Funding search · criminal justice reform · Kentucky
Who funds criminal justice reform work in Kentucky
15 funders have a record of paying for criminal justice reform work by Kentucky recipients: 35 grants totaling $4.4M, most recently in 2024 — mostly grantmaking charities, which often run real application cycles. The largest by matched giving are John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated) ($1.1M), The Just Trust for Action ($470,000) and The Just Trust for Education ($800,000).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to Kentucky recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation (Consolidated)Chicago, IL
5 matching grants · $1.1M · through 2024Largest: $250,000 to Council of State Governments — to support its continued participation as a strategic ally and focus on reducing the over-incarceration of people with serious mental illness.
The Just Trust for ActionDurham, NCCharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $470,000 · through 2024Largest: $120,000 to AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF KENTUCKY — project support for criminal justice reform advocacy in colorado
The Just Trust for EducationDurham, NCCharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $800,000 · through 2023Largest: $400,000 to FOUNDATION FOR APPALACHIAN KENTUCKY — project support for criminal justice reform in kentucky
Largest: $500,000 to FOUNDATION FOR APPALACHIAN KENTUCKY — core support for the sycamore fund to reduce the region's reliance of incarceration and to support approaches to safety that build community wellbeing, including access to harm red…
Largest: $20,000 to OPERATION OPEN ARMS INC — less restrictive approach for children whose mother's are seeking rehabilitation over incarceration
Hands Healing HeartsFrankfort, KYCharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $280,875 · through 2024Largest: $200,625 to WANDA JOYCE ROBINSON FOUNDATION — wanda joyce robinson foundation (wjrf) uses the grant to support personnel involved in their program serving children of incarcerated parents.
Largest: $150,875 to ST CLAIRE HEALTHCARE — to provide support to implement the first day forward program with men and women incarcerated for misdemeanor charges who self-identify as having substance use disorder. pathways p…
Justice Action NetworkWashington, DCCharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $100,000 · through 2022Largest: $50,000 to Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation — partner support - criminal justice reform
Largest: $75,000 to THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS — to support successful reentry in the wake of covid-19 and improve the health and safety of people living and working behind walls.
Solidago FoundationNorthampton, MACharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $50,000 · through 2022Largest: $25,000 to LIFE COACH EACH ONE TEACH ONE REENTRY FELLOWSHIP — programmatic support
The Kentucky Bar FoundationFrankfort, KYCharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $20,000 · through 2024Largest: $10,000 to Kentucky Innocence Project — criminal justice
Social & Environmental EntrepreneursCalabasas, CACharity · may take applications
1 matching grant · $50,000 · through 2023Largest: $50,000 to NEW LEGACY REENTRY CORP — collaboration grant
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Start with one paperBroader: criminal justice reform funders nationally · all Kentucky-based grantmakers