BJA FY25 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program

The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs and its Bureau of Justice Assistance. This program is authorized under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 and is designed to support state-level efforts to enhance public safety through crisis intervention systems. The Bureau of Justice Assistance provides federal leadership and funding to address criminal justice challenges, including violent crime, mental health crises, and substance use issues, while ensuring constitutional protections and civil rights. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development, implementation, or expansion of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives. These include extreme risk protection order programs, mental health courts, drug courts, and veterans treatment courts. The program emphasizes coordinated approaches that connect individuals in crisis with behavioral health services, improve court-based interventions, and strengthen law enforcement response capabilities. Activities may include training, staffing, program expansion, and the development of infrastructure such as crisis call centers or stabilization facilities. Funding under this program is distributed via a formula allocation based on prior Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant allocations. States receive awards and may retain up to 60 percent of funds, with a required 40 percent pass-through to units of local government. Funds may be used for a wide range of allowable activities tied directly to crisis intervention, but may not be used for activities outside the program scope, including those that violate federal law or civil rights protections. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent, and funds may not be used for supplanting existing resources or lobbying efforts. Eligibility is limited to state governments, including U.S. states and territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Applicants must submit applications through a two-step process involving Grants.gov and JustGrants. Required application components include a proposal narrative, budget worksheet, abstract, and supporting documentation related to financial management and compliance. The proposal narrative must address program need, implementation strategy, organizational capacity, and data collection plans for performance measurement. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, feasibility, and the applicant’s ability to manage funds and comply with federal requirements. The Department of Justice also conducts a risk assessment of applicants based on past performance and organizational capacity. Successful applicants must comply with post-award requirements, including quarterly financial and performance reporting, as well as participation in evaluation activities to measure program effectiveness in reducing violence and suicide. The application process includes key deadlines, with the Grants.gov submission required by May 12, 2026, and the full application due in JustGrants by May 19, 2026. The anticipated award period is 36 months, beginning around October 1, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced following review and approval by the Assistant Attorney General. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email. This program is part of an ongoing federal effort and is expected to recur annually based on appropriations and legislative authorization.

Ensure strong alignment with crisis intervention goals; demonstrate capacity for statewide implementation; include detailed data collection and evaluation plans; clearly address constitutional safeguards