Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative Catalyst Grant Program – Nov 22

Posted by Urban Institute on October 29, 2024

Urban Institute, Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative invite applications for Catalyst Grant Program

The Urban Institute and the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative are collaborating on the Catalyst Grant Program to help nonprofits use data and technology to advance racial equity and reform at the front end of the adult criminal legal system.

Catalyst Grant Program goals include the following: create a space for locally embedded nonprofit organizations to implement data- and technology- focused projects that advance racial equity and reform at the front end of the criminal legal system; enhance the technological and data capacity of nonprofit organizations focused on promoting justice and racial equity through project assistance, peer-learning opportunities, and financial support; and disseminate innovative practices and lessons learned during implementation to stakeholders throughout the criminal legal reform community.

Selected applicants will receive $40,000 in grant funds; assistance on data, policy, and community engagement from the Urban Institute; access to Microsoft technology and related support; and peer-learning opportunities.

Projects must focus on reform and racial equity at the front end of the criminal legal system (i.e., criminal legal system activities and relevant actors up to and including sentencing and activities to prevent unnecessary criminal legal system involvement). Projects must also incorporate data and technology and be locally focused.

Projects are not required to use Microsoft technology, though projects that use Microsoft technology in ways integral to the proposed data and technology activities will be eligible for additional in-kind technology access and support.

To be eligible, lead organizations must be locally embedded 501(c)(3) organizations based in the United States, excluding colleges and universities. There is a focus on those organizations embedded in communities of color, particularly Black communities. Lead organizations may include partner organizations that do not meet lead organization eligibility criteria.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Urban Institute website.

Deadline: November 22, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. ET