FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA
🏛 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 and local prosecuting agencies and law enforcement agencies working to prosecute violent cold cases. Eligible applicants include prosecutors, law enforcement, and other local government units. Agencies must have an engaged prosecutorial entity to apply. The funding supports investigation, prosecution, and forensic analysis of cases where suspect DNA profiles are already developed.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program. This opportunity supports prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes where a DNA profile from a suspect is already developed. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, hold violent offenders accountable, and further case resolution for victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies may utilize this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, as well as crime and forensic analysis that could increase the rate of successful prosecutions and/or other appropriate resolution of cases.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application form)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational documentation (proof of legal status)
- Letters of support from law enforcement partner (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.036 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,243,893
-
$3,136,178
-
$2,808,230
-
$2,671,284
-
$2,461,059
-
$2,459,640
-
$2,378,897
-
$2,257,585
-
$2,122,317
-
$2,033,717
Top States by Funding
- TX 8 awards $9.7M
- CA 9 awards $9.7M
- NY 10 awards $6.6M
- FL 6 awards $6.0M
- GA 3 awards $3.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.036). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $105,366,613 | |
| 2025 | $253,789 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State and local prosecuting agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other local government units can apply. Your agency must have an engaged prosecutorial entity.
What can I use the grant money for?
Investigative and prosecutorial activities, DNA analysis, and forensic analysis related to cold case violent crimes. Funds support activities aimed at increasing successful prosecutions or case resolution.
What is the award amount?
Awards go up to $750,000, though the exact amount varies by application and available funding.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is October 29, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No cost sharing is required to apply for or receive this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on cold cases with existing suspect DNA profiles. The grant expects you to have leads already identified.
- Clearly explain how funding will increase prosecution success rates. Provide specific case examples or projections.
- Demonstrate coordination between law enforcement and prosecution teams. Show both agencies are committed to the project.
- Include realistic timelines for case resolution. Cold cases require patience—avoid overpromising quick closures.
- Highlight impact on victims and families. Show how closure serves the broader community and public safety.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when agencies propose cases lacking developed suspect DNA profiles. Weak applications don't clearly show how prosecutorial and law enforcement teams will collaborate. Many submissions lack realistic timelines or measurable prosecution outcome goals.
Similar grants
- OPEN BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- OPEN BJA FY26 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Competitive Grants Program — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- OPEN BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- OPEN BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program — Bureau of Justice Assistance
- OPEN BJA FY 2026 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act Program — Bureau of Justice Assistance