NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime: Nexus with Firearms and Violence

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), under the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, is offering a funding opportunity focused on research and evaluation related to the intersection of drug crimes, firearms, and violence. NIJ is the research arm of the DOJ and supports scientific studies that inform criminal justice policy and practice. This opportunity is designed to generate rigorous applied research that advances evidence-based tools, strategies, and policies for law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders. The program aligns with broader DOJ priorities to combat violent crime, support public safety, and uphold the rule of law. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research examining the nexus between drug markets and firearm-related violence. NIJ has identified four key topic areas: pattern identification in firearm-related drug crimes; interdiction and disruption strategies; prosecution practices and outcomes; and drug market dynamics related to firearms. Applicants are expected to propose methodologically rigorous research projects that contribute to understanding and addressing drug trafficking, illegal firearm distribution, and associated violence. Projects should emphasize measurable outcomes, system performance, and actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately $2,000,000, with award amounts determined by the scope and requirements of proposed research projects. The period of performance is anticipated to be 36 months, beginning around January 1, 2027. Funds may cover a wide range of research-related expenses, including data collection, analysis, dissemination, and evaluation activities. There is no mandatory cost-sharing requirement; however, applicants may propose voluntary contributions, which become binding if included in the approved budget. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as state, local, and tribal governments; public and private higher education institutions; nonprofit organizations; for-profit entities; public housing authorities; and small businesses. Collaborative applications are permitted, though a single lead applicant must be designated. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to conduct rigorous research and manage federal funding, and are expected to comply with federal requirements including data archiving, human subjects protections, and reporting obligations. The application process involves a two-step submission. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by June 8, 2026. Second, the full application, including proposal narrative, budget, and required attachments, must be submitted through JustGrants by June 15, 2026. Required components include a detailed proposal narrative, budget justification, resumes of key personnel, and various compliance documents such as a data management plan and privacy certificate. Applications must adhere to formatting and submission guidelines outlined in the NOFO. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process based on criteria including the significance of the research problem, methodological rigor, applicant capabilities, potential impact, and budget justification. Additional programmatic and financial reviews will also be conducted. Successful applicants will be notified through JustGrants and must accept the award within 45 days. Awardees will be required to produce scholarly outputs, submit regular performance reports, and archive data in accordance with NIJ requirements. Key deadlines include the release of the funding opportunity on May 4, 2026, the Grants.gov submission deadline on June 8, 2026, and the JustGrants submission deadline on June 15, 2026. The program is part of an annual federal funding cycle, and future opportunities may be issued in subsequent fiscal years. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov or by phone at 800-851-3420.

Ensure rigorous methodology and clear research design aligned to one of the four NIJ priority areas; demonstrate strong data analysis capability and practical impact for law enforcement; clearly articulate dissemination plan and policy relevance