BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program State Formula

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program – State Formula is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a division of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. The JAG program represents the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions and aims to support a wide variety of public safety and criminal justice initiatives. The FY25 JAG State Formula program offers formula-based financial assistance to state governments for a range of criminal justice system needs. The total funding allocated for this opportunity is approximately $199.2 million, with an anticipated award ceiling of over $20 million per eligible state. Awards under this program are designed to span a 48-month performance period, beginning on or about October 1, 2024. This program allows states to address critical gaps across multiple sectors of the justice system. Funding can support personnel, equipment, supplies, training, technical assistance, and development or enhancement of information systems. Eleven program areas are eligible for funding, including law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment, technology improvements, crime victim services (excluding compensation), mental health initiatives related to justice involvement, crisis intervention court models, and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS systems for public safety. The flexibility of the JAG program enables applicants to align their projects with state and local needs, provided they comply with the statutory requirements of the JAG legislation. Key requirements include compliance with reporting under the Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA), and consideration of pass-through requirements for states, such as the Variable Pass-Through (VPT) and Less-Than-$10,000 Allocation criteria. These ensure appropriate distribution of funds to units of local government. States may also see award reductions if they fail to comply with federal requirements under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), or DCRA. In addition, up to 10 percent of a JAG award may be used for administrative costs. Specific items, including unauthorized legal services for certain noncitizens and some technology purchases, may be prohibited unless a waiver is granted. Applications must be submitted in a two-step process: first, by submitting the SF-424 through Grants.gov by April 7, 2026 (11:59 PM ET), followed by submission of the full application in JustGrants by April 14, 2026 (5:00 PM ET). The application package must include a proposal abstract, proposal narrative, budget documents, certifications, strategic plan, and other required attachments depending on intended use of funds. States intending to use funding for purposes such as purchasing body armor or operating UAS must provide specialized certifications. A strategic plan covering 2024–2029 must also be submitted, or an annual update if the strategic plan was submitted in a prior cycle. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments, as defined to include the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this program. While the JAG program is not competitive, each application undergoes a technical review to ensure it meets administrative and statutory requirements. Incomplete applications or those that fail to meet federal or programmatic standards may be delayed or ineligible for funding release. For assistance, applicants can contact the OJP Response Center by phone at 800-851-3420 or by email at [email protected]. Assistance is also available through Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and JustGrants help desks, depending on the stage of submission. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid technical issues and to allow sufficient time for potential corrections. States may request waivers for certain deadlines or restricted purchases if they encounter technical difficulties beyond their control. Notification of awards will be provided through JustGrants, with award acceptance required within 45 days of notification. Funded programs must comply with all federal civil rights requirements and maintain rigorous financial and program management systems throughout the performance period.

Submit early to avoid deadline issues; ensure DCRA and strategic plan documents are current or funds will be withheld.