BJA FY25 Rural Law Enforcement Violent Crime Reduction Initiative

The Rural Law Enforcement Violent Crime Reduction Initiative is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. This federal funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies operating in rural jurisdictions, where limited resources and personnel often constrain the ability to effectively prevent, respond to, and reduce violent crime. The program aligns with the Department of Justice mission to uphold the rule of law, enhance public safety, and protect civil rights, while addressing persistent public safety challenges such as violent crime, human trafficking, and opioid-related offenses. The primary purpose of this initiative is to support rural law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices in implementing targeted violent crime reduction strategies. Applicants are expected to identify a specific violent crime challenge within their jurisdiction and propose data-informed strategies to address it. The program encourages approaches that integrate technological enhancements, personnel development, training, tactical improvements, and data analytics. These approaches may include investments in hardware and software systems, intelligence-sharing infrastructure, predictive policing tools, and upgraded operational equipment that enhances officer safety and efficiency. Funding under this opportunity may be used to support a range of allowable activities, including acquisition of technology systems, hiring or training personnel, implementing data-driven policing strategies, and strengthening interagency coordination. However, funds may not be used for activities that violate federal immigration law, civil rights laws, or other federal restrictions. Additionally, certain legal services for undocumented individuals are explicitly disallowed unless narrowly authorized. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, which lowers barriers for rural jurisdictions with limited financial capacity. Eligibility is restricted to government entities, including state, county, city, township, and special district governments, as well as federally recognized tribal governments and other units of local government. Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project serves a rural area or rural community, as defined by federal statute. Documentation verifying rural eligibility is required unless the applicant is a federally recognized tribe, which is automatically considered eligible under statutory definitions. Only one application per entity is permitted, though partnerships and subrecipient arrangements are allowed. The application process follows a two-step submission structure. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by the full application through the JustGrants system. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, and various certifications and disclosures. The proposal narrative must address key sections such as problem identification, project design, implementation plan, organizational capacity, data collection strategy, and sustainability. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including the strength of the problem statement, alignment of goals and objectives, quality of project design, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Key deadlines include submission of the SF-424 by May 27, 2026, and completion of the full application in JustGrants by June 5, 2026. The anticipated period of performance is 36 months, with project activities expected to begin around June 1, 2026. Award recipients are required to submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and a final report demonstrating outcomes and impact. Deliverables include an action plan within six months of award and a comprehensive final report at project closeout. The total program funding is approximately $5.8 million, with an anticipated 15 awards and a maximum award amount of $400,000. Applications undergo a multi-stage review process, including basic eligibility screening, peer review, and programmatic and financial assessment. Final award decisions are made by the Assistant Attorney General. Applicants may contact the OJP Response Center for assistance during the application process.

Use local crime data to justify need; clearly define a specific violent crime problem; align strategy with technology or data analytics; ensure rural eligibility documentation is strong; follow all federal submission steps precisely