Best Crime Grants in New Jersey

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.

Students interested in becoming attorneys in New Jersey can apply for the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship to support their legal education. This scholarship from Community Foundation for Muskegon County helps future law professionals pursue higher education in law and deepen public understanding of legal and justice issues.

State and territorial justice agencies and legal service entities working on capital case litigation can seek up to US $450,000 to improve prosecution and indigent defense representation in state capital cases, including in New Jersey. With a mission to strengthen justice and public safety, the Bureau of Justice Assistance supports work in law, crime and justice, and legal services.

Focused on education and justice fields, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites graduating high school seniors to apply for scholarships supporting four-year college studies. Students interested in criminal justice, law enforcement, education, or healthcare may be eligible if they meet GPA, class rank, volunteerism, and financial need criteria at the specified high schools.

State governments creating or expanding crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs, including ERPO, mental health, drug, and veterans treatment courts, can apply for US $108,282 - US $14,672,296 in crime and justice funding in New Jersey. With a mission to strengthen public safety, the Bureau of Justice Assistance supports statewide initiatives that address violent crime and related public safety challenges.

State, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in New Jersey 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 coordination with federal authorities for these crime and justice efforts nationwide, with awards up to US $300,000,000.

High school seniors pursuing undergraduate majors in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, or pre-law can apply for scholarships from Midlands Community Foundation, including students in New Jersey. Awards range from US $750 - US $1,500 and require financial need, strong community service, active volunteerism, and at least a 2.5 GPA.

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 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.

The BJA FY 2026 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program aims to enhance state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives. Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, the program focuses on addressing public safety challenges such as violent crime, human trafficking, and the opioid crisis. Grants will support the development of mental health courts, drug courts, and extreme risk protection order programs, providing critical resources to improve community safety and support law enforcement efforts.

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program aims to support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) by facilitating community-based treatment. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the initiative encourages collaboration with civil courts and community partners. Recipients will implement AOT to ensure that eligible individuals receive necessary support, thereby enhancing their mental health outcomes and promoting recovery.

The Bernau Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance individual lives and foster positive leadership through funding initiatives that provide long-term solutions. Grants are awarded to IRS-designated public charities or nonprofits, emphasizing projects that promote civic responsibility, education, and mentor programs. The foundation prioritizes smaller organizations that encourage meaningful community engagement and constructive change, ensuring a lasting impact on society.