The Catalyst Grant Program for 2024-2025 is a collaborative initiative between the Urban Institute and the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative. This program aims to support organizations in utilizing data and technology to promote racial equity and reform within the criminal legal system, particularly at its initial stages. The Urban Institute is seeking project proposals that align with the focus areas of the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative, which emphasizes the importance of preventing unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system and reducing racial and ethnic disparities.

The primary goals of the Catalyst Grant Program include creating opportunities for nonprofit organizations that are embedded in their local communities to implement projects that leverage data and technology for advancing racial equity. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance the technological and data capabilities of these organizations through project assistance, peer-learning opportunities, and financial support. Another key objective is to disseminate innovative practices and lessons learned from the projects to stakeholders involved in criminal legal reform.

Organizations selected for the Catalyst Grant Program will receive $40,000 in funding to cover project implementation expenses. Participants will also benefit from light-touch expert assistance from the Urban Institute on matters related to data, policy, and community engagement. Furthermore, they will gain access to Microsoft technology and support, as well as opportunities for virtual peer-learning with Urban, Microsoft, and other awardees. The program also aims to amplify the work of the selected organizations through public communications, including blogs, webinars, and conference panels.

To be eligible for the Catalyst Grant Program, lead applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in the United States. Colleges and universities are not eligible to serve as lead organizations but may partner with eligible lead organizations. Additionally, organizations that are already executing a project funded by the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative as of January 2, 2025, are not eligible to apply as lead applicants but can participate as partner organizations.

The application process requires organizations to submit proposals that detail their project plans and how they align with the goals of the Catalyst Grant Program. Specific application questions and submission requirements are outlined in the program guidelines, which can be accessed through the Urban Institute's website.

Evaluation criteria for the proposals will focus on the potential impact of the projects on racial equity and criminal justice reform, the feasibility of the proposed plans, and the capacity of the organizations to implement the projects effectively.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Catalyst Grant Program is November 22, 2024. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the program details and prepare their proposals in advance of this deadline. For further information, organizations can reach out to the Urban Institute via the provided contact email.