FY26 Collaborative Reform Initiative Program

The Collaborative Reform Initiative Program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS Office is responsible for advancing community policing practices across the United States by supporting law enforcement agencies with funding, training, and technical assistance. This program aligns with broader federal priorities to improve public safety, enhance officer wellness, and strengthen trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through this initiative, the COPS Office seeks to build the capacity of law enforcement organizations to adopt best practices and continuously improve operational effectiveness. The program is structured into two distinct categories. The first category, the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, focuses on delivering comprehensive and tailored technical assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide. This assistance is designed to address a wide range of operational, policy, and training needs identified by agencies themselves. The second category, the Collaborative Reform Initiative Critical Response, is designed to provide rapid and flexible technical assistance to agencies experiencing high-profile incidents or critical operational challenges. Both categories emphasize customized support delivered by experienced subject matter experts. Funding under this program supports activities such as technical assistance delivery, data analysis, training development, peer exchanges, policy review, and after-action assessments. The program encourages applicants to demonstrate strong capacity in managing large-scale, concurrent technical assistance engagements and to provide evidence-based strategies that contribute to crime reduction and improved public safety outcomes. Funds are distributed through cooperative agreements, which involve substantial collaboration between the recipient and the federal agency throughout the project lifecycle. The expected performance period for awarded projects is twelve months beginning October 1, 2026. Eligibility varies slightly by program category but generally includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, small businesses, and institutions of higher education. However, law enforcement agencies themselves are not eligible to apply as primary recipients for these funds. Instead, the program is designed to support intermediary organizations capable of delivering services to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Applicants must demonstrate national scope, subject matter expertise, and the ability to manage complex technical assistance operations. The application process requires submission through a two-step system. Applicants must first complete and submit the standard federal assistance form through Grants.gov by August 24, 2026. Following this, the full application must be submitted through the JustGrants system by August 31, 2026. Required application components include a proposal narrative, budget, applicant information forms, and supporting documentation such as resumes for key personnel and a project timeline. Optional components may include letters of support and memoranda of understanding depending on the project structure. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, the applicant’s demonstrated capacity, and the quality of the proposed approach to delivering technical assistance. Additional consideration may be given to applicants that align with federal priorities such as coordination with federal law enforcement and participation in national security initiatives. Award notifications are anticipated on or after October 1, 2026, and selected applicants will be expected to provide ongoing performance reporting and deliverables throughout the project period. For assistance during the application process, applicants may contact the COPS Office Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. Additional technical support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. This program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it accessible to a wide range of eligible organizations capable of delivering impactful technical assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Demonstrate national scope capacity; emphasize technical assistance experience; align with community policing goals