Criminal Justice Reform Grants Coming in October

October brings a strong month for criminal justice nonprofits. The funders below are moving money for reentry, mental health diversion, substance use treatment, and youth services. If your organization works in any of these areas, the deadlines coming up over the next few weeks are worth your attention.

Bureau of Justice Assistance: Grant for Reentry SUD Treatment Programs Serving Incarcerated Parents

The Bureau of Justice Assistance is funding treatment and recovery support services for parents with substance use disorders who are under correctional control. Eligible programs operate in jail, prison, or as an alternative to incarceration, providing family-focused SUD treatment, case management, mental health care, parenting skills, and related services. The goal is to reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes for both parents and their children. Awards up to $1 million. Deadline October 1. Apply here

Bureau of Justice Assistance: Grant for Reentry Education and Employment Programs

This grant supports state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations providing education and employment programs for adults and youth leaving prison and jail. Category 1 funds prison educational and vocational programming for people within 2 years of release. Category 2 funds employment programs and workforce development networks aligned with local labor market needs. The goal is to improve academic and vocational outcomes, job readiness, employment attainment, and retention to reduce recidivism. Awards up to $1 million. Deadline October 1. Apply here

Bureau of Justice Assistance: Grant for Public Safety and Mental Health Service Networks

The Bureau of Justice Assistance is supporting coordinated, cross-system service networks that address untreated mental illness and substance use disorders to reduce the burden on law enforcement and the justice system. Funded projects establish or enhance Crisis Stabilization Centers, comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services, and electronic health record systems to improve data sharing and continuity of care. The initiative emphasizes civil commitment pathways and step-down approaches from pre-arrest through community reentry. Awards up to $3 million. Deadline October 2. Apply here

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation: Grant for Mission-Aligned Youth-Serving Nonprofits

The Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation awards fixed grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose work aligns with residential treatment, therapeutic services, educational programming, family reunification, vocational training, or complementary services for at-risk youth and young adults. Organizations serving Montana are prioritized, though mission-aligned organizations elsewhere in the Mountain West may also be considered. Funds may be used for project support or general operating support. Deadline October 15. Apply here

New Profit: Grant and Cohort Support for Early-Stage Social Entrepreneurs

New Profit is accepting applications on a rolling basis for its cohort-based program providing unrestricted grants, leadership development funding, strategic advising, and peer learning community support to early-stage nonprofit organizations. It focuses on social entrepreneurs working in democracy, economic mobility, mental health equity, and justice reform. Participants receive capacity-building tools and in-person convenings designed to help organizations deepen impact and scale their models. Grants up to $110,000. Rolling deadline. Apply here

Foundation for Louisiana: Grant for Louisiana Community Nonprofits

The Foundation for Louisiana's Solidarity Fund supports community-driven organizations working toward justice and equity across Louisiana. It is designed to invest in local leadership and community-based solutions addressing longstanding disparities in criminal justice, economic justice, racial justice, and related areas. The fund reflects the Foundation's commitment to strengthening conditions that help Louisianans live safe, stable, connected, and dignified lives. Rolling deadline. Apply here

If you're working to deepen a relationship with a specific funder in criminal justice reform, we'd like to hear from you. Reply to this post and let us know which funder relationship you're most trying to strengthen this quarter.

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