Best Crime Grants in Rhode Island

The Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities pursuing higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Established in honor of Ray and Sue Barrett, who valued education and mental health, this scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents to qualify.

The Marv VandenBosch Scholarship, established by Sandra VandenBosch and her children in memory of Marv VandenBosch, supports Tri-Cities students pursuing careers in criminal justice or law enforcement. This scholarship considers financial need and requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation administers the scholarship through a competitive process, ensuring that each applicant is thoroughly reviewed to promote academic achievement and community involvement.

Citizen Security Research Initiative

IPA's Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilot studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and foundational and contextual research to inform policies and programs on building safer communities and strengthening justice and law enforcement systems. Funding for CSRI comes from the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Supported projects will generate actionable evidence to inform policy and programming in the citizen security and justice sector, with a focus on studies that challenge common beliefs, pioneer innovative interventions, and produce evidence where little currently exists. Priority areas of research include:

• Countering organized crime
• Combating drug trafficking and production
• Preventing crime and violence
• Strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice institutions

Budgets are expected to adhere to the budget caps outlined in our Call for Proposals (US$75,000 for pilots, US$400,000 for full impact evaluation studies, US$250,000 for infrastructure and public goods creation projects, US$75,000 for foundational and contextual research projects). In recognition that research in some locations or with some populations is more costly, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider budgets over the above award maximums with appropriate justification.

Awards are normally paid on a cost-reimbursable basis.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon County Bar Association of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Attorneys in Muskegon, have long recognized the need to enhance educational opportunities such as Law to Teens, Law Day Awards, and scholarships to encourage students to become attorneys. James Kobza, former President of the Muskegon County Bar Association, initiated the concept of an endowment fund after learning that other communities had done so. The Bar Association, along with contributions from individual attorneys, established this fund to provide programs that will educate and advance the public's understanding and awareness of legal issues.

The BJA FY25 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance the quality of legal representation in state capital cases, ensuring effective public representation and support for indigent defendants. This initiative is part of the OJP's commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and address public safety challenges. Through federal leadership and funding, OJP seeks to bolster law enforcement efforts and combat violent crime, thereby improving community safety and justice.

Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship

Established by Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer, former long-time teachers in the Olean City School District, this fund awards scholarships for graduating seniors from Olean High School, Otto-Eldred High School, Portville Central School or Bradford Area High School who will be attending a 4-year college with a preference for students majoring in education, particularly elementary education; criminal justice or a law enforcement-related field; or healthcare-related fields of study. 

The BJA FY25 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program aims to enhance state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives, addressing critical public safety challenges. Funded by the US Department of Justice, this program supports mental health courts, drug courts, and extreme risk protection order programs, ensuring that only state governments can apply. The initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold civil rights and combat issues such as violent crime and human trafficking.

Bureau of Justice Assistance

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) was created in 1984 to reduce violent crime, create safer communities, and reform our Nation’s criminal justice system.

BJA strengthens the Nation’s criminal justice system and helps America’s state, local, and tribal jurisdictions reduce and prevent crime, reduce recidivism, and promote a fair and safe criminal justice system. BJA focuses its programmatic and policy efforts on providing a wide range of resources, including training and technical assistance, to law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, reentry, justice information sharing, and community-based partners to address chronic and emerging criminal justice challenges nationwide. 

Special Attorneys Program

This program will support state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in assigning or hiring qualified prosecutors to serve full time as Special Attorneys within the National Fraud Enforcement Division or the Criminal Division or as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) within a United States Attorney’s Office. These cross-designated prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States (hereafter referred to as “criminal aliens”) and will investigate and prosecute crimes involving drug or human trafficking committed within the United States.

This grant program, authorized under Public Law 119-21, Title X, Subtitle A, Part II, Section 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101), is intended to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity, expand intergovernmental coordination, and enhance the ability of jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States and drug and human trafficking crimes. The program is also intended to increase the availability of cross-designated prosecutorial personnel who can pursue these matters in coordination with federal authorities and contribute to the effective enforcement of applicable criminal laws.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants aim to enhance the criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This program supports Tribal, state, and local governments in promoting offender accountability and victim safety, while also focusing on reducing homicide rates and enforcing protection orders. By fostering coordinated law enforcement and prosecutorial actions, the initiative seeks to treat these serious offenses with the urgency they deserve, ensuring safety and autonomy for victims.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program provides crucial support to Indian Tribes and organizations in addressing sexual assault through intervention and advocacy. This program aims to assist victims of all ages, including youth and children, as well as their families and those affected by the trauma, except for perpetrators. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 PM ET in JustGrants.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program is designed to empower Tribal governments in enhancing their criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. This initiative, funded by the US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, aims to support Tribal communities in creating safer environments through targeted funding and resources. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 pm ET.

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.

The BJS FY 2026 National Incident-Based Reporting System Estimation Program aims to enhance statistical protocols for crime and arrest data collection in the U.S. This funding opportunity supports the ongoing development of the NIBRS Estimation System, focusing on improving data quality, timeliness, and estimation methodologies. By refining these processes, the program seeks to address public safety challenges and provide reliable national estimates, thereby ensuring effective law enforcement and crime prevention efforts.

The BJS FY 2026 Criminal History Record Assessment and Research Program (CHRARP) aims to enhance the Bureau of Justice Statistics' ability to analyze recidivism and criminal history data. This program will support the standardization of criminal records across jurisdictions, enabling accurate statistical analyses. By refining existing data coding systems and addressing data quality issues, the CHRARP will improve research on offenders' patterns and careers, ultimately contributing to effective criminal justice policies.

The BJA FY 2026 Intellectual Property Enforcement Program aims to bolster public health, safety, and the economy by combating counterfeit goods and product piracy. This funding opportunity supports the formation or enhancement of law enforcement intellectual property enforcement task forces. It assists various jurisdictions in tackling intellectual property theft and related crimes, while also aiding in the investigation and prosecution of such offenses, thereby addressing the associated violent crime.

The Foundation for Improvement of Justice Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the civil and criminal justice systems in the U.S. Nominations are accepted year-round, with winners receiving a Paul H. Chapman Medal, $15,000, a certificate, and an expenses-paid trip to the awards banquet. This initiative aims to encourage continued innovation in justice practices. Eligibility includes unique improvements to justice systems, while future project grants and past awardees are ineligible.

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.

The Russell Sage Foundation is launching the Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System Grant to support early-career scholars in conducting causal research related to the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and probation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of researchers and enhance collaboration through a capstone conference. Eligible applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors in the U.S. The next deadline is expected in April 2026, with a budget limit of $100,000 for one-year projects.