Apply for Community Safety and Justice Grant Program (US)

Borealis Philanthropy provides grant support to frontline organizations in the United States working to advance community safety, protect democracy, and strengthen belonging in communities most affected by criminalization. The funding supports approaches such as bail reform, mental health decriminalization, healing justice, alternatives to policing, and other community-led strategies that promote justice and safety.

The programme uses a multi-stage application process, beginning with an eligibility review. Eligible organizations may then submit a Letter of Interest and potentially advance to the full proposal stage.

What Are the Borealis Philanthropy Community Safety and Justice Grants?

The Borealis Philanthropy Community Safety and Justice Grants support organizations developing community-based solutions to address systems of criminalization, exclusion, and inequality across the United States.

The initiative focuses on strengthening communities by investing in strategies that promote:

• Community safety
• Justice reform
• Democracy protection
• Social belonging
• Healing and restoration
• Alternatives to traditional policing systems

Borealis Philanthropy believes that communities most affected by criminalization are best positioned to identify effective solutions and create safer, more equitable systems.

Funding Focus Areas

The programme supports organizations working in several key areas:

Bail Reform

Funding supports efforts to transform bail systems and reduce the negative impacts of pretrial detention.

Examples include:

• Advocacy for fairer bail policies
• Community-based support systems
• Reducing unnecessary incarceration

Mental Health Decriminalization

The programme supports alternatives to criminalizing people experiencing mental health challenges.

Activities may include:

• Community-based crisis response
• Mental health support systems
• Non-police intervention models

Healing Justice

Funding supports approaches that address harm through healing, accountability, and community care.

This may include:

• Trauma-informed programmes
• Community healing initiatives
• Restorative justice practices

Alternatives to Policing

The initiative supports strategies that create community-led approaches to safety.

Examples include:

• Violence prevention programmes
• Community safety models
• Non-carceral responses to harm

Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is intended for frontline organizations in the United States working directly with communities affected by criminalization.

Eligible organizations should demonstrate:

• A commitment to community-led safety solutions
• Work addressing criminalization and exclusion
• Experience supporting impacted communities
• Alignment with justice, democracy, and belonging goals

Organizations must complete the eligibility process before submitting a funding application.

Types of Support Available

Borealis Philanthropy provides support through multiple funding approaches:

Direct Grantmaking

Provides funding directly to organizations advancing community safety and justice initiatives.

Pooled Funding

Supports collaborative funding models, including initiatives such as the Just Futures Initiative, where multiple funders work together to support systemic change.

Innovation Funding

Supports emerging and experimental approaches that test new solutions.

Scaling and Replication Support

Provides resources for expanding successful community-based models across selected regions.

Why This Funding Matters

Many communities experience the effects of:

• Over-criminalization
• Mass incarceration
• Unequal access to safety resources
• Limited investment in community solutions

The programme recognizes that safety can be strengthened through:

• Prevention
• Community investment
• Healing practices
• Democratic participation
• Locally designed solutions

By supporting frontline organizations, the initiative aims to shift resources toward approaches that build long-term community resilience.

How to Apply

The application process involves several stages.

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Process

Organizations must first complete an initial eligibility review.

This process determines whether the organization meets the programme requirements.

Step 2: Submit a Letter of Interest

Organizations that pass the eligibility stage receive access to the Letter of Interest form.

Applicants should explain:

• Their mission and community work
• The issue they address
• Their approach to community safety and justice
• Expected impact

Step 3: Submit a Full Proposal

Selected applicants from the Letter of Interest stage will be invited to submit a detailed proposal.

The full proposal may include:

• Project description
• Organizational background
• Community impact strategy
• Implementation plan
• Funding requirements

Application Process Overview

1. Check organizational eligibility
2. Complete the eligibility review
3. Receive access to the Letter of Interest form
4. Submit Letter of Interest
5. Wait for selection decision
6. Submit a full proposal if invited

Tips for Applicants

Clearly Demonstrate Community Impact

Strong applications should explain:

• Who the organization serves
• How communities participate in decision-making
• What change the project aims to create

Highlight Community Leadership

Applications should show that affected communities are involved in designing and implementing solutions.

Connect Activities to System Change

Applicants should explain how their work contributes to broader changes in:

• Justice systems
• Public safety approaches
• Democratic participation

Avoid General Descriptions

Successful applications should provide specific examples of:

• Current programmes
• Community partnerships
• Measurable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does Borealis Philanthropy fund?

Borealis Philanthropy funds frontline organizations working on community safety, justice reform, democracy protection, and belonging in communities affected by criminalization.

2. What are the main focus areas of the grants?

The main focus areas include bail reform, mental health decriminalization, healing justice, and alternatives to policing.

3. Who can apply?

Organizations in the United States working directly with communities impacted by criminalization may apply if they meet eligibility requirements.

4. How does the application process work?

Applicants must first complete an eligibility process. Eligible organizations receive access to a Letter of Interest form, and selected applicants may then submit a full proposal.

5. Does Borealis fund only established organizations?

The programme supports frontline organizations advancing community-led solutions. Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

6. What types of projects are supported?

Supported projects include community safety initiatives, justice transformation efforts, healing programmes, democracy protection work, and innovative alternatives to policing.

7. Why does Borealis focus on community-led approaches?

Borealis believes communities most affected by criminalization are best positioned to identify the resources and strategies needed to create safety and justice.

Conclusion

The Borealis Philanthropy Community Safety and Justice Grants provide funding for organizations working to transform systems of criminalization and build stronger, safer communities. Through support for justice reform, healing approaches, and community-led safety solutions, the programme aims to strengthen democracy, belonging, and equitable access to safety across the United States.