Best Crime Grants in Pennsylvania

Grants supporting Pennsylvania justice system agencies and partners working on substance use disorder responses can access funding to expand evidence-based supports for justice-involved people. Grants from Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency help Pennsylvania crime and justice organizations improve coordination from law enforcement contact through reentry and supervision, with awards up to US $500,000 for county-level system improvements.

Grants supporting research, policy advocacy, and violence intervention that impact crime and justice in Pennsylvania and the broader Great Lakes region are available, with a focus on racial equity. Grants from The Joyce Foundation help organizations advance gun violence prevention, justice system reform, and community-based violence intervention strategies connected to Pennsylvania.

Governmental and non-governmental organizations in Pennsylvania implementing crime and justice, public safety, or victim services projects can apply for this Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency supports programs that advance the objectives and goals in its 2026–2030 Strategic Framework.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

Students pursuing law enforcement or criminal justice studies who reside within the Grand Haven or Spring Lake Public Schools districts can seek scholarship support to advance their education. With a mission to support local students in these crime and justice fields, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides competitive scholarships based on donor-defined criteria.

Graduating high school seniors in the Tri-Cities community planning to study law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology can apply for the Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, administered by Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Pennsylvania students interested in crime and justice fields may find similar scholarship opportunities through this foundation’s broader program.

Students from the Tri-Cities area pursuing criminal justice or law enforcement careers can receive scholarship support for higher education. With a mission to support educational access, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides need-informed awards to graduating seniors, current college students, or adults returning to school who meet GPA and documentation requirements.

Researchers and institutions conducting crime and justice research, including on community safety and law enforcement, can apply for US $75,000 - US $400,000 from Innovations for Poverty Action. Focused on citizen security, this initiative funds impact evaluations, pilots, infrastructure, and foundational studies; Pennsylvania-based crime and justice projects may be eligible if they fit the listed priority countries.

Students interested in becoming attorneys in Pennsylvania can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship, which supports law-related higher education. Offered through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, this scholarship may benefit those pursuing studies connected to crime and justice fields.

State and territorial justice agencies and legal service entities working on capital case litigation can seek funding to improve prosecution and indigent defense in capital cases, including in Pennsylvania. With a mission to strengthen the justice system, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides crime and justice programs with up to US $450,000 to enhance representation quality in state capital proceedings.

Focused on higher education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites Pennsylvania graduating seniors interested in criminal justice, law enforcement, education, or healthcare to apply for the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Eligible students must be from specified high schools, show financial need, and demonstrate volunteerism and strong academic performance for four-year college study.

State governments in Pennsylvania can apply for US $108,282 - US $14,672,296 to create or enhance crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs, including ERPO, mental health, drug, and veterans treatment courts. With a mission to strengthen public safety and uphold civil rights, the Bureau of Justice Assistance supports statewide crime and justice initiatives through this program.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in Pennsylvania can seek funding to assign or hire full-time cross-designated prosecutors to investigate and prosecute fraud, criminal alien offenses, and drug or human trafficking crimes. Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance support strengthened investigative capacity and coordination with federal authorities, with awards up to US $300,000,000.

State, local, and Tribal governments and courts in Pennsylvania working on criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can access funding through the Office on Violence Against Women. OVW provides US $400,000 - US $1,500,000 to improve offender accountability, enhance victim safety, and strengthen coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts.

Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit Tribal organizations in Pennsylvania and nationwide can seek funding to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and support services for victims of sexual assault. US DOJ: Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) offers up to US $500,000 to expand Tribal crime victim and sexual assault services under this program.

Tribal governments and authorized designees working on crime and justice in Pennsylvania can seek funding to strengthen responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. Grants from the US DOJ Office on Violence Against Women provide up to US $900,000 to enhance criminal justice and victim safety in Tribal communities nationwide.

The NIJ FY 2026 State and Local Collection and Reporting of Crime Data program invites proposals for research aimed at enhancing the accuracy of crime data collection and reporting. This funding opportunity seeks to identify common challenges and develop effective best practices to improve data quality across jurisdictions. Studies that analyze how agencies collect offense data to ensure alignment with actual events and strengthen data governance practices are particularly encouraged.

The DOJ FY 2026 NIBIN Modernization Program aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies by providing funding for modern ballistic imaging equipment. This initiative, authorized under Public Law 119-21, seeks to improve crime gun intelligence and support investigations into crimes involving illegal aliens and transnational criminal organizations. With a focus on upgrading outdated technology at 194 sites, this program ensures comprehensive maintenance and operational efficiency for five years, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

Sarpy County Bar Association Scholarship Application Guidelines

The Sarpy County Bar Association Scholarship Fund makes this scholarship available to students studying criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, or pre-law

The Fund shall annually distribute two (2) scholarships in the total amount of $1,500, split evenly per semester (i.e., $750 Fall Semester, and $750 Spring/Semester).

This research aims to explore the impact of international parental child abduction (IPCA) on affected children and left-behind parents. By identifying both short- and long-term effects across various domains such as mental health and child welfare, the study seeks to uncover gaps in support systems and recommend actionable solutions. The findings will enhance understanding and support for families experiencing IPCA in the United States, ultimately benefiting individuals and their communities.

The Fy 2026 Drug Court Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement, led by ONDCP, aims to enhance access to evidence-based addiction treatments through drug courts. This initiative focuses on educating and training stakeholders to implement effective treatment strategies for individuals with addiction, particularly those facing co-occurring mental health conditions. By reducing criminal justice costs and recidivism rates, the program supports the President's priorities for long-term recovery and improved public health.

This research study, funded by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, aims to explore the effects of international parental child abduction (IPCA) on affected children and their left-behind parents. It seeks to identify the short- and long-term impacts across various domains such as mental health, child development, and legal systems. The study will also pinpoint gaps in support for these families and propose actionable solutions to enhance their well-being and community integration.

The BJA FY 2026 Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Program aims to enhance the safety of federal judges and their families by preventing the disclosure of sensitive information. This funding opportunity supports state and local governments, including tribal entities, in implementing protective measures. The program emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to ensure justice is administered without fear of personal reprisal. Grants can only be used for the designated purpose of safeguarding federal judges as outlined in the statute.

The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting applications for the FY26 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) to streamline the grant process for federally recognized tribes. This initiative combines various competitive funding opportunities into a single application, allowing tribes to address public safety and victimization comprehensively. Eligible areas include criminal justice, substance use, and support for victims of domestic violence. The deadline for applications is October 22, 2026.

The DOJ's FY 2026 BIDEN Program aims to address immigration-related challenges by providing funding to eligible state and local governments. This initiative focuses on enhancing law enforcement's capacity to apprehend criminal aliens, investigate gang activities, and manage court operations related to crimes committed by aliens. By supporting these critical efforts, the program aims to improve public safety and uphold the rule of law in communities across the nation.

Herold and Retta Reuss Public Safety Scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate the drive and ability to be successful in pursuing a college education and/or a certification process in the fields aforementioned. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship may apply for further support in subsequent years.