The Urban Institute and Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative collaboratively aim to address inequalities within the criminal legal system emphasizing on racism and racial biases that lead to disproportionate harm to communities of color, particularly the Black community. Their mission encompasses using data and technology to forward racial equity and reform, especially at the initial stages of the adult criminal legal system.
The Catalyst Grant Program is designed to support nonprofits in their quest to utilize data and technology to advance racial equity and reform within the adult criminal legal system. It aims at preventing unnecessary system involvement and decreasing racial and ethnic disparities, particularly in policing and prosecution. The program encourages applicants to undertake local projects that align with the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative's focus areas. Grantees will benefit from financial support, expert project assistance from Microsoft and Urban, a community of like-minded nonprofits for collaboration, and a platform to amplify their project's impact nationally.