NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Human Trafficking

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), under the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, is offering a funding opportunity focused on advancing research and evaluation efforts related to human trafficking. This initiative is designed to build upon decades of federally supported research, addressing persistent gaps in knowledge and emerging challenges, particularly those associated with trafficking along the Southern Border. NIJ, in partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime, seeks to generate evidence that informs criminal justice policy and enhances practical responses to trafficking in the United States. The program is structured around two primary categories. The first focuses on justice system responses to trafficking, including research on improving investigations, prosecutions, and disruption of trafficking networks, as well as rigorous evaluations of direct service programs for victims. The second category centers on the intersection of technology and trafficking, emphasizing research into both the technologies used by traffickers and those employed by law enforcement to investigate and build cases. Across both categories, applicants are expected to produce research that has a clear and measurable impact on policy and practice. Funding is provided through grants, with a total program allocation of 4,000,000 dollars. Individual awards may reach up to 3,000,000 dollars for Category 1 and 1,000,000 dollars for Category 2, with project periods of up to 60 months. Applicants are permitted to request less than the maximum amounts, provided budgets are reasonable and aligned with project scope. While matching funds are not required, applicants are encouraged to identify any voluntary contributions, which become binding if included in the approved budget. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as federal, state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities including small businesses. Collaborative applications are permitted, though a single lead applicant must be designated, with other partners included as subrecipients. Applicants may submit multiple proposals if each addresses a distinct project. The application process requires a two-step submission. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by June 8, 2026, followed by the full application in JustGrants by June 15, 2026. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, resumes, and various supporting documents such as a data management plan and statements addressing research independence and human subjects protections. The proposal narrative must clearly outline the problem statement, research design, expected impact, and organizational capacity. Applications will undergo a multi-stage review process. Initial screening ensures compliance with basic requirements, followed by a peer review evaluating criteria such as project design, impact, and applicant capabilities. Additional programmatic and financial reviews are conducted before final award decisions are made by the NIJ Director. Successful applicants are expected to produce a range of deliverables, including interim and final research reports, scholarly publications, and data sets for archiving. Key dates include a release date of May 4, 2026, and anticipated project start dates of January 1, 2027. Award recipients must adhere to reporting requirements, including quarterly financial reports and semi-annual performance reports. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov or by phone at 800-851-3420. The program reflects NIJ’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and advancing scientific knowledge to combat human trafficking effectively.

Ensure strong rigorous research design aligned with policy impact clearly connect methodology to outcomes demonstrate prior experience and include detailed dissemination plans