Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

Title II Juvenile Justice Council grants are specifically awarded to local juvenile justice councils to implement programs, policies and practices that improve the effectiveness of local juvenile justice systems, reduce unnecessary juvenile justice system involvement and/or analyze and reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) in each council’s local system. Because this model of local governance, collaboration and data-driven decision-making has proven effective, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission is allocating funding to support local juvenile justice councils and the development of data-driven, collaborative local juvenile justice plans which guide future system improvement efforts. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act provides that each county or group of counties may establish a local juvenile justice council [705 ILCS 405/6-12]. The purpose of this council, according to the Act, is “to provide a forum for the development of a community based interagency assessment of the local juvenile justice system, to develop a county juvenile justice plan for the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and to make recommendations to the county board, or county boards, for more effectively utilizing existing community resources in dealing with juveniles who are found to be involved in crime, or who are truant or have been suspended or expelled from school.” Through juvenile justice councils, the Act prescribes a response to juveniles in conflict with the law that is comprehensive, driven by data and analysis, and collaborative across all systems that touch these youth. As embodied in the Juvenile Court Act, Juvenile Justice Councils provide a structure to ensure that local jurisdictions respond to youth in conflict with the law in a manner which is data-driven, strategic, and focused on serving youth, families and communities in the most effective ways possible. Unfortunately, very few jurisdictions in Illinois have developed councils that operate in the manner envisioned in the Act. In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist, or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local councils are in the best position to craft solutions that meet the local community’s needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local juvenile justice councils can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Such local ownership is the best way to ensure more effective long-term programming and sustained systemic change. This, in turn, will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois. Juvenile Justice Youth Serving Programs: The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides funding directly to states through its Title II Formula Grants Program (Title II) to support state and local delinquency prevention, intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. These funds are used to help states implement comprehensive state juvenile justice plans based on detailed studies of needs in their jurisdictions. State Advisory Groups, comprised of members appointed by the governor, set priorities for funded activities. The State Advisory Group for Illinois, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission (IJJC), administers the Title II funds. These funds support a broad range of juvenile justice activities at the state and local level that are designed to improve the juvenile justice system through the development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency. These programs or projects can be designed to be developed, implemented and evaluated directly or through grants and contracts with public and private agencies. Title II also funds state and local activities designed to ensure and maintain the state's compliance with the Core Requirements of the JJDPA. • Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) • Adult Jail and Lock-Up Removal (Jail Removal) • "Sight and Sound" Separation • Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED); In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local juvenile justice systems and community-based providers are in prime position to craft solutions and develop youth serving programs that meet the local community's needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local youth programming can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Investing in local communities will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois.

The General Operating Grants (GOG) program, offered by the Allegany Arts Council (AAC), is designed to support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies within Allegany County, Maryland. The program aims to address critical funding gaps that often hinder arts organizations from compensating professional staff, maintaining facilities, or pursuing capital improvements. This initiative aligns with the AAC's mission to foster and sustain a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational support, thereby ensuring the continued availability of arts-related programming and general organizational functionality in the region. The target beneficiaries of the GOG program are non-profit, 501(c)3 arts organizations (or those eligible for IRS tax-exempt status) based in Allegany County, with programming and business primarily conducted within the county. The program seeks to impact the local community by ensuring that arts-related programs and events funded by GOG money are accessible to the general public. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate, rather than replace, community support for the arts and to promote broad participation and engagement in artistic endeavors, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. The program prioritizes the use of funds for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. It explicitly excludes funding for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. A significant focus is placed on community engagement and support, as evidenced by the requirement of a 1:1 cash match, where GOG funding cannot exceed one-half of the proposed program budget. Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and in-kind or donated services are not eligible for this match, emphasizing the need for direct community and organizational investment. Furthermore, programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are strictly not eligible for funding. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational stability for local arts organizations, leading to a greater capacity to offer diverse arts programming to the Allegany County public. Measurable results will include the provision of final grant reports at the conclusion of the grant period, detailing how the funds were utilized and the impact achieved. Grantees are also required to notify the AAC of any major program changes and comply with various civil rights and anti-discrimination acts, ensuring equitable access and participation. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the local arts infrastructure, and its theory of change posits that by providing direct operational support and encouraging community matching funds, local arts agencies will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, accessible arts experiences, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Allegany County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations with expertise in juvenile justice to deliver training and technical assistance aimed at improving rehabilitation and reducing recidivism among youth in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois county governments to develop community-based alternatives for youth at risk of incarceration, aiming to reduce juvenile justice involvement through planning and analysis.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking applications for funding.OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community.With this solicitation, OVC seeks applications from state agencies to establish state-run hate crime reporting hotlines designed to assist victims who might otherwise be reluctant to report hate crimes.This program furthers the DOJs mission to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

Program Summary The PATH program is designed to reduce and/or eliminate homelessness for individuals who may be experiencing (SMI) serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our goal is to ensure that individuals are connected to mainstream MH services and eventually transitioned into stable housing improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Project Description The Grantee will operate the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) formula grant providing flexible, community-based services throughout the State of Illinois to address the needs of adults ages 18-65+ and families, with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. PATH links the population of individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI)/co-occurring substance use disorders (COD), who experience persistent and pervasive health disparities, to mainstream and other supportive services. Collectively the PATH resources help individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness with SMI/COD secure safe and stable housing, improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life.

With this solicitation, OJJDP seeks applications for funding to assist jurisdictions in planning and assessing promising and evidence-based prevention and intervention services that will inform the development of a community-based continuum of care for youth at risk of becoming or already involved in the juvenile justice system. The long-term goal of this effort is to support sustainable, research-based, and data-informed recidivism-reduction policies, practices, and programming, and the strategic reinvestment of cost savings realized through accompanying reforms into effective prevention and intervention programs for our nations youth.

The City of Greenbelt's ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Grant offers a one-time funding opportunity for eligible nonprofit organizations to address negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, aims to support the continuity of operations and critical services provided by Greenbelt-serving nonprofits. While the description doesn't explicitly state a "foundation mission" or "theory of change," the grant's objective to aid nonprofits in their recovery aligns with a broader community resilience and support strategy in the wake of the pandemic. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are Greenbelt residents, with a specific focus on marginalized members of the community and those served by programs in areas like education, science, human rights, veteran support, community development, arts & culture, youth development, senior support, natural resources, racial equity, and human services. The impact goals are to restore and sustain vital nonprofit services, address revenue reductions and operating expenses, and ultimately help the Greenbelt community recover from the pandemic's economic and social challenges. Priority for funding will be given to programs that advance education and science, serve the underprivileged, defend human and civil rights, benefit veterans, combat community deterioration, promote arts & culture, address youth development needs, support seniors/aging in place, conserve natural resources, advance racial equity & justice, and provide human services to marginalized community members. Eligible uses of funds are broad, including programming, events for Greenbelt residents, broadband infrastructure, rental and utility assistance, equipment purchase, digital advertising, technology, contracted services, insurance, program expenses, supplies, COVID-19 related expenses, and payroll assistance. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the grant description, the expected outcomes include the sustained operation of critical nonprofit programs, the ability of organizations to address revenue shortfalls and increased expenses due to COVID-19, and the continued provision of essential services to Greenbelt residents, particularly in the priority areas. The overall strategic priority is to leverage ARPA funds to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector in Greenbelt as it continues to navigate and recover from the pandemic's repercussions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations working to combat hunger and food insecurity in specific areas around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Indian River County, Florida.

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to support training and technical assistance (TTA) providers assisting states to use the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) to enhance the fairness, effectiveness, and efficiency of their criminal justice system. JRIs flexible, tailored, and data-driven approach helps states identify and implement policies that are customized to address each states specific challenges and the unique structure and dynamics within each of their systems. This program reduces crime and recidivism by helping states more effectively and equitably allocate resources to address pressing criminal justice challenges and improve system outcomes.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is offering the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant to bolster independent arts organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the arts and cultural landscape within the metro Atlanta community, promoting public access and a breadth of artistic programming. These grants are specifically for general operating support, enabling organizations to enhance public engagement and broaden access to various art forms across the region. The target beneficiaries for this grant are independent arts organizations operating in selected Georgia counties, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale, with a primary mission centered on arts or culture. The program aims to increase public engagement in the arts and provide access to diverse artistic experiences, ultimately fostering a more vibrant and culturally rich metro Atlanta. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate a primary mission in arts and cultural services, a history of vibrant programming, and strong organizational capacity. Priority consideration for 2024 support is given to organizations in alignment with the TogetherATL strategy. This includes artistic or cultural activities led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals (artistic or executive leaders are BIPOC) or those that directly represent or serve BIPOC communities (evidenced by artistic works, majority BIPOC board members, staff, or population served). Additionally, new organizations that have not previously received this grant, those with less than $300,000 in total support from Metropolitan Atlanta Arts, or those that did not receive a grant in 2023 will also receive priority. The funding criteria emphasize community benefit, artistic and cultural vibrancy, and organizational capacity. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the TogetherATL strategy, aim to support organizations that increase public engagement and broaden access to the arts, particularly for underserved communities. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 in 2024, are designed as one-year general operating support. Through these efforts, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta seeks to cultivate a thriving arts sector that reflects and serves the diversity of the region.

The Oregon Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall community energy use, and improve energy efficiency across various sectors including transportation and buildings. This initiative is aligned with a broader mission to build a clean and equitable energy economy, specifically prioritizing disadvantaged communities and promoting equity and inclusion in workforce development and deployment activities. The program seeks to solicit subgrant applications from eligible local governments not already receiving direct EECBG formula grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, through a rolling selection process. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Oregon units of local government and the communities they serve. The impact goals are centered on environmental sustainability and maximizing benefits to communities. Key objectives include reducing fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner, reducing a community's total energy use, and improving energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors. A significant focus is placed on the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that disadvantaged communities are prioritized in the transition to a clean energy economy. The program prioritizes projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation. The Oregon Department of Energy has approximately $1.2 million available for these grants, with individual grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 for qualifying communities. The strategic priorities are clearly outlined through the objectives, emphasizing a holistic approach to energy conservation and equitable distribution of benefits. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in fossil fuel emissions and total energy consumption within participating communities. Improved energy efficiency in various sectors and the creation of equitable workforce opportunities in the clean energy sector are also anticipated. The grant duration for projects is generally 24 months from the date of the Performance Agreement, allowing sufficient time for implementation and completion of the energy-saving initiatives.

The Creative Youth Development program, a cornerstone of the California Arts Council (CAC), is fundamentally rooted in the belief that arts learning is crucial for healthy human development and should be universally accessible to all young people across California. This includes, but is not limited to, those whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. The program's mission aligns with the CAC's broader vision of ensuring that all California youth receive meaningful, culturally responsive arts-learning experiences, enabling them to achieve their full potential. This initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing young people's stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression, while deeply respecting their lived experiences. The program targets young people throughout California, with a particular focus on those who have faced interruptions or impacts from the justice system. The impact goals are to foster environments that promote Creative Youth Development through the integration of three core concepts: Racial Equity and Social Justice, Youth Voices, and Collective Action. Projects are encouraged to take place in a variety of settings, including arts and culture venues, community centers, court/school sites, juvenile halls and camps, county-operated correctional facilities, social services agencies, and other youth-oriented settings, during or outside of traditional school hours. The program prioritizes projects that address one or more of its key goals. These include providing social-emotional creative experiences in safe and healthy learning environments, fostering creative abilities through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning, and supporting arts programs that activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Other focuses involve utilizing cultural assets for positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures, empowering youth through cultural preservation and revitalization, and cultivating transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. The grant seeks to support hands-on learning in various artistic disciplines, from dance and literary arts to media arts, music, theater, traditional/folk arts, and visual arts. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the successful implementation of projects that fulfill the program's purpose within the grant activity period (January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025). Applicants are expected to design projects that provide safe, healthy, and appropriate learning environments and include sustained activities. For tuition-based projects, a robust equity and accessibility plan with full scholarships and reduced fees is required. The program anticipates increased creative abilities, enhanced social-emotional well-being, and developed life skills among participants. Projects are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and social justice, amplify youth voices, and promote collective action within communities. Furthermore, artists involved must have at least two years of relevant experience, be California-based, and not be full-time students in a degree program, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.

The Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program, supported by the King County Solid Waste Division (SWD), is designed to foster projects that actively minimize waste, extend the lifespan of materials, and rejuvenate natural systems. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of promoting a circular economy, moving beyond traditional linear models of production and consumption. By focusing on prevention and reuse upstream, and robust recycling actions downstream, the program seeks to create a more sustainable material flow within King County, while also addressing and reducing existing inequities. The program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, businesses, self-employed individuals, tribal governments, and universities/colleges that operate within or support communities in King County (excluding Seattle and Milton). The overarching impact goals are to significantly reduce the volume of materials generated and subsequently sent to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, and to enhance the overall sustainability and equity of King County's solid waste system. This is achieved by supporting projects that offer higher uses for materials, focus on waste prevention, or improve the quality, quantity, and availability of recycling infrastructure. The Re+ Circular Economy Grant has two primary focus areas: Prevention and Reuse, and Recycling. Prevention and Reuse projects encompass efforts to reduce material consumption, build infrastructure for reusable products, increase food rescue, and encourage sharing or donating items. Recycling projects aim to create or expand markets for recycled materials (including organics), improve the quality and access to recycling in various communities, and even commercialize technologies that replace virgin materials with recycled content. Projects addressing plastic, paper, and organics (food waste, yard waste, and wood) are given higher priority during the evaluation process, reflecting a strategic emphasis on key waste streams. With approximately $2.2 million in grant funding available for the 2024-25 cycle, the program expects measurable outcomes such as increased food rescue for human and animal consumption, stimulated demand for reused and recycled products, expanded access to reuse and recycling programs, and enhanced collection and processing capacity for recyclable materials. Furthermore, the program anticipates the commercialization of new technologies that utilize recycled content and the development of new uses for recycled materials, all demonstrating future waste diversion potential. The King County Solid Waste Division's strategic priority is a whole system approach that balances upstream prevention with downstream recycling, underpinned by a theory of change that by supporting innovative projects in these areas, King County can achieve substantial reductions in landfill waste and foster a more equitable and resilient circular economy.

The Envisioning Justice Grants program, supported by Illinois Humanities, focuses on leveraging the arts and humanities to foster a truly just society. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to create understanding about mass incarceration and its profound impact on communities throughout Illinois. By funding impactful initiatives that use creative and intellectual approaches, Illinois Humanities seeks to build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society. The program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, specifically prioritizing currently or formerly incarcerated individuals, people serving long-term sentences, justice-involved young people, women (particularly women of color and/or those impacted by gendered violence), the LGBTQAI+ community, migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, elderly populations, people with disabilities, and Indigenous populations. Furthermore, the grants prioritize projects that focus on communities that are sites of prisons or jails, experiencing significant incarceration, and/or undergoing significant demographic change due to the criminal legal system. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate understanding of mass incarceration and support those working to mitigate its effects. Envisioning Justice Grants prioritize projects that are regional or statewide in scope and partnership-oriented, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address complex issues. The funded initiatives include prison education programs, independent media, community dialogues, and conferences. These efforts are designed to create spaces for critical reflection, artistic expression, and humanistic inquiry, which are central to the foundation's strategic priorities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "create understanding" and "build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities," the program implicitly aims for increased community engagement, enhanced public discourse on carceral issues, and improved conditions for affected populations. Organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000, with no matching funds required, making the program accessible to a wide range of groups. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor, based anywhere in Illinois. While all Illinois applicants are eligible, individuals from East St. Louis, Decatur, Carbondale, Galesburg, Urbana-Champaign, and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area are particularly encouraged to apply. This geographic focus, coupled with the thematic priorities, underscores Illinois Humanities' theory of change: that by supporting arts and humanities initiatives, particularly in highly impacted areas and among vulnerable populations, they can drive meaningful social change and foster a more just and informed citizenry.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the System Agency, is accepting Applications for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Program. ADRCs are part of Texas’ No Wrong Door (NWD) System. The NWD System initiative is a collaborative effort of Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The NWD System initiative builds upon the ADRC program and CMS’ Balancing Incentive Program NWD requirements that support state efforts to streamline access to long-term services and support (LTSS) options for older adults and individuals with disabilities. NWD Systems simplify access to LTSS and are a key component of LTSS systems reform. The ADRC core services include: Specialized Information, Referral, and Assistance (IR&A); Referrals to respite care services; Local Contact Agency services to provide assistance to non-Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay nursing facility residents to transition into community living; Housing Navigator Services to increase accessible and affordable housing; and Outreach Activities under the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) to educate Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes who may be eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy program (LIS), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), as well as disease prevention and wellness promotion.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out several projects supporting rule of law and justice sector reforms intended to enhance the timely delivery of justice for citizens of UzbekistanThe INL Empowering Defense Attorneys Initiative is an 18 month, USD500 000 project with a main goal of strengthening the professional capacities, independence, and role of defense attorneys in UzbekistanThe INL Investigative Journalism to Combat Corruption is a 18 month USD500 000 project aimed at supporting and strengthening the role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and uncovering systemic corruption as well as addressing existing gaps in journalism educationThe INL Supporting New Constitution Implementation is a 18 month USD500 000 project aiming to facilitate the effective implementation and integration of the reformed constitutional framework into Uzbekistan's legal, administrative, and societal structures

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to support the purchase and lease of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by publicly funded law enforcement and corrections agencies as part of comprehensive BWC programs guided by sound policy and broad stakeholder input. In addition, the solicitation seeks to support demonstration projects that advance digital evidence management, leveraging BWC digital footage to promote evidence-based and procedurally just practices in agencies with established BWC programs.

The Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States Department of State calls for an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to improve and strengthen the institutional capacities of the Colombian National Police (CNP) - Directorate of Health (DISAN) and the Directorate of Veterans and Inclusive Rehabilitation (DIVRI) to provide CNP officers and Colombian military personnel permanently injured in the course of eradication, drug interdiction, rural security, anti-terrorism and anti-drug trafficking operations; access to optimal physical and psychological rehabilitation services (functional and holistic). Additionally, the project design should implement strategies and actions aimed at making wounded and disabled Colombian military and police forces personnel, who have leadership experience in their territories, the main facilitators for providing mobility devices to disabled officers in rural areas. Applicants should expect to work collaboratively with the CNP-DICAR (Rural Police Directorate) to develop brigades, public campaigns and/or community activities that serve to connect wounded Colombian Military Personnel and CNP Officers to appropriate rehabilitative resources.

The purpose of the Program is to fund CASA Programs in California to provide more children in foster care with a CASA volunteer who will advocate for the services and support needed by children who have experienced abuse and neglect.