FY 2026 Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program
🏛 Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ-OJP-BJA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for local government units and forensic laboratories seeking to improve missing persons and unidentified human remains investigations. Eligible applicants include towns, boroughs, parishes, villages, and other local government subdivisions. Accredited, publicly funded forensic laboratories, medical examiner offices, and toxicology laboratories may also apply. The program supports reporting, transportation, forensic processing, and identification efforts, including cases involving migrants across the United States.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program. This opportunity supports efforts to improve reporting, transportation, forensic processing, and identification of missing persons (MP) and unidentified human remains (UHR) cases, including those involving migrants as authorized by Public Law 116-277. This program increases public safety by providing resources to locate and identify missing persons and unidentified human remains in the United States.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Accreditation documentation (if applicable)
- Proof of governmental or nonprofit laboratory status
- Organizational capacity information
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 16.037 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.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Local government units (towns, boroughs, parishes, villages), accredited publicly funded forensic laboratories, medical examiner offices, and accredited publicly funded toxicology labs. Private laboratories and non-accredited facilities are not eligible.
What activities does the grant fund?
Reporting, transportation, forensic processing, and identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains. Support includes cases involving migrants as authorized by Public Law 116-277.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant. You can apply with full project costs.
What is the award amount?
The program offers awards up to $1,000,000. Specific amounts vary based on project scope and need.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is December 2, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling acceptance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's experience with missing persons or unidentified remains cases to strengthen competitiveness.
- Align your project with Public Law 116-277 priorities, especially if your project involves migrant cases.
- Demonstrate coordination with law enforcement, medical examiners, and forensic labs for case processing.
- Include detailed cost estimates for forensic processing, transportation, and identification activities.
- Document your laboratory's accreditation status and CODIS (if applicable) participation in your application materials.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed accreditation or government status. Not clearly linking project activities to missing persons identification or unidentified remains processing. Failing to demonstrate existing capacity or expertise in forensic case management.
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