BJA FY25 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program

The BJA Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The program is designed to strengthen the ability of conviction integrity units and wrongful conviction review entities to identify, assess, investigate, and manage post-conviction claims of innocence. The funding opportunity supports both prosecutor-led and defense-led strategies intended to improve the integrity of the criminal justice system, prevent future wrongful convictions, identify actual perpetrators when possible, and enhance justice outcomes for victims and affected communities. The opportunity was released on March 27, 2026, under funding opportunity number O-BJA-2025-172493 and Assistance Listing Number 16.746. The total federal funding available under the solicitation is $6,000,000, with individual awards of up to $600,000 and a 36-month project period. The funding opportunity includes two separate categories. Category 1 supports Prosecutor or Conviction Integrity Unit-Led Partnerships with Wrongful Conviction Review Entities. These projects must be led by state or local prosecutor offices or conviction integrity units that focus on wrongful conviction prevention and post-conviction innocence review. Applicants are expected to demonstrate procedures that prevent conflicts of interest, particularly involving prosecutors previously assigned to reviewed cases, and must describe protocols for handling potential prosecutorial misconduct, preferably through independent referrals. Category 2 supports Wrongful Conviction Review Entity-Led Strategies. These projects are led by organizations that review post-conviction innocence claims and also work to reduce future errors through system integrity improvements. Partnerships with prosecutor offices or conviction integrity units are permitted and applicants must explain procedures for information sharing, attorney-client privilege waivers, informed consent, and protections for defendants’ rights. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities, including state governments, county governments, city and township governments, special district governments, tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and other units of local government. The notice also allows participation by states and counties with in-house post-conviction representation programs demonstrating experience and competence in innocence litigation. Only one application may be submitted per entity and applicants may apply under only one category. Partnerships involving multiple entities are permitted, but a single lead applicant must submit the proposal while partners participate as subrecipients or collaborators. The solicitation specifically states that no cost sharing or matching funds are required for this program. Applications must be submitted through a two-step federal grants process involving both Grants.gov and JustGrants. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance in Grants.gov by May 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Full applications, including all required attachments, must then be submitted through JustGrants by May 11, 2026 at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants are required to maintain active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier throughout the application and award period. Required application components include a proposal abstract, proposal narrative, budget detail form, timeline, financial management questionnaire, disclosures, certifications, and any required memoranda of understanding. The proposal narrative is limited to 15 pages and must address six specific areas: description of need, project goals and objectives, project design and implementation, capabilities and competencies, performance measurement planning, and sustainability planning. The Bureau of Justice Assistance will evaluate applications first for responsiveness and then through a merit review process. Basic minimum requirements include eligibility confirmation, responsiveness to program scope, submission of all mandatory forms, and adherence to award ceilings. Applications passing this screening will be evaluated using weighted peer review criteria including statement of the problem, project goals and objectives, project design and implementation, organizational capabilities, sustainability planning, and budget completeness and cost effectiveness. Additional programmatic and financial reviews will consider geographic distribution, strategic priorities, risk assessments, past performance, and compliance history. The Assistant Attorney General will make final award decisions. Successful applicants will receive notification through JustGrants and must formally accept awards within 45 days. The funding opportunity emphasizes strong accountability and post-award reporting. Award recipients will be required to submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and final reports through federal reporting systems. Performance measurement data must demonstrate progress toward improving post-conviction review practices and strengthening system integrity. The solicitation also outlines several unallowable uses of funds, including activities that violate federal civil rights laws or impede federal immigration enforcement. The Bureau of Justice Assistance notes that future continuation funding may be available depending on congressional appropriations, recipient performance, and agency priorities. Technical assistance for applicants is available through the OJP Response Center, Grants.gov, JustGrants, and SAM.gov support services.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate conflict-of-interest safeguards strong case review procedures measurable performance tracking and sustainable partnerships. Proposal narratives should directly align project activities with the stated program goals and merit review criteria. Budgets should provide detailed calculations and clearly justify all requested costs.