BJA FY25 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative

The Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) within the U.S. Department of Justice, supports a coordinated national effort to address the intersecting crises of mental illness, substance use, homelessness, and public disorder through justice system interventions. Law enforcement agencies often serve as the default first responders to behavioral health crises, a role that the initiative aims to reform by strengthening collaboration among public safety, mental health, and substance use agencies. The initiative is designed to create systemic alternatives to incarceration or hospitalization, emphasizing accountability, treatment adherence, and improved public safety. This funding opportunity promotes the creation and expansion of service networks in four key areas: crisis stabilization centers, treatment services, transitional housing access, and technology enhancements—particularly electronic health record (EHR) systems. These services are intended to provide pre-arrest and post-release support to individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others, who experience severe mental health conditions, or who are chronically unhoused and justice-involved. Awardees must serve as a structured alternative to jail or street settings, with crisis response systems accessible to law enforcement through no-refusal policies and dedicated intake procedures. Proposals must demonstrate a comprehensive continuum of care, from crisis through reentry. Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, as well as designated non-profit or for-profit mental health agencies, provided they are formally recognized by a state mental health authority. Applicants must submit documentation proving that both a justice agency and a behavioral health agency are formally committed to the initiative, with shared responsibilities articulated through a memorandum of understanding. Additional eligibility factors include a certification form required for state and local governments. Only one application is allowed per applicant, though subrecipients may be included in multiple proposals. The program includes a cost-sharing requirement that escalates over time. A 20% match is required for the first two years of the grant, and a 40% match is required for the third year. Matches may be satisfied through cash or in-kind contributions and must be clearly documented. The anticipated total available funding is $42 million, with up to 14 awards expected. Individual awards may be as high as $3 million, with a 36-month project period starting October 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted through a two-step process. First, applicants must submit a federal assistance form (SF-424) via Grants.gov by March 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET. The full application, including narrative, budget, certifications, MOUs, and other required materials, must then be submitted through the JustGrants system by April 6, 2026, 8:59 p.m. ET. A webinar will be scheduled to provide additional guidance on completing the application process. Each application will be reviewed based on responsiveness to the NOFO, strength of design, alignment with program priorities, and performance measurement strategies. This grant supports efforts that align with DOJ's broader mission of public safety, civil rights protection, and data-informed governance. Projects are evaluated based on strategic alignment with both agency and statutory priorities, including addressing homelessness, improving access to behavioral health services, and ensuring law enforcement coordination. Awardees must submit periodic performance and financial reports, a sustainability plan, and a final report detailing results. Recipients must also comply with federal civil rights and non-discrimination laws and may be required to demonstrate technical safeguards when using EHR systems or other technologies.

Address priority areas like enforcement, homelessness, and law enforcement coordination to improve funding chances.