Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Oklahoma

Oklahoma nonprofits working in human services, community enhancement, education, journalism, or related justice-reform efforts can seek general operating, project, capital, or sponsorship support to strengthen their programs. Focused on community impact, Inasmuch Foundation invites organizations, including those addressing criminal justice system reform, to apply once per 12-month period through its online grants portal.

Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community safety, crime prevention, or support for crime victims can access funding through the Union Pacific Foundation for targeted programs and capacity building. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support safety initiatives, emergency response, domestic violence services, and related criminal justice-focused efforts in communities served by Union Pacific.

Oklahoma 501(c)(3) and comparable charitable organizations providing legal services, law-related education, or justice initiatives can apply for Oklahoma Bar Foundation IOLTA Grants. Funding supports programs that expand access to justice, promote knowledge of the law, and improve the administration of justice for crime victims and others in Oklahoma’s criminal justice system.

Oklahoma criminal justice and victim service agencies can seek funding to improve system responses to violence against women and expand victim services. Focused on coordinated approaches, the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council invites Oklahoma partners in law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim advocacy to strengthen efforts addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking through the S.T.O.P. VAWA program.

Catholic dioceses and parishes working in designated Extension Dioceses can seek support to establish, expand, or enhance pastoral and social outreach ministries, including prison, reentry, and other justice-related ministries. With a mission to strengthen Catholic communities, Catholic Extension provides funding that may benefit Oklahoma programs serving incarcerated people, immigrants, the homeless, and families in need.

Researchers and institutions conducting citizen security and criminal justice studies in countries including the U.S. can seek funding to evaluate programs, pilot interventions, and build research infrastructure. Focused on crime and justice, Innovations for Poverty Action supports work on organized crime, drug trafficking, violence prevention, and strengthening law enforcement and justice systems, with awards from US $75,000 - US $400,000.

Organizations and individuals improving criminal or civil justice systems in Oklahoma can receive recognition awards for proven, innovative programs. The Foundation for Improvement of Justice provides U.S. justice reform leaders with a Paul H. Chapman Medal, US $15,000, a framed certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to an awards banquet in Atlanta; nominations are accepted year-round.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Criminal Justice Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With an emphasis on effective programs and support services, the foundation seeks to address the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running neuroscience and mental health programs in Oklahoma can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving support. Grants from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine help Oklahoma criminal justice reform and reentry initiatives that address serious mental illness, crisis intervention, stigma, and continuity of care for people affected by Alzheimer’s, major depression, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma working on neuroscience-related mental health, recovery, or criminal justice system issues can apply for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’s Therapeutic Giving support. Funding backs programs improving access to care, early intervention, crisis response, stigma reduction, and health equity for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.

Focused on criminal justice system reform, early-career faculty researching U.S. criminal justice and related inequalities can apply for Russell Sage Foundation’s Pipeline Grants, with awards from US $35,000 - US $50,000. Oklahoma-based scholars studying issues like legal systems, safety net access, labor markets, or racial justice within criminal justice may be especially competitive.

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

Researchers and research institutions studying community safety and criminal justice policies in the U.S., including Oklahoma, can apply for causal research funding from Arnold Ventures, with awards up to US $500,000. Focused on strong causal designs and real-world crime or justice outcomes, this opportunity may benefit projects informing criminal justice reform efforts.

Organizations and individuals advancing community and restorative justice projects in Oklahoma can apply for mini-grants up to US $500. Grants from National Association of Community and Restorative Justice help members across the U.S. launch or expand initiatives that promote criminal justice system reform, with added visibility and networking in the restorative justice community.

Organizations and individuals working on community and restorative justice in Oklahoma 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 and not have received a 2024 grant.

Students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota can receive scholarship support for 2- or 4-year U.S. college programs. CommunityGiving’s Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship offers $2,000 to high school seniors, college, or non-traditional students, which may benefit those preparing for criminal justice careers, including in Oklahoma-focused work later on.

Organizations conducting research on improving the use of research evidence to benefit U.S. youth ages 5–25, including those studying criminal justice system reform in Oklahoma, can apply for grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000. William T Grant Foundation also offers capacity-building, peer learning, and connections with scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing criminal justice, education, or nursing degrees may receive up to US $3,000 for college costs through this scholarship, administered by Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Students interested in criminal justice careers, including those from Oklahoma exploring related studies, may benefit from this support for tuition and related expenses.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study criminal justice can use this scholarship for higher education, with preference for BOCES criminal justice students. Focused on supporting future justice professionals, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites applicants from Cattaraugus and Allegany County schools, which may interest Oklahoma organizations guiding students into criminal justice careers.

Oklahoma students pursuing higher education in forensic science or criminal justice may be eligible for this renewable scholarship supporting tuition and related educational goals. Administered by Benton Community Foundation, the Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund also benefits police cadet initiatives and bicycle safety programs, offering support that may interest criminal justice–focused organizations and programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Smith Richardson Foundation's Domestic Public Policy Grant supports initiatives that help address critical challenges in the U.S. It funds research and evaluations of public policies while promoting innovative solutions to enhance education, fiscal practices, and the criminal justice system. The Foundation aims to foster effective policies that improve economic opportunities and public services, ensuring a prosperous future for all citizens.

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 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.