Grants Advance Equity in the U.S. Criminal Legal System

Urban Institute: Catalyst Grant Program

Application deadline: November 22, 2024
Grant amount: $40,000 in grant funds and additional assistance and technology
Description: The Catalyst Grant Program is a collaboration between the Urban Institute and the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations in the United States to use data and technology to advance racial equity and reform in the adult criminal legal system. Support is provided for local projects that advance the focus areas of the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative, which include supporting policies, programs, and practices that prevent unnecessary system involvement and decrease racial and ethnic disparities at the front end of the criminal legal system (i.e., criminal legal system activities and relevant actors up to and including sentencing). Locally embedded 501(c)(3) organizations based in the U.S., excluding colleges and universities, are eligible to apply. The focus is on organizations embedded in communities of color, particularly Black communities. The Program provides funds to cover project costs, project implementation assistance, peer learning opportunities, and access to Microsoft technology and related support.