NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Youth Justice Topics

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 in youth justice. This program is designed to support rigorous evaluation projects that inform policy and practice related to juvenile justice system processes and outcomes. NIJ plays a central role in supporting evidence-based criminal justice research and aims to strengthen public safety and fairness through scientifically grounded insights. This funding opportunity aligns with the broader mission of the Department of Justice to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and improve outcomes for youth involved in the justice system. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support evaluation projects in two key areas: juvenile justice system prosecution and juvenile reentry practices. Applicants are encouraged to design studies that assess how prosecutorial decisions impact youth outcomes and public safety, including alternatives to prosecution and diversion strategies. In the reentry space, the program seeks evaluations of interventions that support youth transitioning back into communities after system involvement, with emphasis on reducing recidivism and improving long-term life outcomes. Funding is flexible and determined by the scope and requirements of proposed research, with a total program funding pool of four million dollars. Applicants may propose budgets up to the full available funding, provided they are justified by the project design. The program allows up to 100 percent federal funding of project costs, with optional voluntary matching contributions. The anticipated period of performance is up to 60 months, and projects are expected to produce scholarly outputs, data sets, and actionable findings. Deliverables include peer-reviewed publications, interim dissemination products, and a final research report, along with mandatory data archiving. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing government entities at all levels, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities including small businesses, tribal governments, and federal agencies. Applicants may submit multiple proposals as long as each addresses a distinct project. Collaborative applications are permitted, though one primary applicant must lead and manage the award. The applicant must demonstrate capacity to conduct rigorous evaluation research and maintain independence and integrity in research design and implementation. The application process requires a two-step submission through Grants.gov and JustGrants. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form, followed by a full application package that includes a proposal narrative, budget details, resumes, and various supporting documents. The proposal narrative must address the problem statement, research design, potential impact, and organizational capabilities. Applications are evaluated based on merit criteria including methodological rigor, relevance, capacity, and expected impact on policy and practice. Key deadlines include submission of the SF-424 by June 10, 2026, and the full application in JustGrants by June 17, 2026. The funding opportunity was released on May 8, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early to ensure compliance with submission requirements. Awards are expected to begin around January 1, 2027, with notification following the review process. While this funding opportunity is not explicitly stated as recurring, NIJ has historically issued similar solicitations on an annual basis. For assistance, applicants may contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via email or phone. Additional support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. This opportunity represents a significant investment in advancing evidence-based youth justice practices and improving outcomes for system-involved youth nationwide.

Emphasize rigorous evaluation design, align clearly with youth justice policy needs, demonstrate research independence, and include strong dissemination plans