Prison Reform and Ex-Offender Programs Grants for Nonprofits

GrantStation’s exclusive database features 185 active funding opportunities giving towards this area of interest, all accepting requests from new grantseekers!

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Charles Hayward Foundation

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Application Deadline:

January 30, May 22, and September 18, 2026

The Charles Hayward Foundation provides support to charities registered in the U.K. for projects in the British Isles and the Commonwealth Countries of Africa.

The Foundation provides…

Human Rights Protection Fund

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Application Deadline:
  • Relief Grants and Family Reunion Grants: None
  • Bursaries Fund: May 31, annually

The Human Rights Protection Fund (formerly Prisoners of Conscience) is a UK-based charity providing both financial and practical assistance to prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders.…

Venable Foundation

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Application Deadline:

February 1, June 1, and September 1, annually

Average Grant:
$10000

The Venable Foundation is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of the communities where the company's clients and professionals work and live, including Los Angeles and San…

Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis

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Application Deadline:
  • Congregation Mini-Grants: Rolling/accepted throughout the year
  • Lutheran Education Mini-Grants: March 1, annually
  • Regular Grants: June 1 and December 1, annually
     
Grant Range:
$10000 - $200000

The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis provides support to Christian churches and nonprofit organizations in the St. Louis, MO, area who are working to improve the physical, mental, and spiritual…

A.J. Muste Foundation for Peace + Justice

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Application Deadline:
  • May 4 - May 8, 2026 by 4 p.m.
  • June 1 - June 5, 2026 by 4 p.m.
  • July 6 - July 10, 2026 by 4 p.m.
  • Applications are accepted during the first full week of each month.

The A.J. Muste Foundation for Peace + Justice supports grassroots movements committed to advancing human rights, building equality, and dismantling systems of social, economic, and political…

The Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Letters of intent: June 15, annually
Invited applications: August 1, annually

Grant Range:
$12771 - $672509
Average Grant:
$342640

The Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation aims to improve the economic well-being, social conditions, and civil liberties of disadvantaged persons and groups in the…

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center

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Application Deadline:

Letters of intent are accepted from June 1 to June 15, annually. 

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center works to eradicate systemic injustices in the United States through litigation, advocacy, education, and grantmaking. 

Grants are awarded to…

The Abell Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Small Grants: Rolling deadline
  • Regular Grants: January 1, March 1, May 1, July 15, and October 1, 2026
Grant Range:
$188 - $300000
Average Grant:
$34168

The Abell Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life in Maryland, with a particular focus on Baltimore. Support may be provided throughout Maryland for efforts to preserve…

The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. There is thus a notable demand for work in both the fields of prison reform as well as ex-offender programs. There are many nonprofits that take up these kinds of missions, supported by generous funding provided by prison reform grants. 

These grants can be used for all kinds of purposes. This can include job training and mentorship for prisoners reentering the general population, or policy advocacy efforts for prison reform, as well as legal aid and civil rights support. 

There are many different organizations that might provide these kinds of grants. This includes many private foundations, such as the MacArthur Foundation or the Public Welfare Foundation. 

When drafting prison reform grant proposals, it's essential to use data to back up your claims. You need to prove there is a distinct need within your targeted community, that your nonprofit is uniquely suited to address. Relevant statistics could include information on recidivism rates, incarceration and the demographics of prisoners. Good places to start looking for this kind of information could include the Bureau of Justice Statistics or the National Reentry Resource Center. 

If you need more information on drafting great grant proposals, then make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also browse a selection of prison reform grants right here, all open for applications.