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, is a grant initiative dedicated to preventing and responding to wandering incidents involving individuals with forms of dementia or developmental disabilities. This funding opportunity for fiscal year 2025 seeks to enhance public safety and reduce fatalities or injuries that occur when vulnerable individuals leave safe environments. The program is named in honor of two children who tragically died after wandering due to their respective conditions. Through this initiative, BJA aims to support law enforcement, healthcare, and other safety organizations in deploying technology and prevention programs to locate and protect at-risk individuals. This grant offers funding for local efforts to both prevent wandering and quickly locate individuals who go missing. Eligible uses include the development or enhancement of local programs, training for caregivers and first responders, and implementation of tracking technologies that enable quick recovery of missing individuals. Grantees may also conduct outreach, public education campaigns, and community collaborations to increase awareness and support. Importantly, the program emphasizes solutions that are non-restrictive, person-centered, and designed to uphold individual dignity while improving safety outcomes. The anticipated award ceiling is $150,000 per project for up to a 36-month period, with approximately 16 awards expected and a total available funding pool of $2,438,604. While no cost sharing or match is required, applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that are feasible and commensurate with their capacity to manage and implement the project. Awards are made through a competitive review process and applicants are advised to clearly address the program’s goals and objectives in their proposals. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state, county, and local governments; tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (both with and without IRS 501(c)(3) status); healthcare agencies; and other units of local government. Notably, state and local government applicants must submit a specific certification form included in the application materials. The program is national in scope, and applicants may submit more than one proposal if each targets a distinct project. Applications follow a two-step submission process. First, applicants must submit an SF-424 form via Grants.gov by February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The second step involves submitting the full application package through the JustGrants portal by February 27, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET. A pre-application webinar will be announced on the BJA’s Upcoming Events page to assist interested applicants. Required components include a proposal abstract, narrative, budget detail form, and additional attachments such as MOUs, informed consent forms (if applicable), resumes of key personnel, and certification forms for applicable government entities. Award recipients are expected to submit quarterly financial and semiannual performance reports, and must adhere to all DOJ regulations, civil rights compliance obligations, and post-award requirements. The performance period begins October 1, 2025, and spans three years. While this solicitation is tied to fiscal year 2025, the program may offer additional funding in future years depending on availability and performance. Applicants are advised to consult the Application Resource Guide and adhere closely to the NOFO instructions, especially where differences may arise.

Clearly align goals and objectives with wandering prevention, tracking, and training priorities; articulate public safety and rescue impact.