Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG)
The leading source of flexible federal criminal justice funding to state and local governments. Supports a wide range of needs: personnel, equipment, supplies, training, technology, and information systems across law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, drug treatment, crime prevention, and mental health programs.
Who it is for
States and units of local government. There are two tracks: a state formula track (apply through your state) and a local formula track for jurisdictions that receive a direct allocation based on population and violent crime data.
Department types: Any department
An honest note on fit
The most flexible federal money on this list and useful precisely because it is not locked to one purpose. Worth checking your allocation even if it is small, since the under-$25,000 track is lighter to apply for.
Before you start
How you apply: Application path varies.
Depends on your jurisdiction. If your local government appears on the JAG local allocation list, you may apply directly under the local formula track. If not, funding flows through your state agency, so you work with your state's JAG administrator. Check the BJA JAG Allocations page to see which applies to you.
Match required: No match is generally required for formula JAG awards.
How to apply
- Check the BJA JAG Allocations page to see whether your jurisdiction has a direct local allocation or whether you go through the state.
- Confirm SAM.gov registration and access to both Grants.gov and JustGrants.
- For a direct local award, submit the SF-424 in Grants.gov, then the full application in JustGrants before the deadline.
- For the state track, contact your state's JAG administering agency to learn their sub-award process and internal deadline.
- Define your project clearly against one of the JAG program areas, since the funding is flexible but must map to an allowed purpose.
Deadline: Annual. The local and state tracks have separate deadlines, typically in spring, submitted in two stages across Grants.gov and JustGrants. State sub-award deadlines are set by each state and come earlier. (Annual cycle)
Funding: Award size is set by a formula based on population and reported violent crime, so it ranges widely. Many small jurisdictions receive allocations under $25,000, which have a simpler application track.
Verified as of 2026-05-31. Programs are checked periodically against their official source. Funding details and deadlines change. Confirm the current requirements on the official program page before you apply.