Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation: Criminal Justice Grants

Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation: Criminal Justice Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation
Last Updated: November 09, 2025

Summary

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Criminal Justice Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With an emphasis on effective programs and support services, the foundation seeks to address the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

Overview

Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is our mission to award grants to organizations and institutions doing work that will have a tangible impact on the field of mental health. Our vision is a better world, where those afflicted with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder might no longer feel the isolation so often associated with the disease. Every grant the foundation awards starts with a single question: “Would this have benefited Sidney?” Our namesake was a member of the well-known family who founded the Stix Baer and Fuller department store chain. A brilliant businessman who was only limited by his illness, Sidney accumulated a great deal of wealth in his lifetime, but no amount of money was enough to soothe the overwhelming struggles associated with his schizophrenia. In honor of Sidney R. Baer, Jr., the foundation has identified five grant segments where we believe our funds will make the biggest difference for those suffering from serious mental illness. Education, criminal justice, reintegration, clinical research, and social support are all aspects of Sidney’s day-to-day life where greater access to understanding and resources would have improved his quality of life Criminal Justice Grants According to a study cited by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, an estimated 2 million individuals suffering from serious mental illness are jailed each year. Despite the fact that most of these individuals are arrested for nonviolent crimes like trespassing, disturbing the peace, or drug use; research shows that mentally ill inmates tend to be incarcerated for longer, return to prison more frequently, and cost more to incarcerate than those without mental illness. Sidney R. Baer, Jr. himself is a part of this statistic. From pre-arrest treatment options to training for law enforcement officials and discounted specialized legal services, it is the goal of The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation to provide grants to the organizations and individuals who are striving to make a difference in this area of the mental health field.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Qualifying organizations must have tax-exempt status under IRS sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2). They must agree to expend no more than seven percent of the received fund on the organization’s administrative expenses and the primary focus of the application should be programs concentrating on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.There is no geographic restriction within the continental US.

Ineligibility

No grants will be made for international activities or to foreign charitable institutions.No grants will be made directly to individuals or to medical researchers.No grants will be made for current operating funds, annual fund-raising drives, or for the establishment of, or additions to, endowments.No grants will be made for charitable needs beyond the scope of the Foundation’s missions including intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, drugs and alcohol addiction.We do NOT fund 509(a)(3) supporting organizations, private foundations, or private operating foundations.