Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Puerto Rico

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children On-Line Child Protection System (ICACCOPS) funding opportunity aims to enhance and maintain critical investigative tools for child exploitation cases. ICACCOPS provides a robust IT infrastructure to support data services, network security, and management tools for law enforcement. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the national network of ICAC Task Forces, which are dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation across the United States.

The BJA FY 2026 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, local, and tribal governments in providing residential substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. This funding opportunity supports evidence-based treatment, aids in reintegration into society, and promotes continuity of care through community-based recovery services, ultimately improving outcomes for those with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

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.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Expanding Youth Access to Community-Based Treatment program aims to enhance support for youth facing substance use and mental health challenges. This funding opportunity focuses on community-based treatment initiatives that cater to youths with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. By fostering cross-system strategies, the program seeks to improve outcomes for at-risk youth and reduce recidivism through better access to necessary treatment services.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Family Treatment Court Program aims to support state and local courts, as well as Tribal governments, in establishing or enhancing family treatment courts. These courts are designed to provide substance use treatment and other supportive services for parents involved with the child welfare system due to issues like child abuse or neglect. By focusing on intensive judicial monitoring and interventions, the program seeks to improve outcomes for children, parents, and families affected by substance use disorders.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Juvenile Justice System Enhancements program aims to bolster the effectiveness of juvenile justice systems across the nation. By targeting high-cost drivers of crime and enhancing youth outcomes, this initiative encourages states and localities to develop strategic solutions. Applicants are invited to identify challenges within their systems and prioritize resource allocation for measurable improvements, ultimately aiming to prevent crime and improve operations within the juvenile justice framework.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Emergency Planning for Juvenile Justice Residential Facilities program aims to enhance emergency preparedness in juvenile justice facilities across the country. This funding opportunity supports the development and implementation of comprehensive emergency plans that prioritize the safety of youth and staff, ensure effective communication with families, and maintain operational continuity during crises. By empowering facilities to improve their response and recovery capabilities, the program seeks to mitigate risks associated with emergencies, whether natural or man-made.

The BJA FY 2026 Justice Reinvestment Initiative aims to enhance state and local operations to effectively reduce crime and recidivism. This funding opportunity encourages state, local, and tribal governments to optimize resource allocation within the justice system, targeting urgent challenges through data-driven project proposals. By addressing areas such as law enforcement, prosecution, and probation, applicants can focus on strategies that maximize public safety and reduce the inefficient use of funds.

The OVC FY 2026 Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance program provides critical funding to enhance the capacity of multidisciplinary anti-trafficking task forces and legal service providers. This initiative aims to strengthen the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) through specialized training, ensuring effective identification and support for victims of human trafficking. By focusing on victim-centered investigations and successful prosecution of traffickers, this funding opportunity aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice’s mission to protect citizens and combat violent crime.

The BJA FY 2026 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act Program aims to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting civil rights offenses that resulted in death before December 31, 1979. This funding opportunity is part of the DOJ's broader commitment to enhance public safety, protect civil rights, and ensure justice for victims of violent crime. Applications are due on November 20, 2026.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program Support aims to fortify a national network of 61 multiagency task forces dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation facilitated by technology. This funding opportunity enhances training, prevention, and outreach efforts while fostering collaboration among law enforcement entities. Applications are due in JustGrants by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, ensuring timely support for critical initiatives to protect children.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program aims to provide critical support for moderate- to high-risk youth transitioning back into their communities after confinement. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration among state agencies, local governments, Tribes, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive reentry services and assist youth in overcoming challenges related to recidivism. Applications are due by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

The BJA FY 2026 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program offers loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors and public defenders who commit to three years of service. Administered by state agencies, this program aims to alleviate the financial burden on legal professionals dedicated to public service. Applications are due by November 10, 2026, providing a crucial opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to secure support for their educational loans.

The DOJ FY 2026 ANGEL Grant Program aims to enhance public safety by funding state, local, and tribal government initiatives to combat violent crime committed by criminal illegal aliens. This program supports hiring law enforcement personnel, retaining critical staff, and acquiring advanced technology. The objective is to prevent harm to American citizens and support Homeland Security Task Force operations. Applications must be submitted by October 27, 2026, to qualify for funding.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.