Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Virginia

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 Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in Virginia can access recoverable funding for case expenses from The Impact Fund, with awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000. Grants may support litigation costs in criminal justice system reform and related civil rights cases.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Virginia can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Grants from this private foundation may benefit criminal justice and justice-reform initiatives that intersect with community well-being, environmental justice, or peace-focused programming.

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.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving parts of Virginia’s DC metro area and working on justice, youth, housing, health, education, or environmental programs can apply for Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation support; awards US $10,000 - US $250,000 for program and capacity-building work. Virginia criminal justice reform and legal aid organizations may be especially relevant.

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.

Virginia criminal justice agencies and community partners working to reduce violent crime, gun violence, or gang activity in the Eastern District of Virginia can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Grants of US $25,000 - US $200,000 support group violence intervention, gun and gang crime task forces, firearms analysis, and prevention or reentry programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs, including those serving Virginia, can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Funding supports hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, community development, and cultural enrichment, with priority for organizations engaging Ameriprise employees and financial advisors as volunteers.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives that may intersect with crime and justice work. Dr Scholl Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $25,000 grants on a one-year basis, primarily to U.S. applicants, through an annual October–March cycle.

Juvenile detention centers in Virginia seeking support for training, equipment, and supplies can apply for funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. With a mission to strengthen the criminal justice system, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services provides these centers with resources to enhance crime control and prevention activities based on local needs.

Virginia reentry and supportive housing providers serving people leaving local or regional jails in Virginia can apply for funding to deliver prerelease and post-incarceration case management, reentry planning, transitional housing, and employment services. Focused on reentry services, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services supports the nine existing PAPIS programs through a 12‑month, cost-reimbursement grant.

Virginia criminal justice and public safety agencies and nonprofits can receive funding to support wellness programs for current and retired first responders, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency communication, and corrections personnel. Grants from Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, up to US $30,000, may cover wellness training, conferences, therapy dogs, and therapeutic equipment.

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.

Virginia nonprofits providing community services like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving local communities near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support, including programs that intersect with criminal justice, victim support, or reentry services.

Virginia crime victim service programs can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to deliver direct services to victims of crime. Supported by VOCA and state funds, this grant backs organizations assisting individuals who have suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm, including victims of federal crimes, within the criminal justice system.

Virginia county and city governments can obtain funding to operate or expand local community-based probation and pretrial services in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services provides these grants to support alternatives to incarceration and pretrial supervision; private organizations may participate only via contracts with local governments for probation services.

Sexual assault service providers and hospitals in Virginia can receive funding to cover salaries and equipment for sexual assault forensic examiners and nurse examiners, including pediatric SANEs. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services offers up to US $95,000 for one-year projects under the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund, prioritizing rural and underserved areas.

Virginia criminal justice and victim-service agencies can access funding for sexual and domestic violence prosecution and related discretionary projects through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Current VSDVVF subrecipients and new competitive forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner applicants in Virginia may be eligible and should review the specific grant guidelines before applying.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations developing early-stage projects in social justice, environment, or heritage conservation can receive up to US $175,000 from the J.M. Kaplan Fund. Virginia groups working on criminal justice system reform may be eligible for this three-year prize, which also offers convenings, mentoring, and other capacity-building support.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia working on firearm violence intervention and prevention can apply for funding of US $25,000 - US $250,000 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Grants support effective, sustainable programs that interrupt local cycles of violent crime through community collaboration and targeted support for those at highest risk.