FY26 Community Policing Development (CPD) Microgrants

The Community Policing Development Microgrants program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS Office is responsible for advancing community policing nationwide by supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies through grant funding, training, and technical assistance. This funding opportunity reflects federal priorities focused on improving public safety, enhancing crime prevention strategies, and strengthening the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies through innovation and collaboration. The purpose of this program is to fund demonstration or pilot projects that expand the capacity of eligible law enforcement agencies to implement innovative or evidence based approaches to public safety challenges. The program emphasizes projects that improve officer safety, reduce crime, and enhance organizational effectiveness. Applicants are required to propose initiatives within one of several designated topic areas, including violent crime, gang enforcement, human trafficking, child exploitation, opioid and drug markets, cybercrime, immigration coordination, and officer recruitment and retention. These projects are expected to address specific public safety gaps and contribute to measurable improvements in community outcomes. Funding supports a wide range of activities tied to these objectives, including training, collaboration with partner agencies, data driven enforcement strategies, and development of tools or protocols that enhance policing practices. However, certain activities are explicitly disallowed, such as funding salaries for new officers, standalone equipment purchases without a strategic framework, or expenditures on unallowable costs like vehicles or promotional items. The program does not require cost sharing, allowing agencies to implement projects without matching funds. The expected award period is 24 months, with funding intended to support project implementation beginning in early fiscal year 2027. Eligibility is limited to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies that possess primary law enforcement authority within their jurisdictions. Entities that only provide limited or specialized law enforcement functions, such as correctional agencies or investigative bodies without general jurisdiction, are not eligible. Applicants must also comply with federal requirements related to information sharing, particularly regarding immigration status communication under applicable federal law. Government entities at various levels, including city, county, and tribal governments, may apply as long as they meet the program criteria. The application process requires a two step submission. First, applicants must complete and submit the standard federal SF 424 form through Grants.gov. Second, they must complete the full application in the JustGrants system, including required forms such as the proposal abstract, application questions, budget details, and supporting documentation. Additional materials may include resumes, project timelines, and letters of support. Applications are reviewed based on responsiveness, adherence to program requirements, and alignment with funding priorities. Projects that demonstrate innovation, strong partnerships, and measurable outcomes are more competitive. The application timeline includes a release date in early July, with submission deadlines in mid to late August. Applicants must meet both the Grants.gov submission deadline and the JustGrants final application deadline. Award notifications are anticipated on or after October 1, with funded projects beginning shortly thereafter. The program is structured as a one time annual funding opportunity, subject to congressional appropriations and federal priorities. For assistance, applicants may contact the COPS Office Response Center by phone or email during standard business hours. Additional support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks, which provide technical assistance for submission processes. The program encourages applicants to review all materials carefully and ensure compliance with submission requirements, as incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered for funding.

Focus on demonstrating innovative evidence based approaches and clearly defined public safety impact; align proposal with one of the designated topic areas; include partnerships and measurable outcomes