Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding through Costco Foundation. Costco Foundation provides Massachusetts community organizations with support for evidence-based programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and broad financial backing. Criminal justice and reform initiatives serving children or families may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Massachusetts may be eligible for support, including work touching crime and justice. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations developing new approaches to societal issues; funding is by invitation, but qualified groups can submit a letter of inquiry.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental problems can receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions in places including the U.S., this opportunity may benefit Massachusetts groups advancing crime and justice or criminal justice system reform for underserved communities.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges in underserved communities in Massachusetts and beyond can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs that support economic mobility, workforce readiness, and equitable access to opportunity, including justice-related initiatives serving low-income populations.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, culture, or science programming, including those serving Massachusetts, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards More than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. Organizations using arts or STEAM education with justice-involved or at-risk populations may be eligible.

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.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in Massachusetts working on education, childhood health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek project or scaling support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000. Grants may benefit criminal justice–related programs serving children and families in poverty.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education or community economic development programs for low- and moderate-income residents can seek support for direct services, educator training, housing, small business assistance, or community services. PNC Foundation provides funding in communities where it has a significant presence, which may benefit organizations addressing crime prevention or broader criminal justice-related needs.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives in countries where Roche operates, including Massachusetts, may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver sustainable development projects, youth science education, community and environmental efforts, disaster relief, and contemporary arts and culture, with local affiliate offices managing in-country support.

Massachusetts nonprofits and humanitarian organizations focused on health, education, or disaster relief for marginalized communities can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation. This global funder supports efforts such as healthcare access, child and women’s health, humanitarian aid, and social services, and U.S.-based groups working at the intersection of criminal justice and these issues may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs in Massachusetts that use funds within the U.S. can apply for support from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Massachusetts crime and justice organizations, including those focused on criminal justice system reform, if their work fits these broad priorities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, or related community development can seek sponsorship support for programs and events that advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives such as preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, basic needs, arts and culture, environment, and diversity, which may benefit criminal justice–related efforts.

Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative Technical Assistance Provider

The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative provides funding for reentry programming for young adults with the goal of reducing recidivism and increasing public safety. Funding is available to help community reentry program sites provide pre- and post-release services to the target individuals and to work closely with a correctional partner to identify, serve and monitor program participants. A Technical Assistance Provider provides strategic, analytic, technical and research support for each program site.  

This program is made available through state funding.

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) is responsible for managing state appropriated criminal justice funding awarded to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) from the Massachusetts State Legislature. The SFY27 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative provides funds for pre- and post-release offenders currently within and/or outside the prison walls. This initiative is being supported by state funds authorized by Chapter 126 of the Massachusetts Acts of 2026, An Act Making Appropriations for Fiscal Yea

501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern region with programs in areas like poverty relief, education, veterans’ issues, and humanitarian aid may be eligible for funding that supports direct services and measurable impact, including work connected to crime and justice. Robinson Foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible, established nonprofits with clear results and additional financial contributors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Massachusetts can apply for flexible project or program support. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides funding that may benefit groups addressing crime, justice, or criminal justice system reform as part of broader community or environmental initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Massachusetts working on community services, environmental conservation, or related human services can seek unrestricted operating or program support, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help justice-focused organizations, including those addressing crime and justice or criminal justice reform, as part of its broader funding priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations seeking project funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Nonprofits working on community-based crime and justice or criminal justice reform initiatives may be competitive if they fit these broad program areas.

Nonprofit organizations working on criminal and juvenile justice initiatives in Massachusetts can apply for the Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation’s funding. Focused on justice system reform, the foundation supports research, journalism, reentry innovation, crime prevention collaborations, and advocacy or public education, offering start-up, project, and limited general operating support to programs with demonstrated impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work through the Storytelling Grant. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds U.S. projects, and Massachusetts groups working on criminal justice–related education, mental health, or community wellness initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit and public entities in the U.S., including those serving people in the criminal justice system in Massachusetts, can apply for Trust for the Meditation Process’s grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for short-term mindfulness or contemplative Christianity projects. Funding supports meditation courses, teacher training, curriculum, program expansion, and research, especially for underserved communities.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Massachusetts working on crime, justice, or reentry services, may be eligible for funding to support direct services or humanitarian aid. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation range from US $5,000 - US $250,000 and prioritize smaller, non-sectarian organizations with strong founder-led leadership and high beneficiary impact.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts working on criminal justice reform, violence prevention, or related social justice issues can receive general operating support from the Lenny Zakim Fund, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants prioritize small, under-resourced groups in eastern Massachusetts counties, especially those led by and serving marginalized communities.