[Aspen Institute](https://www.aspeninstitute.org)

September 2026 (application deadline, projected)

Up to $1.5 million per site over five years, plus technical assistance

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. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $1.5 million per selected jurisdiction, distributed over five years - Includes expert technical assistance and support for planning, data analysis, and community engagement --- ## Eligibility - Targeted to mid-size and rural/micropolitan communities within the United States - Local governments, community-based organizations, and coalitions seeking to launch or expand justice collaboratives are encouraged to apply - Priority given to jurisdictions seeking to address the impact of punitive governance on low-income and communities of color --- ## Application Process - Prospective applicants should monitor the [program page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/criminal-justice-reform-initiative/cjri-programs/) for official announcements and application materials - The process typically involves submitting an application outlining the community’s needs, proposed collaborative structure, and commitment to data-driven, community-informed reform - Selected jurisdictions will engage in a planning period, conduct a Justice Audit, and develop a Justice Reinvestment Plan with Aspen’s technical support --- ## Additional Information - The program provides both financial support and hands-on technical assistance through partnerships with national experts - Emphasis is placed on transparency, accountability, and active community participation throughout the process - Justice Audits are tailored to each community and involve comprehensive, cross-sector data analysis --- ## External Links - [Aspen Institute Criminal Justice Reform Initiative](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/criminal-justice-reform-initiative/) - [Justice and Governance Partnerships program details](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/criminal-justice-reform-initiative/cjri-programs/) - [Justice Audit explained](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/the-justice-audit-explained/) - [Initial Lessons from the Field](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/publications/the-aspen-governance-and-justice-partnership-initial-lessons-from-the-field/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Name | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |----------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Christian Devers | Christian.Devers@aspeninstitute.org | (202) 736-5800 | [Contact Form](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/contact) | ---

Justice and Governance Partnerships

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