[MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org)

Not accepting proposals

Recent awards range from $500,000–$975,000 over 1–3 years; over $411M invested in 525 grants since 2013.

Supports efforts to safely reduce over-incarceration and promote fairness in local U.S. justice systems through reform, research, and collaboration.

This program has made its final grants and is no longer accepting proposals.

--- ## Description The MacArthur Foundation's Criminal Justice grant program was established to address over-incarceration and racial and ethnic disparities in the United States by transforming the use of jails, with a strong focus on local justice systems. The initiative, notably through the Safety and Justice Challenge, aimed to support local reforms, data-driven solutions, and broad collaboration among communities, policymakers, and advocates to create a more fair and equitable justice system. The program invested in cities, counties, research organizations, and advocacy groups to design and implement innovative, evidence-based reforms to reduce jail populations and address systemic injustices. --- ## Due Dates - The Criminal Justice program is no longer accepting proposals; all final grants have been made. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical recent grants ranged from $500,000 to $975,000, often over 1–3 years. - Since 2013, the program invested over $411 million across 525 grants to 171 organizations. - Funding supported local governments, research institutions, advocacy organizations, and technical assistance providers. --- ## Eligibility - Previously, the program funded: - U.S. cities and counties working to reform local justice systems and reduce jail populations. - Nonprofit organizations providing research, technical assistance, advocacy, or communications support related to criminal justice reform. - National professional and policy organizations mobilizing system actors and communities. - The program is now closed to new applicants and not accepting proposals. --- ## Application Process - Proposals are no longer being accepted. - When active, applicants typically submitted ideas through the [MacArthur Foundation’s online portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). - Funding decisions were based on alignment with the Safety and Justice Challenge goals and the potential for scalable, evidence-based reform. --- ## Additional Information - The program focused on reducing jail populations, eliminating racial and ethnic disparities, supporting research, and broadening public understanding of the harms of jail overuse. - Evaluation and learning were integral, with public reporting on outcomes and lessons learned. - The Foundation continues to welcome thoughts and input on criminal justice reform, though not through formal grant applications. --- ## External Links - [Criminal Justice Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/criminal-justice/) - [Grant Guidelines (archived)](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/criminal-justice/grant-guidelines) - [Safety and Justice Challenge](http://www.safetyandjusticechallenge.org/) - [All Criminal Justice Grants](https://www.macfound.org/grants/?program=102194) - [MacArthur Foundation Grants for Grantseekers](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | | Email | 4answers@macfound.org | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | For commentary or input on criminal justice issues (not proposals): etwyman@macfound.org ---

Criminal Justice

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