Best Grants for Criminal Justice in New York

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation Grant supports initiatives addressing climate justice, racial equity, and immigrant rights. It prioritizes organizations working towards sustainable climate solutions, advocating against racial injustices, and protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees. The foundation focuses its efforts particularly in areas affected by institutionalized racism and climate change, with a geographic emphasis on Baltimore, New York, and the DC Capital Region. Proposals are welcomed on a rolling basis.

The Pinkerton Foundation Grant supports nonprofit public charitable organizations in New York City that serve economically disadvantaged youth and families. The foundation favors direct-service programs that empower young people to reach their full potential through academic, career, and cultural opportunities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation typically awards grants for programs that can achieve substantial progress in three years or less.

The Promising Futures Grants focus on advancing human justice by empowering young people through job training and educational support. The initiative aims to create a fairer civil and criminal justice system by enhancing advocacy, legal representation, and service delivery for underserved populations in New York. By funding innovative approaches and collaborative efforts, these grants seek to address critical issues such as homelessness and legal access, ensuring vulnerable communities receive the assistance they need to thrive.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Tiger Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in New York City, focusing on Education, Family Support, and Youth Workforce Justice. With no deadlines for Letters of Inquiry, the foundation seeks organizations with measurable outcomes, skilled leadership, and community engagement. Their Seed and Expansion Fund supports innovative early-stage organizations aiming to address unmet needs, ensuring effective services are accessible to low-income families and individuals across the city.

The Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program offers competitive grants to public charities and groups providing programs in Westchester County. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in human justice, human services, workforce development, youth development, arts, social justice, and technical assistance. This support aims to enhance the lives of residents through diverse projects that address civil rights, economic stability, youth empowerment, and cultural access. Funding fosters community engagement and innovative solutions to local challenges.

The Havens of Opportunity, Peace and Empowerment (HOPE) initiative by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services aims to develop and expand programs in neighborhoods severely affected by gun violence. This initiative focuses on creating safe, healing-centered environments that foster youth well-being and interrupt cycles of violence. By investing in community-driven solutions and supporting local organizations, HOPE seeks to enhance public safety and resilience in New York's most vulnerable communities.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services supports all facets of the state’s criminal justice system. The agency provides direct training to law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; oversees a law enforcement accreditation program; ensures Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; manages criminal justice grant funds; analyzes statewide crime and program data; provides research support; oversees county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinates juvenile justice policy.

The agency also maintains criminal history records and fingerprint files and performs background checks for employment and licensure. The agency also administers the state’s Sex Offender Registry; the Missing Persons Clearinghouse; the state's DNA Databank in cooperation with the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center; and provides staff support to independently appointed commissions and councils, including the New York State Commission on Forensic Science, which monitors and accredits the state’s forensic laboratories.

Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) Grant Program

DCJS seeks applications through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, which funds safety and security projects at nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. DCJS expects between $35 million and $70 million will be made available to support these projects. Each eligible organization may submit one application for one or more physical security enhancements and/or cybersecurity enhancements.

Organizations can submit for different types of enhancements within their application (e.g., locks and alarm systems) as long as the total requested by the organization is equal to, or less than, $250,000. Organizations may submit applications for projects at facilities that have received prior funding through the program from DCJS or the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services if the proposed project is different than any previously funded projects or if the new project builds upon or enhances the security measures previously undertaken.

The SNUG Street Outreach and SNUG Social Work Program in Syracuse aims to combat gun violence through an evidence-based initiative that treats violence as a disease. This program identifies causes and interrupts violence transmission while providing vital support through social workers. By addressing trauma and improving access to services for crime victims and their families, the initiative enhances community safety and resilience. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services invites applications to implement these co-located programs.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is launching an Innovation RFA to support Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) and Re-Entry Services. With approximately $15.5 million available, this initiative aims to reduce recidivism and reliance on incarceration while enhancing outcomes for individuals in the justice system. The focus is on evidence-based approaches that address incarceration risk, recidivism, and other critical needs, fostering a more rehabilitative environment for those affected.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Reintegration Grants aimed at supporting individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By focusing on abilities rather than symptoms, the foundation promotes recovery through various programs. Their funding helps organizations that maintain a commitment to mental health, ensuring that recipients receive necessary support, such as scholarships and facility management, to enhance their quality of life. The foundation believes in empowering individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey.

New York State Office of Mental Health

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) oversees a large multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals each year. This includes operating 23 psychiatric centers and overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. OMH regulates and certifies more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Community Based Diversion Programs

The Office of Mental Health announces funds for the development or enhancement of diversion programs. Programs should be rooted in evidence-based programming or emerging promising practice.

The goal of diversion programs is to reduce the risk of criminal justice involvement for adults with behavioral health needs.

Applicants must already be administering services in the following counties:

• Cayuga
• Essex
• Franklin
• Montgomery
• Madison
• Oneida
• St. Lawrence
• Warren/Washington

Target Population

The target population to be served by the proposed diversion program model is individuals at least 18 years of age with complex and/or chronic behavioral health issues and who are involved with the criminal justice system at one or more intercepts on the Sequential Intercept Model. 

The Community Reinvestment Program Grants aim to support communities in New York State that have been adversely affected by past drug policies. Grants will fund essential services for young people aged 0-24, including mental health, workforce development, and housing initiatives. This program is financed through 40% of cannabis tax revenue, directed towards fostering equity and resource allocation in historically underserved areas. Nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to enhance community well-being and opportunities.

New York State Office of Cannabis Management

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) was established upon passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021 to implement a regulatory framework for medical and adult-use cannabis and hemp in the state of New York. This includes, but is not limited to production, licensing, packaging, marketing and the sale of cannabis.

Community Grants Reinvestment Fund

Purpose

The Community Grants Reinvestment Fund (“CGRF”) was established under New York’s Cannabis Law to reinvest in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies. Decades of criminalization, disproportionate enforcement, and incarceration have left lasting impacts on the social, economic, and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities across the state.

Through the Community Reinvestment Program, the Office of Cannabis Management (“OCM”) and the Cannabis Advisory Board (“CAB”) aim to promote restorative justice, strengthen community institutions, and invest in organizations that have supported resilience and healing despite the challenges of past drug laws.

For the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year grant cycle, the CAB will award grants to 501(c)(3) communitybased organizations serving youth, defined as individuals aged 0–24, in communities disproportionally affected by prior drug policies. This year’s funding focuses on five (5) program areas:

• Mental Health
• Harm Reduction
• Substance Use Disorder
• Housing
• Workforce Development

The goal is to create equitable, positive, and lasting impacts by investing in community-based programs that offer youth-focused initiatives and wraparound services tailored to local needs in communities disproportionally harmed by prior federal and state drug policies.

Funding 

The applicant pool for the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund will be bifurcated into two tiers: Tier 1 Organizations and Tier 2 Organizations. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Organizations will be determined by the applicant organization’s total expenditures as reflected on their most current IRS tax filing.

• Tier 1: Organizations with total expenditures between $50,000 and $2,499,999.99.
• Tier 2: Organizations with total expenditures equal to or greater than $2,500,000. 

Tier 2 Organizations

For Tier 2 Organizations, award amounts will be $200,000. Tier 2 Applicants must submit a budget request exactly equal to $200,000. 

The Transformative Youth Justice Hubs initiative by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services aims to establish four collaborative hubs to enhance youth justice systems. With $4 million funding, each hub will receive approximately $1 million over three years, focusing on community-driven solutions and coordination of resources. This program emphasizes prevention, justice, and youth well-being, ensuring that local communities can effectively address barriers to support youth in achieving their full potential.