Ohio courts may be interested in a national grant opportunity that supports alternatives to incarceration.

According to a news release from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, its Safety and Justice Challenge will support cities and counties “seeking to create fairer, more effective local justice systems that improve public safety, save taxpayer money, and lead to better social outcomes.” The foundation notes that jail populations, and the cost to run them, have more than tripled since the 1980s.

The five-year, $75 million investment will fund up to 20 jurisdictions for “innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based solutions” to reduce the use of jails.

The MacArthur Foundation and a network of national experts will provide technical assistance to local judges, law enforcement, and other criminal justice partners “to reduce their use of jail incarceration, with a particular focus on addressing disproportionate impact on low-income individuals and communities of color.”

The foundation is accepting proposals until March 31. More information about the Safety and Justice Challenge, including instructions on how to apply, are available online.