Best Grants for Criminal Justice in New York

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support that may complement criminal justice or reentry initiatives. Focused on measurable community need and collaboration, Costco Foundation invites applications demonstrating evidence-based outcomes and a broad base of financial support for local programming.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact ventures, nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in New York and other priority regions can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions. Organizations working on issues like criminal justice reform, poverty, health, education, or environmental challenges may be eligible if they serve underserved communities and can grow their impact.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

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.

New York organizations and social enterprises serving urban children and youth through education, health, or family economic stability projects can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are typically more than US $50,000. Eligible entities include nonprofits, schools, governments, and other mission-driven organizations working in the U.S. on project support or scaling efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate justice, racial justice, or immigrant justice, including criminal justice reform efforts in New York, can seek support for advocacy, organizing, and related programs. The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation prioritizes work in New York City, Baltimore, and the DC Capital Region, including general operating or project support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth development programs in New York City can receive support for community-based services that help young people reach their full potential. Pinkerton Foundation provides funding for after-school, weekend, and summer initiatives, including academic enrichment, career readiness, cultural programs, and pathways forward for youth involved with the criminal justice or foster care systems.

Public charities and fiscally sponsored groups in New York working on civil legal advocacy and criminal justice system reform can apply for New York Community Trust’s Promising Futures Human Justice grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports policy and systems change, capacity-building, and improved civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers.

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.

Nonprofit organizations working on criminal justice, reentry, and related family support in New York can access funding through the Sills Family Foundation; awards US $10,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects. Programs serving families impacted by incarceration, violence prevention, and youth justice in metro New York City may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, family support, youth, workforce, or criminal justice services in New York City can apply for Tiger Foundation grants of US $50,000 - US $300,000. Grants from Tiger Foundation help New York criminal justice and related service providers deliver high-impact, direct human services and innovative programs for low-income communities year-round.

Nonprofit public charities and fiscally sponsored groups serving Westchester County in New York can seek funding for civil legal services, social justice organizing, youth justice, and related community programs. Focused on community well-being, the New York Community Trust invites organizations working on criminal and juvenile justice, economic stability, and youth development to apply through the Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in New York and nationwide can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000. The Impact Fund supports out-of-pocket litigation expenses in cases that challenge systemic injustice, including those connected to criminal justice system reform.

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 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 organizations in New York seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community-based programs can apply for grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help support museums, arts, education, skills-training, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, which may include justice-related community services.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking program support in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural work, or environmental initiatives can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one year of project-based support rather than general operating expenses.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations running reintegration, reentry, or life-skills programs for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can seek project funding that limits administrative costs to seven percent. The Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation supports U.S. mental health and social service initiatives, and New York criminal justice reform groups with relevant programming may be eligible.

New York criminal justice and behavioral health nonprofits can access funding to develop or enhance community-based diversion programs that reduce justice involvement for adults with complex behavioral health needs. Eligible organizations must already provide services in specified upstate counties and be prequalified and registered in the Statewide Financial System to apply for up to US $200,000 from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving youth in New York with programs in mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, housing, or workforce development may be eligible for US $50,000 - US $200,000 to support services in communities harmed by past drug policies. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Community Grants Reinvestment Fund backs youth-focused, restorative justice and community resilience efforts.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving youth ages 0–24 with programs in mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, housing, or workforce development may be eligible for US $200,000 to support communities impacted by past drug policies. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Community Grants Reinvestment Fund supports restorative, youth-focused services that intersect with criminal justice system impacts.

Neighborhood-based organizations in New York developing or expanding programming in physical spaces to address high rates of gun violence can apply for US $1,000,000 - US $5,000,000 in support from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Funding backs community-driven, healing-centered initiatives that enhance public safety and interrupt cycles of violence for youth and residents.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations in New York at risk of hate crimes or attacks can receive funding for physical security and cybersecurity enhancements through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Grants up to US $250,000 support measures like locks, alarms, and other safety upgrades, including projects that build on previously funded security improvements.

Eligible New York cross-sector collaboratives focused on youth justice and prevention can seek funding to establish Transformative Youth Justice Hubs, which coordinate resources and drive systems change. Focused on criminal justice system reform, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services invites applicants to request up to US $1,000,000 over three years for hub development and coordination, not direct services.