FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative: Improving the Quality of Legal Representation in State Capital Cases
🏛 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 state government entities in U.S. states that authorize capital punishment. Only agencies that conduct or will conduct prosecutions seeking capital punishment are eligible. States must allocate funding equally between capital prosecution and capital defense. The grant supports improving legal representation quality for both prosecutors and defense attorneys in state capital cases.
State government agencies in capital punishment states can apply. Federal entities, local governments, nonprofits, and private entities are not eligible. The grant requires equal funding allocation between prosecution and defense activities.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative: Improving the Quality of Legal Representation in State Capital Cases. This opportunity will enhance the ability of prosecutors to effectively represent the public in state capital cases and to improve the quality of legal representation for defense attorneys who represent indigent defendants in state capital cases. States must allocate funding equally among capital prosecution and capital representation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application form)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Authorizing documentation from State Attorney General or equivalent
- Proof of capital punishment authorization in state
- Letters of support from prosecution and defense partners
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.746 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,552,675
-
$2,552,675
-
$2,450,000
-
$1,900,000
-
$1,624,363
-
$1,396,971
-
$600,000
-
$600,000
-
$600,000
-
$600,000
Top States by Funding
- PA 6 awards $7.0M
- DC 4 awards $6.1M
- CA 6 awards $3.1M
- MI 4 awards $2.1M
- TX 4 awards $2.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.746). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $7,680,458 | |
| 2025 | $2,627,073 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
State government entities in states that authorize capital punishment and conduct capital prosecutions. Only state-level agencies qualify.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is October 29, 2026. This is a single deadline with no rolling acceptance.
What activities does this grant fund?
Improving quality of legal representation for both capital prosecutors and defense attorneys. Funds support litigation capacity and professional development in capital cases.
Does this grant require matching funds?
No. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant.
What is the funding range?
Awards are approximately $450,000 per state. Exact amounts vary based on application quality and state needs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Split funds equally between prosecution and defense from the start. Reviewers verify balanced allocation carefully.
- Describe current gaps in capital litigation capacity. Show how your state's system currently underserves defendants or prosecutors.
- Highlight specific professional development activities. Training programs and mentoring increase competitiveness.
- Partner with established law schools or bar associations. External partnerships strengthen credibility.
- Include measurable outcomes tied to case quality. Metrics like acquittal rates or appellate success strengthen proposals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to allocate funds equally between prosecution and defense. Proposing vague training activities without measurable outcomes. Submitting incomplete documentation from state attorneys general or prosecutors offices.
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