BJA FY25 The Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities

The Kevin and Avonte Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) within the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, is designed to support local initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of injury or death among individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities who may wander from safe environments. This grant initiative underscores BJA's broader mission of promoting public safety and supporting vulnerable communities by funding technologies and programs that assist in locating at-risk individuals quickly and safely. With a total available funding amount of $2,438,604, the program reflects DOJ’s commitment to enhancing public safety and protecting civil rights. The grant funds can be used for purchasing, developing, or implementing tracking technologies to locate individuals with forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer's) or developmental disabilities (such as autism) who have a history or risk of wandering. In addition to technology acquisition, funding can also support community-based programs that prevent wandering, train caregivers and first responders, and increase public awareness. Applicants are encouraged to design solutions that avoid restrictive interventions, support families, and address the unique needs of at-risk individuals. The anticipated award ceiling is $150,000 per grantee, and projects may span up to 36 months. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities, such as state, county, city, and township governments; Native American tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; and nonprofits regardless of IRS 501(c)(3) status. Health care agencies and other local government units are also eligible. However, state or local government applicants must submit a certification form from their chief executive officer affirming compliance with federal immigration laws (8 U.S.C. § 1373). Failure to submit this certification renders the application ineligible for award. The application process consists of two distinct steps. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Second, the full application must be submitted through JustGrants by February 27, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET. There is no requirement for a pre-application such as a Letter of Intent. All applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration and UEI, and they must complete financial disclosure forms, a proposal abstract, and a detailed project narrative or question set within JustGrants. Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the applicant’s understanding of the problem, project goals and design, implementation plan, and organizational capacity. Priority consideration may be given to projects that support law enforcement operations, combat violent crime, or address human trafficking, child protection, and victim services. Applications that promote federal-state coordination and compliance with immigration law may also receive preference. Each application will be peer-reviewed and undergo further financial and programmatic review before a final funding decision is made by the Assistant Attorney General. Awardees will be notified through JustGrants and required to submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and a final report at the end of the grant period. Although no match is required, recipients must comply with all applicable federal civil rights laws, and data privacy protections must be in place for tracking device programs. Awards are expected to begin on October 1, 2025, and may be eligible for continuation based on future funding availability. Given its recurring nature, the program is expected to reopen in Winter 2027.

Submit SF-424 early; clearly link goals to program purpose; include training, outreach, and tracking activities; use performance data effectively.