Criminal Justice Reform: September's Funding Landscape

September brings a mix of time-sensitive opportunities and rolling deadlines for criminal justice reform organizations. Whether you're responding to an urgent need, building a case for systems change, or serving crime victims in your community, these funders are actively looking to move money. The month ahead includes a federal deadline early in September and several rolling programs that reward organizations ready to apply whenever the moment is right.

U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women: Grant for Law Enforcement and Nonprofits Addressing Cybercrimes Against Individuals

This $2.8 million program supports local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations working to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. Technology-facilitated abuse is a growing area of criminal justice concern, and this grant recognizes that nonprofits often lead the way in supporting survivors. Two tracks exist: one for state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies, and one for a national resource center operated by a nonprofit. If your organization works on technology-facilitated abuse, intimate partner violence, or related crimes, this deadline on September 3 is worth your attention. Apply here

Impact Fund: Recoverable Grant for Impact Litigation Attorneys and Legal Nonprofits

The Impact Fund offers recoverable grants up to $50,000 for impact litigation that advances racial, economic, and social justice. These are grants for legal organizations and individual attorneys taking on cases that challenge systemic injustice, including civil rights violations and workers' rights. The fund awards four times per year on a rolling basis, so September is one of several windows to submit. If you're litigating a case that could shift how the criminal justice system works, this is a relationship worth exploring. Apply here

Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement: Grant for Formerly Incarcerated-Led Criminal Justice Reform Nonprofits

This fund supports grassroots organizations led by formerly incarcerated people working to advance criminal justice reform and restore rights. Organizations typically have budgets under $500,000 and receive not just grants but also capacity building and peer learning support. The fund prioritizes organizations that develop leadership among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Rolling deadlines mean you can apply when you're ready. Apply here

Michigan Justice Fund / Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan: Grant for Criminal Justice Reform Nonprofits

If you're based in Michigan and working on criminal justice reform, the Michigan Justice Fund offers rapid-turnaround grants up to $10,000 for time-sensitive needs. This might be an urgent response to a crisis, a planning opportunity you didn't anticipate, or a chance to test a new idea before seeking larger funding. The fund responds within 30 days of submission and operates on a rolling basis throughout the year. Apply here

Public Welfare Foundation: Grant for Criminal Justice Reform Nonprofits

The Public Welfare Foundation funds nonprofit organizations advancing transformative justice system reform through policy and systems change. Their focus on racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness aligns with many criminal justice reform missions. They offer both general operating support and program-specific grants, and they accept applications on a rolling basis. This is a relationship worth building if your work touches their priority areas. Apply here

These opportunities reflect the range of work happening in criminal justice reform right now: from litigation to grassroots organizing, from victim services to systems change. If you see a funder here you'd like Funding Findr to keep tracking for you, reply and let us know.

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