Fiscal Year 2026 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for Indian tribal governments preparing to exercise or exercising Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ). Eligible applicants are governments of Indian tribes with jurisdiction over Indian country, or tribes occupying villages in Alaska. Consortia of eligible tribal governments may also apply. The program supports tribal capacity to prosecute non-Indians for covered crimes including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, child violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, and protection order violations within tribal jurisdictional boundaries.
This grant is for Indian tribal governments preparing to exercise or exercising Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ). Eligible applicants are governments of Indian tribes with jurisdiction over Indian country, or tribes occupying villages in Alaska. Consortia of eligible tribal governments may also apply. The program supports tribal capacity to prosecute non-Indians for covered crimes including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, child violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, and protection order violations within tribal jurisdictional boundaries.
Program description
The OVW Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program supports Tribal governments in preparing to exercise or exercising STCJ over non-Indians who commit covered crimes within the Tribe’s jurisdictional boundaries. Covered crimes are assault of Tribal justice personnel; child violence; dating violence; domestic violence; obstruction of justice; sexual violence; sex trafficking; stalking; and violation of a protection order.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Indian tribal governments preparing to exercise or exercising Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ). Eligible applicants are governments of Indian tribes with jurisdiction over Indian country, or tribes occupying villages in Alaska. Consortia of eligible tribal governments may also apply. The program supports tribal capacity to prosecute non-Indians for covered crimes including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, child violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, and protection order violations within tribal jurisdictional boundaries.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and STCJ Implementation Plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Tribal resolution or governing board authorization
- Letters of support from tribal leadership
- Coordination agreements with law enforcement partners
Program contact
- 👤 Office on Violence Against Women
- 📧 OVW.TribalJurisdiction@usdoj.gov
- 📞 0000000000
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 16.025 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.025). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $3,676,247 | |
| 2023 | $9,000,000 | |
| 2024 est. | $5,074,055 | |
| 2025 est. | $11,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the STCJ grant?
Only Indian tribal governments with jurisdiction over Indian country or Alaska villages can apply. Consortia of eligible tribes may also apply.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 per grant.
What activities does STCJ funding support?
Funding supports tribal preparation to exercise or exercise Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction. This includes prosecuting non-Indians for covered crimes like domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking within tribal territory.
What crimes fall under the STCJ grant scope?
Covered crimes include assault of tribal justice personnel, child violence, dating violence, domestic violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and protection order violations.
Is cost sharing required?
No. This grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds from applicants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate your tribe's current STCJ capacity and concrete plans for exercising jurisdiction over covered crimes.
- Show how grant funds will build tribal justice infrastructure and personnel.
- Document coordination with existing tribal justice systems and federal law enforcement.
- Emphasize community safety benefits and victim support mechanisms in your proposal.
- Include letters of support from tribal leadership, law enforcement, and victim advocacy organizations.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack specific, measurable plans for STCJ implementation. Proposals fail to address victim safety and restitution mechanisms. Weak coordination plans with federal agencies and tribal law enforcement partners.
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