Grants & Funding

Listing on this site does not imply endorsement or verification. Users should independently verify nonprofit status, state registration, and conduct appropriate due diligence before engaging with any organization. Cold Case Resource Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any of the below entities.  

Each state offers its own programs, resources, and funding priorities, which can vary widely and change over time. Because opportunities differ across all 50 states, we recommend regularly checking your state’s official government websites and grant portals to identify programs that may support your specific needs or initiatives. 

Crowdfunding offers cold case investigations a meaningful opportunity to engage the public while securing supplemental financial support. Well-known platforms such as GoFundMe, along with other crowdfunding programs, enable community members to directly contribute to investigative needs such as forensic testing, public awareness efforts, or specialized analysis. Beyond funding, these platforms foster public participation and shared ownership in the pursuit of justice. However, reliance on crowdfunding can be unpredictable, requires transparency and oversight, and may raise equity concerns when cases with greater visibility receive more support than others. When used thoughtfully, crowdfunding can be a valuable complement, though not a replacement, to traditional investigative funding sources. 

JusticeDrive is a free crowdfunding platform maintained by Parabon NanoLabs that helps law enforcement and victim advocates raise funds for DNA‑related forensic services, including genetic genealogy, phenotyping, and kinship analysis. Parabon NanoLabs, a biotechnology company specializing in advanced DNA analysis, provides JusticeDrive as a community service to make cutting-edge forensic resources more accessible for cold cases and other criminal investigations. https://justicedrive.org

Season of Justice (SOJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping solve cold cases by providing critical funding where it’s most needed. Through grant programs, Season of Justice supports investigative agencies with advanced DNA analysis and forensic tools, including forensic genetic genealogy and next-generation sequencing, to help push long-unsolved violent crimes closer to resolution. It also offers financial assistance for families of cold case victims to fund public awareness campaigns and media strategies that can generate new leads and community engagement.  https://seasonofjustice.org

DNA Investigative Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses advanced DNA analysis and genetic genealogy to aid in the identification of unidentified human remains. support law enforcement investigations, and other services. The organization utilizes crowdfunding to help offset DNA laboratory testing costs, enabling the public to directly support the forensic work needed for their primary work in the identification of unidentified human remains.  https://dnainvestigativesolutions.com

Cold Case Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides law enforcement and qualified partners with funding opportunities to access advanced DNA testing and forensic investigative genetic genealogy for cold cases, missing persons, and unidentified remains. The organization helps offset costs for services such as DNA extraction and sequencing, and operates a nonprofit forensic DNA laboratory, Intermountain Forensics.  https://coldcasehelp.com/about-ccc-funding

Genealogy For Justice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports cold case and human trafficking investigations by assisting in raising and providing funding for genetic genealogy services, helping families and investigators access advanced DNA-based case work that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive. The organization advocates for victims and survivors and works through community fundraising efforts and memorial funds to help underwrite investigative genetic genealogy.  https://givebutter.com/genealogy-for-justice

Paid grant search services can also be a valuable option when seeking funding. These services specialize in identifying relevant grant opportunities, tracking application deadlines, and matching funding sources to specific programs or needs, which can save time and expand awareness of available resources. As with any professional service, it’s important to research providers carefully to identify those that best align with your goals, budget, and specific funding needs. 

You may also consider reaching out directly to private forensic laboratories that adhere to the FBI’s QAS (quality assurance and proficiency testing standards) and are accredited for submitting DNA profiles to the National DNA Index System (NDIS). Many private labs advertise free evidence review or case consultations, which can help determine whether evidence is suitable for testing before any financial commitment is made. These laboratories are often familiar with federal, state, and private grant programs commonly used to fund their services and can advise agencies on which funding sources may apply. Some labs also advertise assistance with grant writing, helping investigators align testing proposals with grant requirements and improve the likelihood of funding approval.