OJJDP FY 2026 Attorney General Alliance Child ID Kits Invitation to Apply

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, has released the “Attorney General Alliance Child ID Kits Invitation to Apply” grant opportunity to support child safety initiatives across the United States. The funder plays a critical role in improving public safety and ensuring justice for America's youth. This grant aligns with the department's overarching mission by enhancing the resources available to law enforcement and child protection services. This particular funding opportunity focuses on supporting the purchase and distribution of inkless child identification kits. These kits, deployed in partnership with State Attorneys General’s offices, are intended to include fingerprinting materials, photographs, emergency contact information, and potentially DNA sample components. The primary goal is to distribute these kits to local law enforcement, who can then provide them to parents or guardians, enabling quick and efficient identification of children in the event of emergencies, abductions, or missing child incidents. With a total program funding allocation of $10 million and only one award expected, this is a highly targeted and discretionary opportunity. The funder does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, making the program financially accessible to the designated recipient. The single eligible applicant for this funding opportunity is the Attorney General Alliance, as specified in the eligibility section of the grants notice. As such, broader eligibility categories typical in federal grants do not apply here. This exclusivity ensures streamlined coordination between the OJJDP and state legal offices through the Attorney General Alliance network. Applications are currently being accepted, with a very short submission window. The solicitation was posted on March 13, 2026, and the deadline for application submission is March 19, 2026. There are no pre-application requirements or gating documents indicated, such as letters of intent or concept papers. Given the narrow applicant pool and brief timeline, it is implied that the grantor expects pre-coordination or prior knowledge of the opportunity on the part of the recipient. Evaluation criteria are not detailed in the synopsis, but due to the highly specific eligibility and program scope, evaluation may primarily focus on the applicant’s capability to distribute the kits efficiently and coordinate with law enforcement across multiple states. The grant notice does not specify the award notification timeline or performance period, and no information is provided about whether the opportunity recurs. There is also no direct PDF link included in the announcement, nor are there any listed previous recipients or sample application components. For assistance or access to the full announcement, applicants are directed to contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via email at [email protected]. As the opportunity appears to be invitation-only and non-competitive in the conventional sense, the communication channel likely serves to resolve technical issues or provide administrative clarification.