Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Ohio

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Ohio can seek support through the U.S. Bank Foundation Community Possible program. Focused on equitable, high-impact partnerships, it prioritizes groups addressing multiple pillars and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including work that may intersect with criminal justice reform and reentry.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may benefit justice-involved youth and families. Focused on these core areas, Costco Foundation invites organizations to apply with evidence-based programs, clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified financial support in communities where Costco operates.

With a mission to support scalable social impact, this funder provides Ohio criminal justice organizations and other early-stage ventures with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital plus intensive capacity-building support. Eligible entities include independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits tackling urgent social or environmental problems for underserved communities.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Ohio communities where PNC operates can seek funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for education, housing stability, small business support, human services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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 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.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio working on community-based programs, education, arts, health, environment, or social services can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations whose projects, including some crime and justice initiatives, can achieve significant impact with relatively modest funding.

Nonprofits and research institutions working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, can seek funding for research, policy advocacy, and pilot initiatives. With a mission to build safe and just communities, The Joyce Foundation supports projects advancing racial equity, reforming policing, and strengthening community-based violence intervention strategies.

Nonprofit, private organizations in Ohio operating family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence shelters, or providing related counseling and advocacy, can apply for the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services’ FVPSA funding. Grants support immediate shelter, supportive services, and prevention programming for victims and their dependents, and require collaboration with key community justice and service partners.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Criminal justice agencies and community public safety programs in Ohio can seek funding to implement proven or promising strategies that reduce violent crime, including murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Grants from Ohio Department of Public Safety support crime and justice initiatives that strengthen community safety and address gun violence and victimization.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project funding in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural initiatives, or environmental programs can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects, which can include criminal justice-related efforts that fit these broad categories.

Ohio 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other community-focused work. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, Lawrence Foundation invites applicants whose work may include criminal justice or related community services initiatives.

With a mission to support criminal justice agencies, Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services provides Ohio law enforcement, prosecutors, and crime labs with reimbursement for sexual assault kit testing and related investigation costs. Funding can cover lab testing, kit transport, expert testimony, and training to build capacity for sexual assault and trafficking investigations.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Law enforcement agencies in Ohio can obtain reimbursement for in-state and out-of-state extradition costs for dangerous wanted offenders through this program, including transports via state-approved companies. With a mission to support Ohio’s criminal justice system, the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services funds Tier 1 violent offenses, certain misdemeanors, and interference with custody cases.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award program. Recognized collaborations that measurably improve lives and address significant social issues may be honored with one of six annual awards. Ohio organizations working on criminal justice or justice system reform through cross-sector partnerships may be competitive.

Ohio criminal justice and victim service agencies can access funding through the Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services to combat violent crimes against women and strengthen victim services. Grants support law enforcement, prosecution strategies, and services addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence under the STOP Violence Against Women Act program.

Criminal justice agencies and local governments in Ohio can apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to support crime prevention, law enforcement, and related justice initiatives. Grants from Ohio Office of Criminal & Justice Services help fund evidence-based programs in areas like crime and justice, crisis intervention, reentry, juvenile justice, victim services, and violence prevention, with awards from US $4,553 - US $150,000.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those working on crime, justice, or reentry in Ohio, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 and non-sectarian missions may be considered.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Ohio can seek project support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to respect all life and the environment, the foundation provides charitable organizations with funding that may benefit programs connected to crime and justice or criminal justice system reform.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Ohio communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in its manufacturing communities, which may include criminal justice or community safety initiatives.

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.