FY27 Byrne Justice Assistance Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiatives
Opportunity number: 573785
Program owner: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Summary: Competitive federal Byrne/JAG funding administered by Virginia DCJS for Virginia local governments undertaking evidence-informed gun violence awareness, prevention, intervention, and reduction initiatives over a 22-month project period.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is making approximately $2 million in federal Byrne/JAG funding available to Virginia units of local government for evidence-informed gun violence awareness, prevention, intervention, and reduction efforts.
Eligible projects must align with a designated focus area, including law-enforcement firearm relinquishment and storage operations, public awareness, local gun-violence reduction planning and implementation, or community violence intervention and prevention. Funding is provided on a cost-reimbursement basis and requires a 25% local cash or in-kind match based on the total project budget.
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.
All Virginia units of local government are eligible. The source does not expressly authorize a police department, sheriff's office, or other subordinate local agency to apply independently of an eligible locality.
What can the funding be used for?
Allowable focus areas include law-enforcement firearm relinquishment, safe storage, inventory, tracking, return, evidence-management enhancements, equipment, technology, training, and policy development; gun-violence public-awareness and communications efforts; local gun-violence reduction planning, data analysis, coordination, training, targeted interventions, and implementation; and community violence intervention and prevention activities such as mentoring, street outreach, violence interruption, conflict mediation, trauma-informed services, case management, youth diversion, multi-agency coordination, and workforce-related supports. Overtime may be allowable when necessary for approved activities and consistent with the recipient's compensation plan. All costs are subject to Byrne/JAG requirements and DCJS review and approval.
Restrictions
Funds may not supplant state or local funds. Listed non-allowable expenses include salary for time not devoted to approved grant activities; capital construction, renovation, remodeling, or land acquisition; purchase or lease of vehicles; routinely provided firearms, ammunition, or related equipment; political contributions or lobbying; honoraria; tanks or armored vehicles; aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, or drones; limousines, real estate, or yachts; routinely provided clothing, uniforms, or ballistic vests; bonuses; giveaways; personal entertainment or calls; alcohol; and meals or refreshment breaks at training events, meetings, or conferences. Expenses incurred outside the approved grant period are ineligible for reimbursement.
How to apply
Apply through the DCJS Online Grants Management System by selecting Funding Opportunity 573785. Submit one application and budget covering the full 22-month project period. Applicants should register or confirm OGMS access at least two weeks before the deadline and must have an active SAM registration and UEI. The complete application must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on July 28, 2026; late applications will not be accepted.
Required materials
The OGMS application consists of general information, a face sheet, an accreditation response, a project narrative, goals and objectives, a budget and related narratives, attachments, and certifications. Applicants must have an active SAM registration and a Unique Entity Identifier. The supplied source excerpt does not establish that proof of SAM registration must be uploaded or identify the specific certifications claimed in the original extraction.
Program contact
Jordy Nolan; Carolyn Dellorso
[email protected]; [email protected]
(804) 845-1156; (804) 845-1200
Funding cycle
Continuation funding is not available. If DCJS offers the program in subsequent years, applicants may reapply through a new competitive application process.
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.