Byrne JAG State Agency Grant

The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) State Agency Opportunity is a competitive funding program administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR). It aims to allocate approximately $2,000,000 in federal funds received through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial JAG Program. The program is designed to assist Massachusetts State Agencies with a law enforcement nexus in addressing critical and unmet public safety needs within the state. Funds may be used for prevention, intervention, diversion, and suppression activities. Emphasis is placed on proposals that use evidence-based practices and data-driven strategies. Applicants can request up to $60,000 and must propose projects with a clear connection to criminal justice or law enforcement needs. Eligible uses of funding include technology upgrades, services, training, personnel support, and equipment. Priority areas for funding include combatting drug use, addressing human trafficking and domestic violence, reducing gang and gun violence, investigating missing persons cases, responding to hate crimes, enhancing school safety and security, and investing in interoperable communications technologies. To be eligible, applicants must be Massachusetts state agencies such as those under the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, sheriff’s departments, district attorney’s offices, or public college/university campus police departments. Only one application per agency is allowed. The application process involves submitting a detailed online application including a narrative with a needs assessment, project description, goals and outcomes, data collection plan, and a budget narrative. Applicants must also complete a Budget Excel Worksheet and may need to submit additional documentation such as a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement, a risk assessment form, and the Interoperable Communications Investment Proposal (ICIP) form if applicable. All proposals must avoid unallowable costs such as construction, entertainment, or food and beverages. The application period opens on May 7, 2025, and closes on June 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM. A virtual Application Assistance Webinar will be held on May 22, 2025, and written questions will be accepted through May 30, 2025. Answers to questions will be posted by June 2, 2025. Funding decisions are expected between July and August 2025, with the grant period running from September 2025 to August 31, 2026. Awards will be determined through a peer-review process based on criteria including need, program narrative, feasibility, and budget justification. Contact for the grant is James Houghton, the program coordinator, who can be reached via email at james.houghton@mass.gov. Participation in the webinar is voluntary, and OGR may adjust awards based on the availability of federal funds or additional JAG allocations. Applicants are encouraged to make cost-effective and clearly justified requests to increase competitiveness.