Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), administered by the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission (GCC) within the Department of Public Safety, represents one of the most flexible and widely used criminal justice funding programs in the state. Funded through the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the JAG program provides federal resources to support various aspects of criminal justice systems at the state and local levels. This includes law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, prevention, and crime victim services. The 2025 funding opportunity continues the state’s commitment to advancing evidence-based, equitable, and community-centered justice programs across North Carolina. The JAG program is designed to allow eligible applicants significant flexibility in how they utilize grant funds, provided they align with one or more of the program's seven purpose areas: law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; planning, evaluation, and technology improvement; and crime victim and witness programs. For 2025, special consideration will be given to projects that support officer wellness, enhance community engagement, implement crime-reduction strategies, or address inequities in the criminal justice system. Eligible applicants include North Carolina-based state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and other entities with a demonstrated ability to carry out justice-focused initiatives. Law enforcement agencies, courts, detention centers, and treatment providers are all potential applicants. The maximum amount available for individual awards is $250,000, and there is no minimum award floor. Matching funds are not required. The grant performance period is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and all applicants must be able to obligate and expend funds within that timeframe. Applications must be submitted electronically through the NC Enterprise Business Services (EBS) system. The submission window opens December 1, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on January 31, 2026. Submissions must include a detailed program narrative, budget, performance measures, organizational documentation, and signed certifications. Required uploads include a Conflict of Interest policy, Travel Policy, indirect cost documentation (if applicable), and resumes or job descriptions for all key personnel. All applications must be complete at the time of submission. Proposals will be reviewed by peer reviewers and members of the GCC’s Justice Improvement Committee. Applications are evaluated based on program need, project design and implementation, alignment with JAG purpose areas, community impact, and fiscal responsibility. Programs that demonstrate data-informed planning and strong performance measurement strategies are highly encouraged. The funding recommendation process also takes into account past performance and geographic distribution of awards. Grant recipients will be required to report performance and financial data through the GCC system on a quarterly basis. Programs are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with their proposed objectives. Funded activities must comply with all applicable federal and state laws, including requirements related to civil rights, environmental protections, and conflict of interest. All subawards and procurements must follow competitive procurement standards and maintain appropriate documentation. Public acknowledgment of federal funding is required for all published materials or public announcements associated with the project.