Technical Assistance Grants

The State Justice Institute (SJI) offers Technical Assistance (TA) Grants to support state and local courts in addressing specific challenges through expert-led assessments, strategic planning, and implementation support. These grants are intended to help courts diagnose critical issues, formulate evidence-based solutions, and initiate change processes that strengthen the administration of justice. SJI, established by federal statute in 1984, aims to improve the quality of justice in state courts and foster innovation through grantmaking and technical support. The TA Grant program aligns with SJI’s broader mission to enhance judicial administration and support courts in adopting practices that uphold constitutional and legislative mandates. TA Grants are capped at $75,000 and must be completed within 12 months. Funding can be used for consulting services, travel to examine programs in other jurisdictions, or both. However, funds may not be used for the salaries or benefits of court staff, purchasing or maintaining equipment, internet services, software licenses, meals, or trinkets unless explicitly pre-approved. The intent of the program is to supplement, not supplant, existing state or local funding, and to avoid supporting basic court operations. Remodeling court facilities is permitted only if it demonstrates innovative design or technology, or temporarily accommodates new personnel for demonstration programs. Applicants are required to contribute a 50 percent match of the SJI award amount, with at least 20 percent of the match in cash. For example, a request for $75,000 must be matched with $37,500, of which a minimum of $7,500 must be a cash contribution. Applications must be submitted through SJI’s Grant Management System (GMS) and must follow the guidance provided in the SJI Grant Application Guide. While the grant is open to various entities, SJI prioritizes awards to state and local courts, national judicial education and support organizations, and other eligible governmental units. TA Grant applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the urgency and relevance of the problem, the appropriateness of the proposed technical assistance, the qualifications of consultants, the applicant’s commitment to implementing recommendations, and the overall budget’s reasonableness. Additional considerations include subject matter diversity, geographic representation, financial support from other sources, and the project’s potential to benefit the federal courts or promote compliance with federal legal standards. SJI accepts applications on a quarterly basis, with deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. This schedule aligns with the federal fiscal year to ensure timely allocation of federal appropriations. The Board meets quarterly to decide on awards. SJI strongly encourages prospective applicants to consult with staff before or during the application process to confirm project alignment with program goals and clarify prohibited expenses. For inquiries, applicants may contact SJI at contact@sji.gov or call 703.660.4979. The headquarters is located at 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 340, Fairfax, VA 22033. Applicants are advised to begin preparations well in advance to accommodate the internal processes of securing consultants and executing project contracts.

Applicants are encouraged to contact SJI staff in advance to confirm project eligibility and avoid disallowed costs.