Justice and Governance Partnerships
The Aspen Institute’s JGP program funds and guides mid-size and rural communities to reform justice systems using data-driven, collaborative, and community-informed approaches.
Funder: Aspen Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1.5 million per site over five years, plus technical assistance
Summary: Supports mid-size and rural communities in transforming local justice systems through collaborative, data-driven, and community-informed reforms.
Description
The Justice and Governance Partnerships (JGP) program, part of the Aspen Institute’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative, provides significant funding and technical assistance to mid-size and rural communities aiming to reform their local justice systems. The initiative focuses on the intersection of justice with other local government sectors—such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education—especially as these relate to low-income and communities of color.
JGP supports the formation of local justice collaboratives, comprehensive Justice Audits, and the development of actionable Justice Reinvestment Plans. The program emphasizes transparency, accountability, data-driven analysis, and deep community engagement to identify and reform punitive governance practices. The ultimate goal is to foster safer, more equitable communities by shifting away from crisis management governance toward prevention and opportunity.
