No match required.

Restrictions

Programs are discouraged from activities that may compromise victim safety such as pre-trial diversion or requiring victims to testify against their abuser.

Montana 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in community safety, crime prevention, victim services, or related community services can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support direct services and capacity building. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help eligible Montana communities served by Union Pacific strengthen safety, justice-related services, and overall community wellbeing.

Law enforcement agencies, justice-focused nonprofits, and public schools in Montana working on community services or justice-related programs can apply for unrestricted grants supporting environmental, human services, or related initiatives. Lawrence Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, and libraries with US $5,000 - US $10,000 for program or general operating needs, including projects that intersect with crime and justice reform.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana serving youth, families, education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that intersect with crime prevention or justice-involved youth and families may be especially relevant for criminal justice organizations.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations active for more than three years can seek single-year funding for programs serving people in need, including families, children, veterans, or those facing poverty or disasters. Focused on humanitarian, educational, and spiritual initiatives, Robinson Foundation invites Southern-region nonprofits, including those working on criminal justice–adjacent services, to demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact.

Organizations in Montana providing shelter or supportive services for victims of family, domestic, or dating violence can apply for the Montana Board of Crime Control’s Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funding. Grants support immediate shelter operations, administrative costs, and prevention services, which may benefit criminal justice and victim-support programs across the state.

Montana criminal justice and youth-serving agencies can seek funding to develop and improve juvenile justice programs in Montana. Montana Board of Crime Control provides support for planning, operating, and evaluating education, prevention, diversion, treatment, rehabilitation, and system-improvement efforts for youth, through competitive Title II Juvenile Justice Formula Grants funded by OJJDP.

Montana human and social service nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities working on poverty, disability, social exclusion, or humanitarian relief may be competitive if they are smaller, non-sectarian, and founder-led.

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.