Byrne JAG Local Law Enforcement Grant

The Byrne JAG Local Law Enforcement Funding Opportunity is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR) and provides federal funds to municipal police departments across Massachusetts. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. It is designed to support local law enforcement in addressing critical, unmet public safety needs within the communities they serve. While this grant is contingent upon the availability of federal funds, it represents a vital investment in improving public safety outcomes through targeted interventions. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity are strictly limited to municipal police departments in Massachusetts. State agencies are explicitly excluded and are instead directed to apply under a separate Byrne JAG State Agency Funding Opportunity. To qualify, applicants must propose projects with a clear nexus to law enforcement or criminal justice, and must demonstrate a primary focus on addressing a specific unmet public safety need. Acceptable uses of funds include projects focused on prevention or intervention, diversion strategies, and suppression or enforcement efforts. The program’s priority areas include initiatives to combat drug use (including substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids), address human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault, reduce gang and gun violence, support missing person cases, investigate hate crimes, and enhance school safety and security. Funding can also be used for technology upgrades, investigative tools, and protective gear. The grant application timeline begins with the solicitation release on May 7, 2025. An applicant assistance webinar will be held on May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and the period for submitting questions runs through May 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The final deadline for submission is June 13, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. Awards are expected to be announced in July or August 2025, with the grant period running from September 2025 through August 31, 2026. Applicants must complete several documents as part of their submission, including the Byrne JAG Local Law Enforcement AGF, a Budget Worksheet, and a Subrecipient Risk Assessment Form. If the proposal involves interoperable communications projects, an Interoperable Communications Investment Proposal (ICIP) Form is also required. Questions and technical assistance are coordinated by the program coordinator, who can be contacted via email at james.houghton@mass.gov.