OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program

The Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program is administered by the Office on Violence Against Women, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for implementing grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act. This program is designed to support federally recognized Tribal governments in exercising or preparing to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit certain covered crimes within Tribal lands. The initiative aligns with federal efforts to strengthen justice systems in Tribal communities and address violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related offenses. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance Tribal capacity to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate covered crimes under special Tribal criminal jurisdiction. Eligible uses of funds include strengthening law enforcement operations, court systems, prosecution and defense services, detention and corrections systems, and victim services. Funds may also support the development of criminal codes, jury systems, and procedures necessary to ensure compliance with federal legal standards. Additionally, the program supports providing licensed defense counsel for indigent defendants and ensuring victims receive rights comparable to those outlined in federal law. The total estimated program funding is 9,000,000 dollars, with approximately seven awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 dollars. Applicants may request funding for project periods of 24, 36, 48, or 60 months, with awards anticipated to begin on October 1, 2026. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this program, allowing Tribal governments to fully utilize awarded funds for eligible activities without additional financial contributions. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized Tribal governments that have jurisdiction over Indian country or occupy an Alaska Native Village, as well as consortia of such governments. Applicants must demonstrate authority to apply through a Tribal resolution or equivalent documentation and must include required project partners such as Tribal leadership, law enforcement, judicial representatives, and victim service providers. Only one application per eligible entity is permitted under this funding opportunity. The application process involves two required submission steps. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by August 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Second, the full application must be submitted through the JustGrants system by August 13, 2026 at 4:59 PM Eastern Time. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, pre-award risk assessment, documentation of authority to apply, and several supporting forms. The proposal narrative must address project purpose, implementation strategy, and project team structure, and it must adhere to strict formatting requirements. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including the clarity and feasibility of project goals, the strength of implementation plans, the qualifications of project staff and partners, and the alignment with program priorities. The Office on Violence Against Women may prioritize projects that enhance public safety, particularly those addressing human trafficking and improving justice responses in Tribal and rural communities. Award decisions are expected by September 30, 2026. For assistance, applicants may contact the Office on Violence Against Women via email at OVW.TribalJurisdiction@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-307-6026. Technical support is also available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. This funding opportunity is part of an ongoing federal effort to improve safety and justice outcomes in Tribal communities and may be offered on a recurring annual basis, subject to future appropriations and program priorities.

Align proposal with OVW priorities including victim safety and criminal justice response ensure all required partners are identified and include clear measurable goals and outcomes