BJA 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 Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. This funding opportunity is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen public safety systems, support law enforcement operations, and address pressing criminal justice challenges across the United States. The Bureau of Justice Assistance provides leadership, funding, and resources to improve justice system outcomes, prevent crime, and assist victims, aligning with the Department of Justice’s mission to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens. This funding opportunity specifically supports projects designated through the Department of Justice Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. The program is unique in that it funds congressionally directed projects identified in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the appropriations legislation. These projects are intended to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and provide services to victims of crime, excluding direct compensation. Funding is restricted to the exact projects and amounts specified by Congress, and applicants must align their proposed budgets strictly with those designated purposes. The scope of funding includes a wide range of public safety and justice-related initiatives, such as supporting law enforcement operations, addressing violent crime, protecting children, and assisting victims of trafficking or sexual assault. However, there are clear restrictions on allowable uses. Funds may not be used for security enhancements or equipment for nongovernmental entities that are not engaged in criminal justice or public safety. Additionally, all recipients and subrecipients, including for-profit organizations, are prohibited from earning profit or management fees from the grant. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited and highly specific. Only entities that have been explicitly invited to apply by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and are listed in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement are eligible. The applicant’s legal name must match the entity identified in federal systems, and eligibility is tied directly to the designated project. This makes the program non-competitive in the traditional sense, as it is restricted to preselected recipients rather than open to broad public application. The application process involves a two-step submission. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by the specified deadline, followed by submission of the full application in JustGrants. Required components include a proposal abstract, narrative, budget, and supporting financial documentation. The proposal narrative must address the need, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity. Additional disclosures, assurances, and financial questionnaires are also required to ensure compliance with federal grant regulations. Applications are reviewed by the Office of Justice Programs to ensure they are reasonable, measurable, and aligned with the program’s goals and the original congressional designation. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of September 2026, with project performance periods ranging from 12 to 48 months starting in early 2026 unless a later start date is requested. Recipients must submit regular performance reports to demonstrate progress and compliance with program objectives. This funding opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds, reducing financial barriers for eligible recipients. While the program is not recurring in a traditional open-cycle format, it is tied to annual federal appropriations, meaning similar opportunities may be issued in future fiscal years depending on congressional action. Applicants are encouraged to follow all submission instructions carefully and contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center for any clarifications during the application process.

Ensure strict alignment with congressionally designated project and budget; provide measurable and achievable objectives; ensure all required components are complete and consistent