Funding search · criminal justice reform · Wisconsin
Who funds criminal justice reform work in Wisconsin
12 funders have a record of paying for criminal justice reform work by Wisconsin recipients: 27 grants totaling $3.5M, most recently in 2024 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated) ($2.1M), Public Welfare Foundation ($758,000) and Greater Milwaukee Foundation ($143,000).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to Wisconsin recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated)Chicago, IL
5 matching grants · $2.1M · through 2024Largest: $957,500 to County of Milwaukee Wisconsin — to support participation as a core implementation site in the safety and justice challenge, the foundation's criminal justice reform initiative aimed at reducing over-incarceration…
Largest: $225,000 to EX-incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) — support for the free project at ex-incarcerated people organizing, to ensure women in milwaukee have access to, and the ability to advocate for, quality maternal health care in car…
Greater Milwaukee FoundationMilwaukee, WICharity · may take applications
3 matching grants · $143,000 · through 2024Largest: $109,100 to ADVOCATE HEALTH — evaluating a unique healthcare model to meet the needs of individuals post-incarceration
Largest: $82,398 to PROJECT RETURN — re-entry services for formerly incarcerated people, operating support
Largest: $4,000 to PROJECT RETURN INC — supporting the successful re-entry of formerly incarcerated people
Widen Family FoundationCottage Grove, WI
2 matching grants · $80,000 · through 2023Largest: $70,000 to MADISON-AREA URBAN MINISTRY INC (DBA JUST DANE) — resources for individuals returning to the community after incarceration
State VoicesWashington, DCCharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $48,000 · through 2023Largest: $33,000 to EX-INCARCERATED PEOPLE ORGANIZING — public education and nonpartisan civic engagement
Amalgamated Charitable FoundationWashington, DCCharity · may take applications
1 matching grant · $18,000 · through 2022Largest: $18,000 to EXPO (EX-INCARCERATED PEOPLE ORGANIZING — general operating support
Largest: $10,000 to CENTER FOR COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP - JUST MINDFULNESS — two retreats and mental health counseling for formerly incarcerated
Largest: $6,000 to THE VIVIAN FOUNDATION — support children of incarcerated parents
Largest: $2,655 to Community Warehouse — to support people impacted by incarceration
Largest: $7,500 to DISMAS MINISTRY — funding for catholic faith formation resources for program facilitating the spiritual rehabilita-tion of men and women incarcerated in prison
This is one topic and one state. PaperOrbit reads your actual paper and searches on everything in it — then explains why each funder fits.
Start with one paperBroader: criminal justice reform funders nationally · all Wisconsin-based grantmakers