FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
🏛 Office for Victims of Crime
Can you apply?
This grant is for specific criminal justice projects designated by Congress in the FY 2026 DOJ Appropriations Act. Only organizations named in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement may apply for their designated project amount.
Awards support efforts to improve criminal justice system functioning, prevent juvenile delinquency, and assist crime victims. The program is invitation-only based on Congressional designation, not a competitive open call.
Eligible recipients include government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations explicitly identified in the appropriations language. Applicants must be the entity named for their specific project and funding amount.
Program description
With this Notice of Funding Opportunity, OVC seeks to support projects designated for funding in the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II.) to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and to assist victims of crime (other than compensation).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Standard grant forms (likely SF-424 or DOJ equivalent)
- Project narrative aligned with Congressional designation
- Budget justification matching designated funding amount
- Organizational documentation (501(c)(3) status if nonprofit, government authorization if agency)
Program contact
- 👤 Office for Victims of Crime
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-353-2138
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.753 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$7,400,000
-
$5,000,000
-
$5,000,000
-
$5,000,000
-
$4,999,999
-
$4,600,000
-
$4,500,000
-
$4,500,000
-
$4,347,000
-
$4,316,000
Top States by Funding
- CA 7 awards $27.7M
- AK 6 awards $20.0M
- AZ 6 awards $13.9M
- LA 5 awards $13.8M
- MI 5 awards $13.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.753). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $347,779,170 | |
| 2025 | $749,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only organizations designated in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement for the FY 2026 CJS Appropriations Act. It is not a competitive grant open to all applicants.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline is July 15, 2026. OVC will specify the exact submission date and process in the final Notice of Funding Opportunity.
What activities does this grant support?
Projects that improve criminal justice functioning, prevent juvenile delinquency, or assist crime victims (excluding direct victim compensation).
How much funding can my organization receive?
The amount is fixed and designated in Congress's Joint Explanatory Statement. Applicants cannot request different amounts.
Is there cost sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required for this grant program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your organization is named in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement before investing application effort.
- Review the exact project description and funding amount designated for your organization in the appropriations language.
- Align your application narrative closely with the Congressional intent and project scope for your designated funding.
- Ensure all submitted documents reference the correct Congressional designation and avoid requesting different scope or amount.
- Submit early to allow time for processing. OVC may have strict submission requirements for invited projects.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without Congressional designation wastes effort; only invited organizations qualify. Requesting different funding amounts or project scope than Congress designated will likely result in rejection. Missing strict submission deadlines is critical since OVC controls the exact process details.
Similar grants
- OPEN F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 — Fish and Wildlife Service
- OPEN U.S. Mission to Canada Alumni Summit — U.S. Mission to Canada
- OPEN DoW Kidney Cancer, Idea Development Award — Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
- OPEN Annual Program Statement for U.S. Presentation at International Architecture Biennales — Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- OPEN Collaborative Approaches to Adoption for Children with Complex Needs — Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB