FY25 Research and Evaluation on Youth Justice Topics
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and organizations conducting rigorous research and evaluation on youth justice topics. Federal agencies, colleges, universities, nonprofits, state/local governments, and tribal entities typically can apply. The funding supports original research, program evaluations, and evidence-based youth justice initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate research capacity and ability to produce publishable findings.
Grant covers youth justice including juvenile delinquency, prevention, court processes, and reentry. Both domestic and international collaborations are possible. Proposals should address priority research areas identified by NIJ for the current fiscal year.
Organizations must be eligible to receive federal research funding. This typically means nonprofit status (501c3) or government entity status. Community-based organizations can often apply as co-investigators or partners.
All research must meet federal standards for ethical conduct, data security, and research integrity.
This grant is for researchers and organizations conducting rigorous research and evaluation on youth justice topics. Federal agencies, colleges, universities, nonprofits, state/local governments, and tribal entities typically can apply. The funding supports original research, program evaluations, and evidence-based youth justice initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate research capacity and ability to produce publishable findings.
Grant covers youth justice including juvenile delinquency, prevention, court processes, and reentry. Both domestic and international collaborations are possible. Proposals should address priority research areas identified by NIJ for the current fiscal year.
Organizations must be eligible to receive federal research funding. This typically means nonprofit status (501c3) or government entity status. Community-based organizations can often apply as co-investigators or partners.
All research must meet federal standards for ethical conduct, data security, and research integrity.
Program description
This NOFO seeks proposals for evaluation projects to inform policy and practice in the field of youth justice in the following two topics:
1. Evaluations on Juvenile Justice System Prosecution
2. Evaluations of Juvenile Reentry Practices
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for researchers and organizations conducting rigorous research and evaluation on youth justice topics. Federal agencies, colleges, universities, nonprofits, state/local governments, and tribal entities typically can apply. The funding supports original research, program evaluations, and evidence-based youth justice initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate research capacity and ability to produce publishable findings.
Grant covers youth justice including juvenile delinquency, prevention, court processes, and reentry. Both domestic and international collaborations are possible. Proposals should address priority research areas identified by NIJ for the current fiscal year.
Organizations must be eligible to receive federal research funding. This typically means nonprofit status (501c3) or government entity status. Community-based organizations can often apply as co-investigators or partners.
All research must meet federal standards for ethical conduct, data security, and research integrity.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Research Plan
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Research Design and Methodology Section
- Data Management Plan
- Qualifications of Key Personnel (CVs)
- Letters of Support/Commitment (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institute of Justice
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-616-5314
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.560 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$18,393,640
-
$10,561,120
-
$9,800,000
-
$6,998,958
-
$5,997,434
-
$5,691,859
-
$4,581,851
-
$4,501,620
-
$4,500,000
-
$4,000,000
Top States by Funding
- NC 9 awards $38.0M
- VA 13 awards $27.9M
- PA 3 awards $12.5M
- IL 9 awards $11.7M
- CA 6 awards $11.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.560). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $57,808,937 | |
| 2025 | $3,183,371 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, nonprofits, government agencies, federal labs, and tribal organizations can apply. You must have research capacity and institutional infrastructure.
What types of research does NIJ fund?
Rigorous evaluations, evidence-based practice studies, policy research, and program outcome assessments. Focus areas shift yearly—check current priorities.
Are there matching fund requirements?
No mandatory match is typical for NIJ research grants. Applicants are encouraged to propose cost-sharing but it's not required.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. Expect detailed peer review of methodology, significance, and research design. Strong preliminary data and experienced researchers are critical.
What's the typical funding range?
NIJ research awards typically range from $75,000 to $500,000+. Check the specific FOA for caps and phase funding structures.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research questions with current NIJ youth justice priorities published in the Funding Opportunity Announcement.
- Build a strong research team with relevant expertise in criminology, evaluation, or social science methodology.
- Present preliminary data or evidence that your approach is feasible and well-designed.
- Include clear data management, dissemination, and impact plans. NIJ emphasizes actionable findings.
- Budget carefully and justify every cost. Research budgets receive scrutiny on indirect rates and staff compensation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lacking rigorous methodology or clear research questions. Weak evaluation designs that can't answer causal questions.
Failing to address youth justice priorities in the current FOA. Misaligned research with NIJ's current focus areas.
Underestimating timeline or budget needs for data collection. Vague data management or dissemination plans.
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