BJS FY25 State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has released its State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program for Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) for the upcoming funding cycle. This program supports state-level Statistical Analysis Centers by enhancing their capacity to collect, analyze, and disseminate data related to criminal justice systems. BJS, acting under the statutory authority provided by 34 U.S.C. §§ 10131–10132, aims to equip states with the resources needed to conduct evidence-based research, facilitate justice data-sharing, and support public policy improvements. SACs eligible for this opportunity must be authorized via state legislation or executive order and should demonstrate objectivity and independence, even if embedded within a larger operational agency. The purpose of this funding is twofold: to support core capacity-building projects that strengthen state infrastructure for justice statistics, and to fund special-emphasis projects aligned with national or BJS priority areas. Core projects may include analyses of incident-based crime data using NIBRS-compatible datasets, studies on criminal justice processes, or development of public-facing data dissemination platforms. Projects that analyze victim-offender relationships, property crime categorization, or the quality of criminal history records are also encouraged. Special-emphasis projects may target enhancements in data exchange with agencies such as courts, jails, or emergency rooms, or conduct in-depth research into recidivism, firearm offenses, and sentencing practices. Awards under this program are expected to range up to $225,000, with an overall program funding ceiling of $3,000,000 and an anticipated 38 awards. Core capacity-building projects may request up to $75,000 annually, while special-emphasis projects may request up to $150,000 annually. Applicants may propose multi-year projects (12 to 36 months), but funding beyond FY 2025 is not guaranteed. While there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, applicants are advised to provide a clear justification for all proposed expenditures. Projects must align with DOJ’s broader priorities, including combating violent crime and supporting victims, law enforcement, and vulnerable populations. To apply, interested SACs must submit the SF-424 via Grants.gov by February 24, 2026, and complete their full application in JustGrants by March 3, 2026. No pre-application such as a concept paper or LOI is required. Applications must include a proposal narrative outlining the problem, project design, expected impact, staff qualifications, and a plan for collecting performance metrics. Other required elements include a timeline of activities, budget detail form, Privacy Certificate, Human Subjects Protection documentation, and resumes of key staff. All materials must be submitted electronically, and applicants are encouraged to register early with both Grants.gov and JustGrants to ensure timely submissions. Applications will be reviewed first for basic eligibility and responsiveness, followed by merit review assessing alignment with program goals, strength of design, and potential impact. Awards will be issued as cooperative agreements, allowing substantial involvement by BJS during implementation. All recipients must provide quarterly and final financial and performance reports, and their final project outputs—including reports and data visualizations—must be submitted for review prior to public dissemination. This grant opportunity is part of BJS’s commitment to enhancing data-driven public safety practices and expanding access to reliable criminal justice data. By supporting SACs in advancing state and national analytical capabilities, the SJS program helps bridge the gap between data collection and public policy, ensuring that decision-makers have the tools they need to improve justice outcomes nationwide.

Provide a strong justification and long-term capacity-building plan; ensure proposal aligns with national priorities; review application checklist thoroughly.