FY26 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program

The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the U.S. Department of Justice. This office is responsible for advancing community policing practices nationwide by supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies through funding and technical assistance. The program reflects a federal priority to strengthen officer wellness and public safety by addressing the mental health needs of law enforcement personnel and their families. The initiative is grounded in statutory authority from federal crime control legislation and aligns with broader public safety and workforce resilience goals. The primary purpose of the program is to increase access to and delivery of mental health and wellness services for law enforcement personnel. Funding supports both the creation of new wellness programs and the expansion of existing ones, as well as a national-level initiative to facilitate peer learning and technical assistance. Activities supported under the program include peer support systems, counseling services, suicide prevention initiatives, stress reduction programs, training, and family support services. These efforts are intended to build a culture of wellness within agencies and improve outcomes for officers and the communities they serve. The program is structured into three funding categories. The first category provides start-up funding for agencies that do not yet have comprehensive wellness programs, with a focus on small or rural departments. The second category supports agencies with existing programs seeking to expand or enhance their services. The third category funds a national community of practice initiative that provides peer learning opportunities and technical assistance to current and future grantees. Each category has specific requirements and objectives, but all emphasize implementation of evidence-based or promising wellness practices. Funding is provided as grants for Categories One and Two and as a cooperative agreement for Category Three. Awards are anticipated to be up to 250000 dollars each, with a total program funding level of approximately 9000000 dollars. The period of performance is expected to be 24 months beginning on October 1, 2026. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity, which lowers barriers to entry for eligible applicants. Eligibility varies by category but primarily includes state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies with primary jurisdiction. Additional eligibility is extended in the third category to nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, institutions of higher education, and community or faith-based organizations. Applications must demonstrate alignment with program goals, including increasing agency capacity to provide wellness services, implementing peer support networks, and fostering a culture of mental health awareness. The application process involves a two-step submission. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by a full application submission through JustGrants. Required components include a proposal abstract, budget detail worksheet, budget narrative, and supporting documents such as timelines and, where applicable, memoranda of understanding. Category Three applicants must also submit a detailed proposal narrative and resumes for key personnel. Applications are evaluated based on responsiveness, alignment with program objectives, and the applicant’s capacity to implement the proposed project. Key deadlines include submission of the initial application in Grants.gov by July 30, 2026, and completion of the full application in JustGrants by August 5, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced on or after October 1, 2026. The program operates on an annual cycle and includes structured reporting requirements throughout the award period. For assistance, applicants may contact the COPS Office Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours.

Focus on demonstrating measurable wellness outcomes, strong implementation plans, and alignment with peer support and mental health priorities; ensure budget justification is detailed and allowable