FY 27 Byrne - Justice Assistance Grant Solicitation Criminal Justice Programs
Opportunity number: 569928
Program owner: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Summary: Competitive federal Byrne/JAG pass-through funding administered by Virginia DCJS for Virginia units of local government supporting approved criminal-justice initiatives, including community policing, reentry, human-trafficking responses, criminal-justice planning, probation or jail peer support, and youth engagement.
Virginia DCJS is offering federal Byrne/JAG pass-through funding to Virginia units of local government for criminal-justice projects aligned with specified priority areas. Priorities include innovative and evidence-based criminal-justice strategies, reentry and community integration, human-trafficking demand reduction and victim services, criminal-justice planning, peer-support pilots in probation, pretrial services, or jails, and community-policing and youth-engagement programs.
The award period is July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Projects may receive an initial project period of 12 to 15 months. A 25% local cash or in-kind match is required, and payments are made on a cost-reimbursement basis. Maximum total project amounts, including the required match, are $100,000, $110,000, or $130,000 depending on the focus area.
Who is eligible?
Applicant types: Virginia units of local government, defined for this program as cities, counties, townships, towns, and certain federally recognized American Indian tribes.
The solicitation is open to Virginia units of local government, with only one application permitted per eligible entity. Nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations are not direct applicants but may collaborate on community-policing or youth-engagement projects on behalf of an applicant locality.
What can the funding be used for?
Projects must align with a stated focus area: innovative and evidence-based criminal-justice strategies; reentry and successful community integration; human-trafficking demand reduction and victim services; criminal-justice planners supporting Community Criminal Justice Boards; peer-support pilots in local probation, pretrial services, or local or regional jails; or community-policing and youth-engagement programs. Allowable costs may include equipment and technology, personnel and overtime, training and technical assistance, travel, supplies, and contractual or professional services such as evaluation, strategic planning, and specialized expertise, subject to DCJS approval.
Restrictions
Funds may not supplant state or local funds. Prohibited costs include tanks or armored vehicles; aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, or drones; limousines; real estate; yachts; vehicles not used primarily for law enforcement; weapons, ammunition, related equipment, standard clothing, uniforms, ballistic vests, or vehicles normally and routinely provided by the locality; construction or renovation; land acquisition; lobbying or political contributions; honoraria; bonuses; giveaways or promotional items; personal entertainment or calls; alcohol; and refreshments or meals at training events, meetings, or conferences. Expenditures outside the approved grant period are ineligible.
How to apply
Apply through the Virginia DCJS Online Grants Management System under Funding Opportunity 569928. Applicants should register or confirm OGMS access at least two weeks before the deadline, maintain an active SAM registration and UEI, complete the required application forms, budget materials, certifications, and applicable attachments, and submit by 3:00 p.m. on April 27, 2026. Each eligible entity may submit only one application.
Required materials
Applicants must complete the applicable OGMS face sheet, project narrative, goals and objectives form, budget grid, itemized budget forms, certifications, and required attachments. A letter or similar document designating signing authority is required when someone other than the Project Administrator signs certifications on the Project Administrator's behalf. Applicants must also maintain an active SAM registration and UEI.
Program contact
Jordy Nolan
[email protected]
804-845-1156
Official sources
- Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services checked September 16, 2026
Grant details can change. Confirm all requirements on the official source before applying.