NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation of Services for Victims of Crime

The National Institute of Justice, operating under the U.S. Department of Justice, is the primary research and evaluation arm focused on advancing knowledge and evidence-based practices in criminal justice. In collaboration with the Office for Victims of Crime, this funding opportunity supports research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for victims and survivors of crime. The program reflects a federal commitment to strengthening victim services through rigorous research, evaluation, and innovation, particularly in response to evolving forms of victimization. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research and evaluation projects that deepen understanding of the needs of crime victims and assess the effectiveness of services designed to assist them. The program is divided into two primary categories. The first category focuses on research related to victim services, including studies of law enforcement-based victim service programs and evaluations of broader victim service delivery systems. The second category addresses technology-facilitated abuse, including emerging issues such as nonconsensual dissemination of digitally manipulated images, often referred to as deepfakes, with the goal of reducing harm and preventing revictimization. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support applied research and evaluation efforts. Allowable uses include conducting empirical studies, program evaluations, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings that inform policy and practice. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible entities. While specific restrictions are not detailed in the summary, federal research grants typically prohibit use of funds for lobbying, political activities, or unrelated operational expenses. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of public and private entities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education (both public and private), state and local government entities, tribal governments and organizations, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. This inclusive approach is designed to encourage participation from diverse research institutions and service providers with relevant expertise in victim services and criminal justice research. The application process requires submission through the federal grants system, with applicants expected to prepare a full proposal that addresses the research objectives, methodology, and anticipated impact. Although specific application components are not detailed in the summary, standard federal submissions typically include a project narrative, budget and justification, timeline, and documentation of organizational capacity. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent. Applications are due by August 14, 2026, and the opportunity was posted on July 22, 2026. Given the short application window, prospective applicants must act quickly to prepare submissions. The program anticipates making approximately five awards, with a total funding pool of three million dollars and a maximum award amount of one million five hundred thousand dollars per project. Award notifications and project start dates are not specified but typically follow several months after the closing date. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. This centralized support resource provides guidance on both programmatic requirements and technical submission issues. As a discretionary federal grant program, this opportunity is not explicitly stated as recurring, and future cycles are not guaranteed, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding for impactful research.