The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Grant Program (Cohort 3) is a funding initiative established under the State Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 154) to support federally recognized Indian tribes in California in addressing cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The program aims to enhance efforts in identifying, collecting case-level data, publicizing, investigating, and solving cases while also improving communication and cooperation between state, local, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the grant encourages culturally based prevention strategies and strengthened responses to human trafficking.
The grant is administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and follows a competitive application process. Eligible applicants must be federally recognized Indian tribes in California. Tribes may apply individually or as part of a collaborative proposal with other tribes. The total funding available for the program is $12,933,395, with different award tiers: Small Scope grants (up to $500,000), Large Scope grants (up to $1,000,000), and Collaborative grants (up to $2,000,000). The grant follows a reimbursement-based funding structure, meaning awardees must cover initial costs before seeking reimbursement.
Grant funds can be used for various activities such as mental health services, community healing initiatives, human trafficking prevention programs, and the reunification of Indigenous foster youth with their families. The funding may also be allocated toward promoting coordination between tribal and non-tribal law enforcement, legal clinics for tribal-state agreements, and investigative resources like DNA testing and case management systems.
The grant period runs from August 1, 2025, to January 31, 2029. The application process involves submitting proposals via the BSCC Submittable Application Portal by April 18, 2025. While a Letter of Intent is encouraged by February 21, 2025, it is not required. Grant applicants must attend a mandatory Virtual Grantee Orientation following the award announcement in July 2025. Funded projects are required to submit quarterly progress reports and undergo an evaluation to assess their impact.
BSCC will host two virtual grant information sessions on January 16, 2025, and March 5, 2025, to provide clarification on the grant process and eligibility. Additionally, technical assistance sessions are scheduled for March 6, 7, 26, and 27, 2025, to help applicants with submission requirements. Any questions must be directed to BSCC via email at mmip@bscc.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 445-5073.
Evaluation of applications will be based on criteria such as project need, project description, organizational capacity, data collection methods, and budget justification. The minimum threshold score for funding consideration is 40 out of 200 points. Awards will be determined in July 2025, with projects commencing in August 2025.
