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

No longer accepting proposals

Past grants ranged from $500,000–$975,000 per project; over $411M invested since 2013.

Supported local reforms, research, and communications to reduce over-incarceration and racial disparities in the U.S. justice system.

The program has made its final grants and is not accepting new applications.

--- ## Description The MacArthur Foundation's Criminal Justice grant program, primarily through the Safety and Justice Challenge, aimed to address over-incarceration and racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. justice system. The initiative focused on supporting cities, counties, and organizations to design and implement fair, equitable, and evidence-based reforms at the local level. Funding was also provided for research, experimentation, technical assistance, and communications to increase national demand for justice reform and change the public narrative around the use of jails. The program invested in a network of jurisdictions and organizations to reduce jail populations, eliminate disparities, and promote innovative solutions. It also supported national organizations in mobilizing stakeholders and amplifying the need for reform. The initiative placed particular emphasis on engaging community advocates, individuals with lived experience, and system actors as equal partners in reform efforts. --- ## Due Dates - The Safety and Justice Challenge and related Criminal Justice grant program have made their final grants and are **no longer accepting proposals**. --- ## Funding Amount - Past grant awards typically ranged from **$500,000 to $975,000** per project. - Since 2013, the program invested over **$411 million** across 525 grants to 171 organizations. - Funding supported local government agencies, research institutions, advocacy groups, and technical assistance providers. --- ## Eligibility - Previously eligible applicants included: - Cities and counties in the U.S. seeking to reform local justice systems. - Nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and advocacy groups providing technical assistance, data analysis, or communications support. - National professional and policy organizations working to mobilize system actors and communicate the need for reform. - The program prioritized projects that: - Sought to reduce jail populations and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities. - Engaged community advocates, people with lived experience, and justice system stakeholders. - Proposed innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based solutions. --- ## Application Process - The program is **no longer accepting new proposals**. - When active, applications were submitted through the MacArthur Foundation's online portal, often by invitation or through targeted calls for participation. - Prospective applicants were previously able to submit ideas or inquiries via the Foundation's online system. --- ## Additional Information - The Criminal Justice program was a ten-year "Big Bet" investment by the MacArthur Foundation. - Although new funding is not available, the Foundation continues to share evaluation findings and lessons learned from the Safety and Justice Challenge. - Interested parties can review previously funded projects and grantee publications for reference and research purposes. --- ## External Links - [Criminal Justice Grant Guidelines](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) - [Criminal Justice Strategy](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/criminal-justice/strategy) - [MacArthur Foundation Grantseeker Info](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | | Email | 4answers@macfound.org | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Program Feedback | etwyman@macfound.org (for thoughts on relevant issues, not proposals) |

Criminal Justice - MacArthur Foundation

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