BJA FY25 Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice administers the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program as part of its broader mission to support law enforcement, uphold civil rights, and enhance public safety nationwide. This program reflects federal priorities to address violent crime and protect vulnerable communities by strengthening the ability of law enforcement and prosecution agencies to respond effectively to hate crimes. The initiative is grounded in statutory authority and aligns with national efforts to ensure justice system capacity in identifying, investigating, prosecuting, and preventing bias-motivated offenses. The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, along with their partners, to enhance their operational capacity in handling hate crimes. Activities supported under this funding opportunity include technical assistance, forensic analysis, prosecutorial support, and other investigative functions. The program also emphasizes the importance of addressing serial violent hate crime offenses and improving outcomes for victims. Two funding categories are offered: one focused on single-jurisdiction city or county demonstration projects, and another supporting broader state or regional initiatives involving coordination across multiple jurisdictions. Funding may be used for a wide range of allowable activities directly tied to hate crime response and prevention, including training, investigative enhancements, victim support tools, and interagency coordination efforts. However, certain restrictions apply, such as prohibitions on activities that violate federal immigration law or civil rights statutes. Notably, the program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible applicants. Applicants are expected to design projects that are both feasible and aligned with allowable cost principles under federal regulations. Eligibility for this program includes state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, including those representing federally recognized tribal governments with law enforcement functions. Applications may involve partnerships, but only one entity may serve as the primary applicant, with others designated as subrecipients. State and local government applicants must provide a certification from a senior official affirming compliance with federal requirements. There is no restriction on the number of applications submitted, provided each proposal represents a distinct project. The application process requires a two-step electronic submission. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by the full application package through JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, and various supporting documents such as memoranda of understanding and letters of support. The proposal narrative must address the problem statement, project goals, implementation plan, and organizational capacity. Evaluation criteria include the clarity of the problem description, strength of project design, organizational capabilities, and budget justification. Key deadlines for this funding opportunity include submission of the SF-424 by April 27, 2026, and completion of the full application in JustGrants by May 4, 2026. The anticipated project start date is June 1, 2026, with a performance period of 36 months. Awards are expected to be made following a competitive review process that includes peer review and additional programmatic and financial assessments. Successful applicants will receive notification through the JustGrants system and must comply with reporting requirements, including financial and performance reporting throughout the award period. The program is part of an ongoing federal funding effort and may be offered in future cycles, depending on appropriations and program priorities. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early and ensure compliance with all technical and administrative requirements to avoid submission issues. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email, with additional support available for Grants.gov and JustGrants systems.

Align proposal with stated goals and priorities; provide strong data-driven need; ensure clear project design and coordination across jurisdictions; submit complete and compliant budget