OJJDP FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program

The Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants Program is administered by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. This federal funding initiative is part of a broader mission to enhance public safety, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights of individuals across the United States. The Office of Justice Programs provides leadership and resources to support law enforcement, prevent crime, assist victims, and address complex public safety challenges such as juvenile delinquency, human trafficking, and the opioid crisis. This specific program represents a congressionally directed funding effort tied to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime, excluding compensation programs. Funding is limited strictly to projects identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the appropriations legislation. As such, applicants must align their proposals precisely with the designated project descriptions and funding amounts specified by Congress. The program is not open for general competition but is instead an invited opportunity for pre-identified recipients. Funding under this program is restricted to the specific purposes outlined in the congressional designation. All proposed costs must directly support the approved project scope. Certain uses of funds are explicitly prohibited, including providing security enhancements or equipment to nongovernmental entities not engaged in criminal justice or public safety. Additionally, recipients and subrecipients, including for-profit organizations, are not permitted to earn profit or management fees from the award. Other unallowable activities include those that violate federal immigration law, civil rights laws, or involve impermissible legal services for certain individuals, except in narrowly defined circumstances. Eligibility for this program is limited to entities that have been explicitly invited to apply by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. These entities are identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement tied to the appropriations act. Applicants must ensure that their registered legal name in the System for Award Management matches the name listed in the congressional documentation. Organizations uncertain about their eligibility are encouraged to contact the agency before proceeding. Importantly, this program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. The application process involves a two-step submission. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by July 15, 2026. Second, the full application must be completed and submitted through the JustGrants system by July 17, 2026. Required application components include a proposal abstract, proposal narrative, budget, financial documentation, and various disclosures and assurances. The proposal narrative must address the need for the project, goals and objectives, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity. Additional documentation may include indirect cost agreements and statements related to research integrity. Applications are reviewed to ensure they are reasonable, measurable, and aligned with program goals, as well as consistent with the invitation and congressional designation. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026. The period of performance ranges from 12 to 48 months, with a start date generally set for January 23, 2026, unless a later start date is requested and approved, not exceeding October 1, 2026. Recipients are required to submit regular performance reports demonstrating progress toward project objectives. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. Additional support is available through Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and JustGrants help desks. Overall, this funding opportunity is a targeted federal investment designed to support specific, congressionally mandated projects that advance justice system effectiveness and public safety outcomes.

Ensure strict alignment with congressionally designated project scope and funding amounts; clearly justify all budget items and demonstrate measurable outcomes