Funding search · criminal justice reform · Wisconsin
Who funds criminal justice reform work in Wisconsin
15 funders have a record of paying for criminal justice reform work by Wisconsin recipients: 40 grants totaling $5.1M, 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 ($1.0M) and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & ($903,976).
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…
United Way of Greater Milwaukee &Milwaukee, WICharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $903,976 · through 2024Largest: $419,385 to WISCONSIN COMMUNITY SERVICES INC — driver's license recovery,healthy youth initiative,youth enhanced support ,community reintegration services,criminal justice recovery services,reducing barriers to employment
Greater Milwaukee FoundationMilwaukee, WICharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $193,500 · 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: $65,000 to Racine Vocational Ministry Inc — to support the second chance prison reentry program
Largest: $4,000 to HOPE THROUGH RESTORATION — after incarceration housing & development
Largest: $30,000 to RACINE VOCATIONAL MINISTRY INC — second chance reentry program
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
Lakeshore Community FoundationManitowoc, WICharity · may take applications
1 matching grant · $72,185 · through 2024Largest: $72,185 to LAKESHORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION INC — $30,000 - john and kate miller impact fund: academic year 2023-2024, $685 - scholarships for students in criminal justice - law enforcement program, $32,000 - john and kate miller …
Largest: $18,359 to DANE COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL — to assist dane county with data collection for completing a randomized controlled trial and other research.
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Start with one paperBroader: criminal justice reform funders nationally · all Wisconsin-based grantmakers