This program is designed to support Tribal governments in exercising special Tribal criminal jurisdiction (STCJ) over non-Indians who commit certain crimes within Tribal jurisdictional boundaries. The covered crimes include assault on Tribal justice personnel, child violence, dating and domestic violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and protection order violations. Eligible applicants include governments of Indian Tribes with jurisdiction over Indian country and Tribal consortia. Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating their authority to apply, such as Tribal resolutions or equivalent legal documents.
The grant program offers an anticipated total funding of $8 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million. The funding period may span 24 to 60 months. These grants may be used to strengthen Tribal criminal justice systems, provide indigent criminal defendants with defense counsel, ensure proper jury selection processes, and uphold victim rights comparable to those described in federal law.
Applications will be scored on their proposal narrative (including purpose, implementation, and expected outcomes), budget alignment with proposed activities, and other required documentation. Proposals must be concise, formatted as specified, and include a summary data sheet, detailed budget narrative, and other components. A pre-application webinar will be held on April 1, 2025, and registration is recommended by March 25, 2025. Key deadlines are April 29, 2025, for Grants.gov submissions, and May 1, 2025, for JustGrants submissions.
To participate, entities must register with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants, ensuring all accounts are active and accurate. Assistance is available for technical difficulties during the registration or application processes. Applicants must also comply with federal civil rights laws and accessibility requirements, providing meaningful access to individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
Awardees are required to participate in OVW training, submit regular financial and performance reports, and comply with grant terms and conditions. Notifications regarding funding decisions are anticipated by October 1, 2025. This grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, and it encourages partnerships with other Tribal entities and service providers to maximize impact.
