Best Grants for Criminal Justice in Virginia

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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 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 Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

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.

The CY2026 SRO/SSO Incentive Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, aims to enhance school safety by funding new School Resource Officer (SRO) positions. This initiative fosters collaboration between local law enforcement and school divisions. Grants are available annually for a four-year cycle, prioritizing localities with no current SROs and those serving middle and high schools to strengthen community safety and support educational environments.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) provides critical federal funding for direct intervention and assistance to victims of sexual assault. Administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, SASP aims to establish and expand rape crisis centers and services for all victims. This program supports organizations that offer essential services, ensuring comprehensive support for those affected by sexual violence. Through effective implementation strategies, SASP addresses the diverse needs of sexual assault victims across the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is inviting applications for the 2026 Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Grant Program, a continuation of the prior year's initiative. This program aims to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system through funding for localities and organizations involved in law enforcement, crime prevention, and victim services. The grant period will last 12 months, from January 1 to December 31, 2026, without extensions.

The Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Limited Competition Grant Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in Virginia. Managed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, this program is open for applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle, focusing on initiatives that improve access to justice for survivors of violence. Eligible projects must create new officer positions within law enforcement to support these objectives.

The Unmanned Aircraft Trade and Replace Program, funded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, provides one-time grants to local first responder agencies in Virginia for replacing unmanned aircraft. This initiative targets aircraft manufactured by foreign adversaries, ensuring that eligible agencies can enhance their operational capabilities. The program underscores the commitment to safety and efficiency in public service, while adhering to the National Defense Authorization Act's requirements regarding unmanned aircraft.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program aims to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety in the Eastern District of Virginia. With approximately $500,000 in federal funding, this initiative focuses on innovative and evidence-based strategies to combat gun violence and gang activity. It encourages collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, and various stakeholders. Key funding areas include Group Violence Intervention, Gun and Gang Crime Investigation, Firearms Analysis, and Prevention and Reentry Programs, all designed to foster safer communities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Juvenile Detention Centers

Purpose

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting applications for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) Program for Juvenile Detention Centers. This grant program supports local and regional juvenile detention centers through funding training, equipment, and supplies. Byrne/JAG funds allow states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of crime control and prevention activities based on state and local needs and conditions. As the state administrative agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of Byrne/JAG funds in a manner that supports and improves the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Funding Source Funding for this grant program is available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG).

Expected Total Amount of Funding

• DCJS anticipates approximately $300,000 in funding will be available for awards under this funding opportunity.
• Availability of Continuation Funding Continuation funding is not available under this grant program.
• Match Requirement Recipients of these funds are required to provide matching funds of 25% under this funding opportunity.
• Disbursement of Funds Disbursement of funds will occur on a costreimbursement basis for actual funds expended.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is accepting applications for the Prerelease and Post Incarceration Services (PAPIS) Grant Program. This initiative aims to support programs providing essential services to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. The grant period is 12 months, starting from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Eligible organizations must demonstrate compliance with various requirements, ensuring effective service delivery and addressing individual needs to reduce recidivism.

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is charged with planning and carrying out programs and initiatives to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the criminal justice system as a whole (Code of Virginia § 9.1-102).

The mission of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is to provide leadership to improve the criminal justice system in Virginia’s communities through effective training, partnerships, research, regulation, and support.

Office of First Responder Wellness Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Office of First Responder Wellness is offering funding to support first responder wellness for current and retired first responders. The First Responder Wellness Grant Program is designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding opportunity aims to provide resources to agencies and non-profit organizations focused on promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals who serve on the front lines of public safety, including law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, emergency communication officers, and corrections officers. 

These grant funds are to be used to support our first responders through programs addressing, but not limited to, emotional, physical, and overall personal wellness:

• Fund first responder wellness training for agency employees
• Fund registration fees, lodging, and per diem for agency employees to attend conferences related to first responder wellness
• Fund support costs for a therapy/support dog or costs for a dog already owned by an agency to attend training.
• Fund the purchase of therapeutic wellness equipment
• Provide funding for non-profit organizations to provide wellness training, resources, or direct services to first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia

FY 2027 Victim Witness Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting applications through the On-line Grant Management System (OGMS) (www.ogms.dcjs.virginia.gov/index.do) for state fiscal year (SFY) 2027, for the Victim Witness Grant Program (VWGP). This funding is supported by federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds, Virginia Crime Victim-Witness Fund (state special funds), and state general funds appropriated to DCJS in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state budget for SFY 2027.

The primary purpose of VOCA funding is to support the delivery of direct services to victims of crime. For the purposes of this grant program, a crime victim is defined as a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, and/or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime. This includes victims of federal crimes. 

The Comprehensive Community Corrections Act & Pretrial Services Act Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, provide essential funding to local governments for community-based probation and pretrial services. These grants aim to offer alternatives to incarceration, enhance efficiency within the criminal justice system, and promote collaboration between agencies and community organizations. Eligible applicants must have an active Community Criminal Justice Board to ensure effective local oversight and support.

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF) Grant Program for Forensic/Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Projects

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce two funding opportunities for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 27 under the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF) grant program! The funding opportunities are open to current SFY 26 prosecution, discretionary, forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner VSDVVF subrecipients, as well as new competitive forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner applicants.

In accordance with Code of Virginia § 9.1-116.1, this grant program has three purpose areas:

• Make funds available to local attorneys for the Commonwealth for the purpose of funding the cost of additional attorneys or to further dedicate existing resources to prosecute felonies and misdemeanors involving domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse;
• Make funds available to law-enforcement authorities or appropriate programs, including civil legal assistance, to assist in protecting and providing necessary services to victims of and children affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse; and
• Make funds available to sexual assault service providers and hospitals for the purpose of funding the cost of salaries and equipment for sexual assault forensic examiners, sexual assault nurse examiners, and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, with priority for funding such costs given to such forensic examiners and nurse examiners serving rural or underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

For this funding opportunity, grants will be awarded to applicants for purpose area three (3) only.

Allowable Costs

Current SFY 2026 VSDVVF forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner grantees are eligible to apply for funding amounts not to exceed the maximum award amounts listed in Attachment A. New competitive sexual assault service providers and hospitals are eligible to apply to for up to $95,000 for the one-year award period.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to request only the minimum number of staff necessary to implement programs. To promote the retention of qualified project staff, applicants are encouraged to request competitive salaries. The requested compensation level should be further documented by comparison of the scope and complexity of work performed to other similar positions receiving similar pay.

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF) Grant Program for Prosecution and Discretionary Projects

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce two funding opportunities for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 27 under the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF) grant program! The funding opportunities are open to current SFY 26 prosecution, discretionary, forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner VSDVVF subrecipients, as well as new competitive forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner applicants. Prior to completing your application, please review the grant guidelines associated with your funding category. 

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

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.