Best Crime Grants in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities working on community and public safety, crime prevention, or victim services can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building within Union Pacific–served communities, with emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations.

Organizations working on crime and justice initiatives in Minnesota can seek support for gun violence prevention, justice reform, and community-based violence intervention projects. Grants from The Joyce Foundation help advance research, policy advocacy, pilot initiatives, and racial equity-focused reforms that impact gun violence and public safety across the Great Lakes region.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families was established to bring together programs to better serve children, youth, and families. 

RFP to Promote Restorative Practice Programs

The department, through its Office of Restorative Practice Division, is seeking to promote initiatives statewide that create new restorative practice programs or have current programs in place. 

The activities funded through this RFP are intended to benefit individuals (youth and adults) and communities impacted by harm, including those who have caused harm, those who have been harmed, their families, and the broader communities connected to them. This includes work across a range of systems, including pretrial diversion programs, delinquency and criminal justice, child welfare, education, and community violence prevention. 

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

Minnesota students planning to pursue legal careers can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship to support their law-related higher education. Offered through the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, this scholarship encourages future attorneys and promotes public understanding of legal issues, which may benefit those interested in crime and justice fields.

State and territorial justice agencies improving prosecution or indigent defense in capital cases, including those serving Minnesota, can apply for funding to enhance legal representation in state capital proceedings. With a mission to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides up to US $450,000 to strengthen crime and justice outcomes.

Focused on education and related career paths, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites Minnesota students interested in crime and justice, law enforcement, or healthcare fields to consider the Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship. Graduating seniors planning to attend a 4-year college and demonstrating financial need and volunteerism may be eligible.

State governments in Minnesota 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 support crime and justice efforts, the US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance provides this formula funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

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

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).

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 BJA FY 2026 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative aims to enhance public safety by addressing untreated mental illness and substance use. This program supports coordinated intervention efforts across various agencies, improving access to treatment and reducing recidivism. By fostering comprehensive service networks, it seeks to restore order in communities affected by homelessness and mental health challenges, ultimately enhancing community well-being and trust in public spaces.

The BJA FY 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program aims to combat the rising crisis of substance use and overdose deaths. This funding opportunity supports state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in implementing comprehensive responses, including law enforcement initiatives, prevention programs, and recovery services. Applications are due by October 1, 2026, providing a crucial chance to enhance community safety and health through targeted interventions.

The BJA FY 2026 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative aims to support law enforcement agencies in establishing and expanding Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs). This initiative encourages interagency collaboration for the effective management and analysis of crime gun evidence, enhancing the ability to swiftly identify crime guns and their sources. In partnership with the ATF, this program seeks to reduce firearm-related crime and improve prosecution outcomes.

The BJS FY 2026 National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) Training and Technical Assistance aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of criminal history records. By providing direct technical assistance to states, territories, and tribal jurisdictions, the program ensures compliance with FBI standards and promotes the use of advanced technologies. This initiative supports the DOJ’s objective to reduce violent crime and improve public safety through effective criminal background checks and information sharing.

The BJS FY 2026 Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program is designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of criminal history records, ensuring effective background checks for both criminal and non-criminal justice purposes. With significant funding allocated to programs like NCHIP and NARIP, the initiative aims to bolster public safety by improving the accuracy of background information and supporting state and tribal updates to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Electronic Service Protection Order Court Pilot Program supports state and Tribal courts in implementing electronic communication methods for serving protection orders. This initiative, part of the Violence Against Women Act, aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of protection order enforcement, ensuring safety for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Applications are due by October 8, 2026, at 4:59 pm through JustGrants.

The OVC FY 2026 grant aims to improve outcomes for child and youth victims of human trafficking by integrating policies at state and Tribal levels. This funding opportunity focuses on developing strategic plans to address the challenges faced by minor victims, enhance coordination among systems like child welfare and juvenile justice, and ensure effective identification and prosecution of traffickers. By fostering multidisciplinary approaches, the program seeks to provide comprehensive support and services to these vulnerable populations.

The BJA FY 2026 Crisis Response Training Program aims to enhance public safety and law enforcement effectiveness by providing critical training for officers in responding to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. This funding opportunity supports state, local, and tribal governments in developing programs to improve responses to those with mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, and other challenges. By equipping officers with essential skills and strategies, the program seeks to ensure safer interventions and better outcomes in crisis situations.

The BJA FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program offers formula funding to support local governments in enhancing public safety. This grant aids in hiring personnel, purchasing essential equipment, and providing training and technical assistance to address crime and safety challenges. Applicants are encouraged to verify their eligibility for direct JAG funding from BJA before submitting their applications. The deadline for full applications is October 16, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.