Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Puerto Rico

Criminal justice agencies and related organizations in Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions can seek funding to provide training and technical assistance for drug courts and evidence-based addiction treatment. Grants from the Executive Office of the President help expand access to treatment, reduce recidivism and criminal justice costs, and support reforms within drug court systems.

Puerto Rico criminal justice researchers and public agencies can seek funding to study crime data collection and reporting practices, improving data accuracy and governance. The National Institute of Justice provides up to US $2,000,000 for rigorous research across U.S. state and local jurisdictions, which may benefit organizations focused on crime and justice system reform in Puerto Rico.

State and territorial justice agencies and related legal entities working on capital case litigation can seek funding to improve legal representation and prosecution in Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions. With a mission to strengthen the justice system, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides up to US $450,000 to enhance representation in state capital cases and support criminal justice outcomes.

Organizations conducting research on crime, child welfare, or victim services affecting U.S. families impacted by international parental child abduction can seek funding to study impacts and support gaps, including in Puerto Rico. Grants from the Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor support one major study with US $1,000,000 - US $1,973,000 for this work.

Puerto Rico criminal justice and court agencies addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can access funding through the Office on Violence Against Women to strengthen system responses. Awards of US $400,000 - US $1,500,000 support improved offender accountability, victim safety, homicide reduction, protection-order enforcement, and coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts.

Puerto Rico Catholic dioceses and parishes seeking to expand pastoral or social outreach ministries, including work with incarcerated people or others affected by the justice system, can access funding through Catholic Extension. Grants support catechetical resources, family ministries, evangelization media, liturgical life, social outreach to marginalized groups, and minor post-disaster support in approved Extension Dioceses.

U.S.-based research institutions and similar organizations can apply for up to US $1,973,000 to study the impacts of international parental child abduction on children and left-behind parents. This Bureau of Consular Affairs cooperative agreement supports work across psychological, legal, economic, and community domains, which may inform criminal justice and victim support efforts in Puerto Rico and other jurisdictions.

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 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.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies investigating fraud, criminal aliens, or drug and human trafficking crimes, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for up to US $300,000,000 to fund full-time cross-designated prosecutors. Grants from the Bureau of Justice Assistance help strengthen investigative capacity and coordination with federal authorities in the criminal justice system.

The Mechanism for Time-Sensitive Substance Use Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) invites applications that address urgent research needs in substance use epidemiology and health services. This funding opportunity encourages pilot studies focusing on emerging drug issues, unexpected prescription drug abuse trends, and timely medical system challenges. Letters of Intent are recommended 30 days before the proposal deadline, emphasizing the necessity for rapid review and funding to address pressing scientific questions.

Research institutions and partners conducting citizen security and criminal justice studies in Puerto Rico and other eligible countries can apply for Innovations for Poverty Action’s Citizen Security Research Initiative, awarding US $75,000 - US $400,000. Funding supports impact evaluations, pilots, infrastructure and public goods, and foundational research on crime, violence prevention, and strengthening law enforcement and justice systems.

Organizations and individuals with proven criminal or civil justice improvements in the U.S. can receive national recognition and US $15,000 awards, plus travel to Atlanta. Grants from Foundation for Improvement of Justice help Puerto Rico crime and justice innovators whose successful programs fit categories like legal reform, crime prevention, child protection, and victim services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving neuroscience-related mental health and justice-system outcomes can seek support for programs in Puerto Rico through Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Funding may support initiatives on crisis intervention, mental health and the criminal justice system, recovery, relapse prevention, and reducing disparities for conditions like schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. criminal justice, legal systems, or related inequalities can receive US $35,000 - US $50,000 for one-year research projects, including work connected to Puerto Rico. Russell Sage Foundation’s Sheldon Danziger Pipeline Grants prioritize underrepresented scholars and studies on economic mobility, systemic inequality, and structural barriers across areas like criminal justice, labor markets, and education.

Researchers with doctorates conducting social science studies on behavioral science, decision making, and criminal legal systems can apply for Russell Sage Foundation core research grants, including work relevant to Puerto Rico. This U.S.-wide program offers up to US $200,000 for rigorous, well-developed projects on policing, criminal justice, housing, employment, immigration, and related inequalities.

Researchers and research institutions studying community safety and criminal justice policies in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, can apply for Arnold Ventures’ causal research RFP, with awards up to US $500,000 for rigorous impact studies. Grants from Arnold Ventures help criminal justice reform efforts by funding designs like difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables, or randomized evaluations using real-world outcome data.

The Therapeutic Giving program from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine aims to support local and regional organizations focused on improving patient access to treatment and advancing health equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with funding preferences for programs that address significant healthcare disparities, mental health initiatives, and innovative solutions with measurable outcomes. The application period for local organizations runs from March 1 to May 31, while national organizations can apply in September.

Puerto Rico criminal justice and restorative justice practitioners who are NACRJ members can access funding for small projects advancing community and restorative justice practices. National Association of Community and Restorative Justice mini-grants offer up to US $500 twice a year to support initiatives that promote criminal justice system reform and increase visibility within the restorative justice community.

Organizations and individuals advancing community and restorative justice projects, including those in Puerto Rico, can seek up to US $3,000 for larger-scale initiatives, capacity-building, and innovative efforts. National Association of Community and Restorative Justice supports criminal justice system reform nationwide through this annual Impact Grant, open only to current NACRJ members who did not receive 2024 funding.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

The Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or First Responder programs. This scholarship fosters leadership and community involvement, ensuring a lasting impact on public safety and local services.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

William T. Maunsell Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support graduating seniors from Westfield High School, Westfield Vocational Technical High School and St. Mary’s High School in Westfield who have average grades and are pursuing degrees in education, criminal justice or nursing.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The William T. Grant Foundation offers Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence, aimed at enhancing research strategies that benefit youth aged 5-25 in the U.S. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 over one to two years, including up to 15% for indirect costs. The program emphasizes capacity-building for grantees, fostering connections among scholars and practitioners, and creating collaborative learning environments to address challenges and share insights.

Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robin Virginia Jensen was born on January 9, 1986, in Corvallis, Oregon to Ronald and Deborah Jensen. She was an honor roll student at Crescent Valley High School, where she excelled in volleyball, track and field, and swimming. Robin worked as a lifeguard at Osborn Aquatic center, and in her free-time enjoyed riding her bike. Robin started taking classes at Oregon State University the summer after she graduated from Crescent Valley and was enrolled to begin full-time studies at OSU in the fall. She planned to pursue a degree in forensic science and dreamed of a career in criminal justice. She had been a cadet for three years at the Corvallis Police Department.

On the evening of August 10, 2004, Robin was riding her bicycle home from work and was struck by a car. She died the next day at age 18.

Robin’s mother, Debbie Jensen, helped organize the annual Ride of Silence in Robin’s memory. The event is a silent bike ride through Corvallis meant to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists. In 2006, Robin’s parents created this scholarship fund to further honor the memory of their daughter. The scholarship provides tuition for a Benton County high school student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at an institution of higher education with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice. It also benefits the City of Corvallis Police Cadet program and supports bicycle safety programs in Benton County.

This scholarship is renewable.

Criminal justice reform organizations in Puerto Rico can seek funding for research and policy analysis projects that address U.S. justice system challenges, including costs and public safety. Focused on domestic public policy, Smith Richardson Foundation supports work on criminal justice system reform, education policy, and economic and fiscal issues that inform public debates.

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.