Operation Drive Grant Program

The Operation Drive Program is a grant initiative administered by the Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrative Office (SCAO), specifically through its Field Services Division. The program is designed to support district and municipal courts in establishing structured intervention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of driver’s license suspensions among criminal defendants. The initiative is modeled after an existing program implemented by the 44th District Court in Royal Oak, Michigan, and reflects a broader judicial interest in reducing recidivism and improving compliance with court obligations related to traffic offenses. The primary purpose of the Operation Drive Program is to provide participants, typically individuals with pending misdemeanor charges related to traffic violations, with guidance and support to resolve the underlying issues that led to their license suspension or lack of licensure. These issues may include unpaid fines, unresolved warrants, missed court appearances, or failure to complete required documentation. The program emphasizes personal accountability while offering structured assistance to help participants regain lawful driving privileges and reintegrate into compliance with court and legal requirements. Funding under this program is intended to support the operational and administrative components necessary to implement such a program within eligible courts. Allowable uses of funds include personnel costs such as wages and fringe benefits, contractual services for case management and legal representation, and supplies. Supplies may include both administrative materials and participant-focused resources such as transportation assistance (e.g., rideshare credits or bus passes), driver training courses, and fees associated with obtaining driving records or completing road tests. All funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, requiring grantees to initially incur expenses and then seek reimbursement in accordance with SCAO guidelines. Matching funds or in-kind contributions are explicitly not required. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity are district and municipal courts within the state of Michigan. Programs must adhere to the Operation Drive Program Guide and align with the model and expectations established by SCAO. Applications must include a detailed budget and narrative explaining how requested funds will be used to support program objectives. Courts are expected to tailor their proposals while maintaining compliance with the overarching framework provided by SCAO. The application process requires submission through the WebGrants system by the stated deadline. Applicants must prepare and submit a complete proposal, including budget documentation and program design elements. Additionally, grantees are required to commit to ongoing reporting obligations, including quarterly progress and financial reports. These reports must detail implementation status, expenditures, and any challenges or delays encountered during the grant period. The timeline for the grant cycle spans from the application opening on September 30, 2025, through the grant period ending on September 30, 2027. Applications close on October 31, 2025, with review and award notifications occurring in November 2025. Contracting and preparation activities take place in December 2025, followed by the official start of the grant period on January 1, 2026. Quarterly reporting deadlines are scheduled throughout the grant period, ensuring continuous oversight and accountability. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact SCAO via email, with instructions to include the program name in the subject line for prompt assistance.