State Aid to Localities with Police Departments '599'– FY2026

The funding opportunity titled "State Aid to Localities with Police Departments '599'– FY2026" is managed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). This program is designed to distribute state aid to localities with police departments in Virginia, as outlined in the Code of Virginia § 9.1-165 through § 9.1-172. For the fiscal year 2026, the General Assembly and Governor have allocated a total of $229,650,081. The purpose of these funds is to support local police departments by supplementing, not replacing, local funds dedicated to public safety services. Eligibility for the "599" funds requires that a locality must have a police department as defined by the Code of Virginia. All law enforcement personnel within these departments must meet the state's minimum training requirements. Localities must certify their compliance with these requirements to DCJS annually. Additionally, localities must submit accurate crime reports to the Virginia State Police and ensure sex offender registrations are up-to-date. Non-compliance with these requirements can result in the withholding of funds. The distribution of "599" funds is typically determined by a formula set in the Code of Virginia. However, recent appropriations have been based on a standard percentage change from the previous fiscal year’s allocations. Funds are distributed quarterly via electronic funds transfers. The funding period for this opportunity spans from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. If a locality fails to meet eligibility requirements, funds may be suspended, and if compliance is not achieved by June 30, 2026, the locality forfeits the remaining funds. The eligibility process must be completed through the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) by 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025. This process is not an application for a grant but rather an eligibility certification. Localities must register in OGMS, select "599" from the funding opportunities, and complete various forms including the Certificate of Eligibility, Non-Supplanting Certification, and Crime Data and Sex Offender Registration Certification. Each form must be marked complete before submission. Technical assistance is available from DCJS staff, including Phyllis Vaughan and Tracy Matthews, who can be contacted via email or phone. For system-related inquiries, support is available through the OGMS support email. Additional resources and instructions can be found in the attachments and website links provided under the funding opportunity FO #548743.

Localities must register in OGMS, select "599" from the funding opportunities, and complete various forms including the Certificate of Eligibility, Non-Supplanting Certification, and Crime Data and Sex Offender Registration Certification. Each form must be marked complete before submission.