Stand by the Badge: Peer Support for Law Enforcement Grant Program

The Kentucky Office of the Attorney General is offering the Stand by the Badge: Peer Support for Law Enforcement 2026 Grant Program to support the mental health and wellness of law enforcement officers and corrections personnel throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The initiative was announced by Attorney General Russell Coleman and is funded through a subaward from the nonprofit Attorneys General Alliance. The program recognizes that law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to traumatic incidents and occupational stress at significantly higher rates than the general public. Through this initiative, the Office of the Attorney General seeks to strengthen peer support systems that provide confidential, experience-based assistance to officers facing chronic stress, personal crises, or work-related trauma. The program is intended to increase access to wellness resources, reduce stigma surrounding officer mental health, and improve long-term resilience within public safety agencies. Eligible applicants include local and state law enforcement agencies in Kentucky, state and local correctional facilities, regional law enforcement associations, and nonprofit first responder peer support organizations serving law enforcement officers. Regional collaborations are encouraged, including multi-agency peer support teams and law enforcement associations operating at a regional level. Nonprofit applicants that receive funding must provide proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must also be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State where applicable and enrolled as vendors in the Kentucky eMARS system before award execution. Private individuals are not eligible to apply independently, although they may collaborate with eligible organizations on project development and implementation. The program provides grants of up to $5,000 per eligible recipient with a grant performance period lasting 12 months from the date of disbursement. Funding will be provided upfront upon approval of the proposed project rather than on a reimbursement basis. Funds may be used to develop a new peer support team or expand an existing program. Allowable expenses include training related to peer support and wellness, travel associated with training, equipment used primarily for peer support team operations, supplies, promotional materials, contractual services, and personnel costs such as overtime directly tied to implementation of peer support activities. The program specifically allows overtime for peer support specialists and recognizes that specialized peer support activities may occur outside regular duty assignments. Funds must be used solely for peer support operations and may not generate profit for recipients. The Notice of Funding Opportunity also outlines several prohibited expenses and restrictions. Funds may not be used for real estate acquisition or capital improvements, fundraising activities, lobbying, entertainment, gift cards, criminal investigations or prosecutions, alcohol or food expenses, or unrelated technology purchases. Salaries or expenses unrelated to the operation of the peer support team are also prohibited. Costs incurred outside the approved project period are ineligible. Any modifications to the approved project scope or budget require prior written approval from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General and requests must be submitted at least 60 days before the end of the grant period. Noncompliance with program requirements may result in repayment obligations. Applications opened on May 1, 2026, and must be submitted no later than June 15, 2026. The application is available through the Kentucky Attorney General website. Applicants are required to complete all application questions fully and submit detailed project information, including a project title, proposed project summary, service area, intended beneficiaries, budget narrative, implementation timeline, collaborating agencies, and personnel information. The budget narrative must explain all proposed costs, include calculations supporting budget estimates, and demonstrate how each expense contributes directly to project goals. Applicants must also identify key personnel responsible for project implementation, financial management, and reporting responsibilities. Successful applicants will be required to submit both interim and final reports containing financial and programmatic information documenting project activities, expenditures, and outcomes. Interim reports are due six months after disbursement of funds and final reports are due twelve months after disbursement. The Office of the Attorney General indicates that reporting will focus on measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship of grant funds. Award decisions are expected approximately 45 days after the application window closes. The primary contact for the funding opportunity is Debbie Abreu, who can be reached at debbie.abreu@ky.gov or by phone at (502) 696-5416 for questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, or program administration. The program appears to be a new initiative launched in 2026, though the Attorney General expressed interest in creating a sustained focus on officer wellness and peer support across Kentucky law enforcement agencies.

Demonstrate a clear connection between requested expenses and peer support program objectives. Provide detailed budget calculations and explain how each cost supports officer wellness outcomes. Emphasize operational readiness, collaboration among agencies, and sustainable peer support capacity.