BJA FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program—Local Formula | O BJA 2026 172705

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BJA FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Local Formula?

It is a federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The program is intended to advance DOJ's public safety mission by providing resources that help communities prevent and respond to crime, strengthen the rule of law, and protect the rights and safety of residents.

Is this a competitive grant or a formula grant?

This is a local formula program. Funding is generally distributed based on an allocation methodology rather than a purely competitive selection process. In practical terms, eligible local jurisdictions receive set award amounts if they meet program requirements and complete the required application steps correctly.

What is the main purpose of JAG Local Formula funding?

The main purpose is to support local criminal justice and related civil proceedings capacity through practical, on-the-ground investments. The funding is designed to help local governments address priority gaps across core justice system functions.

What types of costs or activities can JAG Local funds support?

According to the notice, funds can be used to hire additional personnel and to purchase or support a wide range of operational needs, including equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems, as long as the activities align with allowable JAG purposes and are tied to one or more of the program's authorized areas.

Which parts of the justice system can benefit from this funding?

The notice describes broad flexibility across justice system functions, including law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, supervision, and other related justice system functions, as long as proposed uses fit within allowable JAG purposes.

What kinds of public safety priorities does OJP connect to this funding?

OJP frames the work in the context of current public safety challenges such as violent crime, protecting children, serving crime victims, human trafficking, and the opioid crisis. This signals the types of outcomes and problem areas the Department expects recipients to address through allowable program activities.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. The eligibility language also references "other units of local government," which generally points to local government entities that may not fit neatly into a single category but are treated as local governmental units under the program's rules and allocation determinations.

What is the first step before starting an application?

Applicants are expected to confirm eligibility before investing time in an application. BJA directs prospective applicants to consult the FY 2026 JAG allocation listings to verify whether their unit of local government is eligible to receive a direct JAG award.

How do jurisdictions confirm whether they will receive a direct local formula award?

The practical starting point is the FY 2026 JAG allocation list. The allocation list indicates whether BJA recognizes the applicant as a direct local formula recipient for the fiscal year and typically reflects the specific amount associated with that jurisdiction's allocation.

Does the opportunity list a single award amount for everyone?

No. While the opportunity information lists an award ceiling, actual award amounts for individual jurisdictions are typically tied to the published local allocation amounts rather than a single uniform figure.

What is the listed award ceiling for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is $4,964,030 (reflecting the maximum amount shown in the opportunity information). Individual jurisdictions generally receive amounts tied to their local allocation listing.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?

The Assistance Listing number is 16.738.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-BJA-2026-172705.

When was the NOFO created?

The NOFO was created on August 25, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original closing date is October 9, 2026.

How many awards does BJA expect to make?

The provided information does not specify the number of expected awards. However, because this is a local formula program, awards are generally made to a broad set of eligible local jurisdictions that appear on the allocation list and satisfy the administrative and statutory requirements for receiving funds.

Why does the NOFO emphasize checking the allocation list?

Because local formula eligibility and typical award amounts are tied to the FY 2026 JAG allocation listings. Checking the list helps jurisdictions confirm they are recognized as direct recipients for the fiscal year before spending time preparing an application.