Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program

The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), administered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP), is a federally funded initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and addressing related public safety concerns. Authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022, this program aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice’s strategic mission to support state, local, and tribal efforts to mitigate crime and violence through targeted interventions. The program specifically focuses on risk factors leading to firearm-related offenses and seeks to address them through structured, evidence-based programming. Funding priorities for this cycle were established by the state’s Crisis Intervention Advisory Board and include court-based diversion programs, behavioral threat assessment protocols, mobile crisis response teams, and support for behavioral health interventions. Notably, the Board encourages proposals that prioritize youth gun violence prevention within these categories. The program supports specialized treatment courts—including drug, mental health, and veterans courts—particularly those that serve individuals with firearm violations. Additionally, behavioral health responses may be supported through mobile crisis units, peer support specialists, crisis call centers, and stabilization services. Training and technology to improve law enforcement's response to behavioral health crises are also allowable uses of funds. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local units of government (cities, counties, and towns), tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Law enforcement agencies, such as police and sheriffs' departments, may not apply directly but can be the implementing agency under a city or county’s legal application. Similarly, local courts must apply through their governing local government, while state courts are eligible to apply directly. Solicitors' offices must apply via a lead county that manages the financial and audit responsibilities of the grant. Each application must name a Project Director, Financial Officer, and Authorized Official, and adhere to strict budgeting and record-keeping requirements. Projects may be funded for up to three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance each year. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. At least 40% of South Carolina's total SCIP allocation must be awarded to local programs. There is no matching requirement for this solicitation, and all funds are provided as federal subawards through OHSJP. Permissible costs include personnel, equipment, supplies, training, and technical assistance, provided they support a program within the defined priority areas. Grant funds may not be used to supplant existing funding or for prohibited expenses such as gift cards, food and beverages, or unmanned aircraft systems. Compliance with lobbying restrictions and anti-supplanting assurances is mandatory. Applications must be submitted using the IntelliGrants platform by April 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Supporting materials, including letters of support, can be uploaded with the application. Early registration for new users is due by March 27, 2026. OHSJP staff and the Crisis Intervention Advisory Board will review applications based on program definition, impact, feasibility, evaluation metrics, and the likelihood of program sustainability within three years. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by October 2026. The award performance period will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Contact points for programmatic and financial questions are provided within the solicitation, and applicants are encouraged to seek pre-submission technical assistance.