FY 2026 John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program
🏛 Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ-OJP-BJA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for states to administer loan repayment assistance programs for public defenders and prosecutors. Eligible recipients are local, state, and federal public defenders and local and state prosecutors who commit to three years of continued service. States receive funding to establish statewide programs through state agencies designated by the governor. Individual beneficiaries apply to their state's program for partial loan repayment assistance.
States must designate an administering agency through the governor. The state agency solicits applications from eligible prosecutors and public defenders. Beneficiaries selected must serve an additional three years in qualifying positions. Loan repayment is provided directly to the beneficiary's loan service provider.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
This opportunity provides loan repayment assistance for local and state prosecutors and local, state, and federal public defenders who commit to continued employment as public defenders and prosecutors for at least three years.
States receiving funding will administer statewide programs through state agencies designated by the governor by soliciting applications from eligible beneficiaries, which include local and state prosecutors and local, state, and federal public defenders (“beneficiaries”). Beneficiaries selected must commit to an additional three years of qualifying service in exchange for partial loan repayment directly to the beneficiary’s loan service provider.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proof of employment as prosecutor or public defender
- Educational loan documentation (promissory notes, account statements)
- Written commitment to three-year service term
- Verification from loan service provider
- State program application form (varies by state)
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.816 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$415,642
-
$280,240
-
$179,023
-
$174,239
-
$171,210
-
$170,000
-
$142,145
-
$134,726
-
$133,652
-
$129,616
Top States by Funding
- CA 4 awards $0.9M
- OH 4 awards $0.4M
- MN 7 awards $0.4M
- VA 6 awards $0.4M
- PA 3 awards $0.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.816). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,529,819 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to receive loan repayment under this grant?
Local and state prosecutors and local, state, and federal public defenders are eligible. Beneficiaries must commit to three additional years of service in these roles.
How do individuals apply for loan repayment assistance?
Individuals apply through their state's program administered by the state agency designated by the governor. Contact your state attorney general or public defender office for application details.
What happens with the loan repayment funds?
Funds are provided directly to the beneficiary's loan service provider to reduce outstanding educational debt.
Is there a deadline for individual beneficiaries to apply?
Deadlines vary by state program. Check with your state administering agency for specific application windows and deadlines.
What is the amount of loan repayment assistance available?
Award amounts vary and depend on funding available to your state and the state program's specific guidelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your state attorney general or public defender office early. They administer the statewide program and set application procedures.
- Document your educational debt and service commitment carefully. Loan repayment requires verification from loan service providers.
- Ensure you meet the three-year service commitment requirement before applying. Breaking this commitment may require repayment of assistance received.
- Gather all required documents before the state program deadline. State deadlines differ from the federal grant deadline.
- Understand your state's specific program rules. Each state designs its own application and selection process.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants apply directly to BJA instead of their state administering agency. Applicants don't verify their commitment to the three-year service requirement. Applicants miss state-level deadlines that differ from the federal award date.
Similar grants
- CLOSED John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program 2026 (Prosecutors/Public Defenders) — Iowa Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy
- CLOSING SOON BJA FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program—Local Formula — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- OPEN BJA FY 2026 Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Strengthening State and Local Operations to Reduce Crime and Recidivism — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- CLOSED BJA FY 2026 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- CLOSED BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply -Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program — Bureau of Justice Assistance