BJA FY 2025/2026 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Office of Justice Programs of the U.S. Department of Justice. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety across the United States. The program aligns with the Department of Justice mission to uphold the rule of law, protect citizens, and support law enforcement agencies in addressing serious criminal threats, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support coordinated violent crime reduction strategies developed at the federal judicial district level. Each of the 94 federal judicial districts across the United States participates in this initiative through a structured partnership led by the local United States Attorney Office. These district level teams include federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and community based organizations. The program emphasizes collaboration, rapid response to violent crime, and accountability through data driven strategies and reporting. Funding is distributed through a formula allocation to certified fiscal agents designated within each federal judicial district. These fiscal agents are responsible for administering the grant funds, issuing subawards, and ensuring compliance with federal financial and administrative requirements. While fiscal agents may retain up to ten percent of funds for administrative costs, the majority of funding is intended to support direct crime reduction activities aligned with district specific strategies. A statutory requirement mandates that thirty percent of funds be allocated to gang task force related activities, particularly in areas experiencing high levels of organized or transnational criminal activity. Eligible applicants are limited to entities that have been certified as fiscal agents by the relevant United States Attorney. These may include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, tribal governments, and community based organizations. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to manage federal funds and comply with reporting, auditing, and financial management standards. A certification letter from the United States Attorney is required for eligibility, and failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification. The application process is conducted in two steps. Applicants must first submit the SF 424 form through Grants.gov, followed by a full application submission in the JustGrants system. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, abstract, financial management documentation, and supporting attachments such as a timeline and certification letter. The proposal narrative must address identified violent crime issues, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, compliance with the gang task force funding requirement, and organizational capacity. Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with program goals, feasibility, and compliance with federal requirements. Awards are determined by formula rather than competitive scoring, but applicants must still meet all submission and eligibility criteria. Successful applicants are expected to submit regular performance reports and demonstrate measurable progress toward reducing violent crime and improving public safety outcomes. The application timeline includes an initial submission deadline in Grants.gov followed by a final submission deadline in JustGrants. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of September 2026, with a performance period of 48 months beginning October 1, 2026. This program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Applicants may direct questions to the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours.

Ensure alignment with district PSN strategy and allocate 30 percent of funds to gang task force activities; demonstrate strong coordination with law enforcement partners