Updates regarding the OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary

Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program notice of funding opportunity.

1. Application deadlines were changed as follows on pages 1 and 4:

• Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: July 29, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

• Submit full application in JustGrants: July 31, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

OMB No. 1121-0329

Approval Expires 02/28/2027

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program

Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2026-172642

Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET):

1. Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: July 29, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

2. Submit full application in JustGrants: July 31, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

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Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

3. Program Description

4. Application Contents and Format

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

6. Application Review Information

7. Award Notices

8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration

9. Questions?

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1. BASIC INFORMATION

Purpose of the Funding

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the

U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Byrne

Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program.

This opportunity seeks to support projects designated for funding pursuant to the

Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II.) to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and to assist victims of crime (other than compensation).

The Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act lists the designated projects, which the Act incorporates by reference, as stated in relevant part, below—

• $537,978,926 is for discretionary grants to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and to assist victims of crime (other than compensation), which shall be made available for the OJP—

Byrne projects, and in the amounts, specified in the table titled ‘‘Community

Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending’’ included for this division in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division

A of this consolidated Act): Provided, That such amounts may not be transferred for any other purpose; (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II).

Note that this NOFO is only for OJP-Byrne projects to be administered by OVC.

Separate NOFOs will be posted and invitations sent for projects to be administered by

OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

See the Eligible Applicants section for eligibility details.

Funding Restrictions

Funding will only be provided for the specific projects in the amounts designated in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 2026 CJS Appropriations Act. Thus, the costs in the budget must clearly support the project listed in the Joint Explanatory Statement.

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No funds provided under this program may be used, directly or indirectly, to provide any security enhancements or any equipment to any nongovernmental entity that is not engaged in criminal justice or public safety.

All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any profit or management fee.

Funding Details

Announcement Type Initial

Assistance Listing Number 16.753

Statutory Authority

Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, 140 Stat. 5, 30-

31, para. 1(O))

Grants.gov Opportunity Number O-OVC-2026-172642

Expected Total Amount of Funding $61,000,643

Anticipated Number of Awards 83

Award Type(s) Grants

Anticipated Award Amount

Individual award amounts not to exceed amounts specified in Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II)

Expected Award Period(s)

12 to 48 Months starting on January 23, 2026 (unless applicants request a later start date, which must be no later than

October 1, 2026)

Key Dates and Times

NOFO Release Date June 17, 2026

SAM.gov Registration/Renewal Begin the process as soon as possible, and no later than June 30, 2026

Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline 11:59 p.m. ET on July 29, 2026

Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 8:59 p.m. ET on July 31, 2026

Anticipated Notification Date By September 30, 2026

See Questions? at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information.

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2. ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

The types of entities that are eligible to apply are:

Other: OVC sent an invitation to apply to all eligible recipients, which are limited to those identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement for projects designated for funding pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II). A list of the projects designated for funding in FY 2026 can be found here: FY 2026 Appropriations. The legal name

(or “doing business as” name) associated with the applicant’s unique entity identifier (UEI) as registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) must coincide with the recipient listed in the Joint Explanatory Statement.

Prospective applicants still uncertain of eligibility after reviewing this section should contact the agency using the information below before starting or submitting an application.

Cost Sharing (Match) Requirement: This NOFO does not require cost sharing

(match).

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority

Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, 140 Stat. 5, 30-31, para. 1(O))

Agency Funding Priorities

In order to advance public safety and help meets its mission, OJP priorities include:

(a) Directly supporting law enforcement operations (including immigration law enforcement operations);

(b) Combatting violent crime;

(c) Supporting services to American citizens;

(d) Protecting American children; and

(e) Supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault.

Unallowable Activities: The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program scope and will not be funded.

1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or indirectly, violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/fy26-byrne-appropriations-projects

OVC FY 2026 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program – Invited to Apply

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2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any applicable Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that (1) indirectly violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations;

or (2) unlawfully favor individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.

3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable

Costs” (“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under this award to provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to apply: (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.

Goals and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity

The goals and objectives of this program are to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime

(other than compensation) in geographic areas designated pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026(Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II).

For a description of how awards under this NOFO will contribute to achieving these goals and objectives, see the Performance Reports section below.

Expected Outcomes

OJP expects recipients to submit deliverables and performance reports, as described below. Read the Application Resource Guide for more information. OJP will measure success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Deliverables

Recipients do not need to submit any deliverables other than the standard items in the

Post-Award Requirements and Administration section.

https://www.ojp.gov/doj-financial-guide-2024 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme

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Performance Reports

OJP requires recipients to submit regular performance reports that communicate progress toward achieving Program Goals and Objectives. Read information on performance reporting.

Award recipients will receive further guidance on post award reporting requirements.

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Application Contents List

The table below lists the contents of your application. Refer to the DOJ Grant

Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.

Application Item Submission Type

Step 1: Grants.gov

Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 Online Form

Step 2: JustGrants

Standard Applicant Information Online Form

Proposal Abstract *Required* Text Box

Data Requested With Application

• Financial Management and System of Internal

Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant

Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

Online Form

Proposal Narrative *Required* Attachment

Budget *Required* Online Form

Other Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

• Consultant Rate (if applicable)

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee

Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable)

Attachment

Additional Application Components

• Research and Evaluation Independence and

Integrity Statement (if applicable)

Attachment https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission

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Standard Applicant Information

Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in

Grants.gov. Add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project. In box 15 “Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project” of the SF-424, the applicant must enter the project title exactly as it appears in the Joint Explanatory Statement. The legal name (or “doing business as” name) associated with the applicant’s unique entity identifier (UEI) as registered in the

System of Award Management (SAM) must coincide with the recipient listed in the Joint

Explanatory Statement.

Proposal Abstract

In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project. As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any personally identifying information (e.g., staff names). The abstract should include the following information:

• The name of the applicant’s proposed project.

• The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is necessary).

• Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).

• Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs addressed by the project).

• What activities will be carried out to complete the project.

• The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.

• Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).

View an example of a proposal abstract.

Data Requested With Application

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

Review information on this questionnaire.

Proposal Narrative

Format of the Proposal Narrative

Submit the narrative as an attachment in JustGrants. The document should:

• Be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size font

• Have no less than 1-inch margins

• Have numbered pages

• Not exceed 10 pages.

• Align with the project title as it appears in the Joint Explanatory Statement.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#proposal-abstract https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#fm-internal-controls-questionnaire

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Sections of the Proposal Narrative

The Proposal Narrative must include the four sections listed below.

1. Description of the Need: What critical issue or problem do you propose to address with this project? Please include:

• A brief explanation of the need, gap, or issue to be addressed by the proposed project.

• Supporting information, data, or evidence to demonstrate the need’s existence, size, and impact on the target population and community.

• How the need relates to the purpose of the NOFO.

2. Project Goals and Objectives: How will the proposed project address the need identified and address the purpose of the NOFO? Please include:

• Project goals (goals are broad, visionary statements on what you hope to accomplish).

• Project objectives (objectives are specific outcomes you plan to achieve through project activities).

• How your project goals and objectives relate to the goals and objectives of the funding opportunity.

3. Project Design and Implementation: How will you implement project activities that meet the project goals and objectives? Please include:

• What activities you will conduct to achieve the proposed goals and objectives.

• How you will deliver or complete those activities.

• When the activities will take place.

• Who in your organization will staff the activities, including key staff.

• Who will participate in and benefit from the activity.

• What deliverables, reports, and other items will be produced as part of the project.

• If you plan to use subrecipients to help conduct the project, please name them (if they are known) or describe how you will identify them. Please describe their role in conducting project activities.

4. Capabilities and Competencies: What administrative and technical capacity and expertise do you bring to successfully complete this project? Please include:

• A short description of your capacity to deliver the proposed project and meet the post-award requirements, if funded.

• A description of projects or activities your organization has conducted, or is currently conducting, that demonstrates your ability to undertake the proposed project activities.

• A summary of relevant experience of team members with key responsibilities for implementing the project.

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Project Evaluations: An applicant that proposes to use award funds to conduct project evaluations must follow the guidance on project evaluations.

Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget

Use the Budget Detail Worksheet (Web-Based Form) to submit the budget. Read information on budget preparation and JustGrants Application Submission Training.

• List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost category.

• Clearly name and describe each cost.

• Show the computation of each cost (e.g., cost per unit, number of units, and total cost).

• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to your project goals, objectives, and activities.

• Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency requirements.1

Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect costs calculated using a current, federally approved indirect cost rate, upload your indirect cost rate agreement. Read information about indirect costs.

• Consultant Rate (if applicable): Read information on limits to consultant rates and whether you need to request approval to exceed those limits.

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards

Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable): Read information on this limitation and to determine whether you need to submit a waiver.

Additional Application Components

Attach these in JustGrants:

• Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement (if applicable): Read information whether you may need to submit this statement.

Disclosures and Assurances

Read the disclosures and assurances and complete them in JustGrants:

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

• Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (if applicable)

1 See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Read information on unallowable costs that apply to all funding opportunities.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#project-evaluations https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#budget-prep https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/training-application-submission https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#indirect-cost https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#consultant-rate-if-applicable https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#limitation-use-award https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#research-evaluation https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#disclosures-and-assurances https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ojp.gov/funding/financialguidedoj/overview https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#unallowable-uses-of-funds

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• DOJ Certified Standard Assurances

• DOJ Certifications

• Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable)

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit your application by the deadlines. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental

Review of Federal Programs) does apply to this funding opportunity: read the

Application Resource Guide for details. Read OJP’s policy for applicants to request late submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade disasters.

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

OJP will review applications to ensure the information presented is reasonable, understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the funding opportunity. In addition, OJP reviews invited applications for consistency with the invitation letter and invited applicant guidance. See the Application Resource Guide for information on the application review process, including risk review, and the deciding official.

7. AWARD NOTICES

Read about the award notification process.

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION

Read the Application Resource Guide for more information about: standard award terms and conditions, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award reporting requirements.

9. QUESTIONS?

NOFO Contact

Name: OJP Response Center

Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only)

Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov

Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#guidance-for-specific-sf-424-fields https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#programmatic-and-financial-review-criteria https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#federal-award-notices https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov

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SAM.gov Help Desk

Website: sam.gov/help

Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (closed federal holidays)

Grants.gov Help Desk

Phone: 800-518-4726

Email: support@grants.gov

Website: grants.gov/support

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays)

JustGrants Help Desk

Phone: 833-872-5175

Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

Hours: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

https://sam.gov/help mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

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