BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program – Local Formula | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Local Formula?

This opportunity is a mandatory federal grant administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It provides formula-based funding to eligible local units of government and federally recognized tribal governments to support a broad range of public safety and criminal justice needs.

What does "Local Formula" mean for this JAG opportunity?

"Local Formula" means awards are driven by an allocation formula rather than being determined solely through a competitive review process. In practice, funding amounts and whether a jurisdiction receives a direct award are determined by BJA's published FY25 JAG allocation tables.

What is the opportunity number for this solicitation?

The opportunity number is O-BJA-2025-172542.

Which federal agency is administering this grant?

The grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

Is this a competitive grant?

This solicitation is described as formula-based ("Local Formula"). That means eligibility and expected award amounts are primarily determined by the published allocation formula, rather than by a purely competitive selection process.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments

What types of funding instrument are used for awards?

Awards are issued as grants.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is part of CFDA 16.738.

What category does this funding opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services.

How many awards does BJA expect to make under this program?

BJA expects to make a large number of awards (expected awards: 1,230), consistent with the nationwide formula structure that reaches many local jurisdictions.

What is the maximum award amount listed for this opportunity?

The maximum listed award ceiling is $4,098,693. Actual award amounts depend on the formula allocation for each eligible jurisdiction.

How do applicants confirm whether they are eligible and what their funding amount might be?

The key step is to check BJA's published FY25 JAG allocation tables. Those tables indicate whether a city, county, or tribe receives a direct award from BJA and the expected allocation amount under the formula.

Why is checking the allocation tables considered the first checkpoint?

Because local formula eligibility and award size are determined by the allocation list. The tables effectively tell a jurisdiction whether it should be preparing a direct application to BJA under the Local Formula program and whether any coordination with other local jurisdictions may be required.

Can the allocation tables affect whether coordination with other jurisdictions is needed?

Yes. The opportunity notes that, in many cases, allocations can trigger joint funding requirements, which may require coordination with other local jurisdictions. The allocation tables are the primary source to identify when this may apply.

What is the overall purpose of JAG funding in this solicitation?

The purpose is to provide direct formula-based support to local and tribal governments to strengthen criminal justice operations and community safety strategies, consistent with DOJ mission priorities and OJP's leadership role in supporting public safety systems.

What kinds of public safety or criminal justice needs can this funding support (as described here)?

The description indicates JAG funds are intended to support a wide range of public safety and criminal justice needs. Examples mentioned include efforts that reduce violent crime, improve responses to drug-related harms, support victim services, protect vulnerable populations, and address challenges like human trafficking and the opioid crisis.

What DOJ mission priorities does this opportunity align with?

The program is framed around DOJ priorities such as upholding the rule of law, keeping communities safe, and protecting civil rights, while strengthening the capacity of jurisdictions to respond to ongoing public safety challenges.

Are applicants expected to consider civil rights in their proposed activities?

Yes. The opportunity signals an expectation that funded activities be implemented in a way that respects civil rights and promotes lawful, effective justice practices.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed for this opportunity is April 21, 2026.

What should applicants do to prepare ahead of the deadline?

Applicants should plan around the closing date while allowing time to confirm their allocation, assemble required documentation, and ensure the proposed use of funds aligns with JAG program requirements and DOJ/OJP priorities as described in the solicitation.

Where should applicants look for broader program rules or context beyond the allocation tables?

The opportunity notes that applicants should consult the JAG program overview for broader program rules and context, in addition to verifying their status through the official allocation page.

Why does BJA anticipate making so many awards under this program?

The expected number of awards reflects the formula-based structure, which is designed to provide direct funding to many jurisdictions nationwide rather than funding a small set of competitive grantees.

Does the listed award ceiling mean every jurisdiction can receive up to that amount?

No. The ceiling is the maximum listed amount for the opportunity, but actual awards depend on the jurisdiction's formula allocation shown in the FY25 JAG allocation tables.