The Urban Institute has partnered with the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative to present the Catalyst Grant Program. The program supports local level projects using data and technology to reform the adult criminal justice system. Projects should focus on Prevention, Policing, or Prosecution.
Applications for up to $40,000 plus additional benefits are due by November 17, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET. Awards will be announced in April 2024 and the grant period will be May – December 2024.
Eligibility
Lead Applicant
This grant is open to locally based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, except colleges and universities.
Partners
Partners provide personnel or expertise crucial to achieving project goals. Partners may include:
- Nonprofit organizations with or without a 501(c)3 status
- For-profit companies
- Local or state governments
- Colleges or universities
- Individuals
Partners must be listed on the application and provide a letter confirming their commitment to the project.
Projects
Submitted projects do not have to include new programs or activities. However, they must:
- Focus on adults aged 18 and older
- Focus on the front end of criminal justice system, not the formerly incarcerated
- Advance racial equity
- Incorporate data and technology
- Be locally focused in a specific neighborhood, city, county, or tribal area
Allowable Expenses
Grant funds may be used for:
- Staff salaries
- Intern or fellow stipends
- Payment of consultants or partners
- Data and technology training
- Hardware
- Software licenses
- Supplies
- Overhead expenses (up to 20% of award budget)
Use of Data and Technology
Applicants are encouraged to use innovative strategies for incorporating data and technology in their projects. Some potential applications include:
- Data acquisition
- Data analysis
- Designing online tools
- Creating data-based educational materials
- Creating an app
- Informing and organizing committees
- Facilitating reform measures for government officials
Awardees are not required to use Microsoft products, but use of their products will make products eligible for additional in-kind technology access and support.
