OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs | Apply Online

FAQs: OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs (NOFO O-OJJDP-2026-172745)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), a discretionary federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

What is the main goal of the program?

The program is designed to fund the implementation and delivery of mentoring services for youth who are at risk or considered high risk for delinquency, victimization, and deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system.

What kinds of outcomes or changes is the program trying to support?

The core purpose is to support structured mentoring approaches that help stabilize young people, strengthen protective factors, and reduce pathways into offending or victimization through consistent, supportive relationships and programmatic services.

What types of mentoring models can be supported?

Funded projects may provide mentoring in multiple formats, including one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, peer mentoring, or a hybrid model that combines these approaches.

Does the program fund direct mentoring services or only planning and research?

The emphasis is on actually delivering mentoring services to eligible youth populations, rather than only planning or research.

What does "multistate" mean in this NOFO?

The program emphasizes operating in a way that reflects multistate reach or impact consistent with the program title.

Which federal agency is administering the grant?

The grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

This opportunity falls under the Law, Justice and Legal Services funding activity category.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA (Assistance Listing) 16.726.

What type of award is expected?

Awards are expected to be made as grants.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is up to $4,000,000 per award.

How many awards does OJJDP expect to make?

OJJDP anticipates making approximately 15 awards under this NOFO.

Is this likely to be competitive?

Yes. The NOFO indicates a competitive national process with a limited number of large-scale awards (approximately 15) and an award ceiling of up to $4,000,000 per award.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes state governments; county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in the nonprofit category listed); and other eligible entities identified by the NOFO.

Are local governments beyond cities and counties eligible?

Yes. The listing indicates that other units of local government may apply, reinforcing that local governmental bodies beyond standard city/county structures may be eligible depending on how they are defined and structured.

Are nonprofit organizations required to have 501(c)(3) status to apply?

No. Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status are included as eligible (with the stated limitation that the nonprofit category referenced is not for institutions of higher education).

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is O-OJJDP-2026-172745.

When was the NOFO created?

The NOFO was created on September 21, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original application closing date is October 29, 2026.

How much time is available to apply?

Based on the NOFO creation date (September 21, 2026) and the original closing date (October 29, 2026), applicants have a relatively short window to assemble partnerships, document capacity, and submit a complete application package aligned with OJJDP requirements.

What population should the mentoring services focus on?

The program is designed to serve youth who are at risk or considered high risk for delinquency, victimization, and deeper involvement in the juvenile justice system.

What is the overarching approach expected of funded projects?

Projects are expected to use structured mentoring approaches centered on consistent, supportive relationships and programmatic services intended to stabilize youth and strengthen protective factors.