FY25 Research and Evaluation on Corrections
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and research organizations studying the U.S. correctional system. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) accepts applications from accredited colleges and universities, nonprofits, for-profit research organizations, state and local government agencies, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and other qualified research institutions. Eligible activities include empirical research, program evaluation, and data analysis focused on improving corrections outcomes, reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety, and understanding evidence-based practices in correctional facilities. Applicants must have the capacity to conduct rigorous research methodology and typically must partner with or have access to correctional facilities or systems for data collection. Funding is intended to generate knowledge that informs corrections policy and practice at federal, state, and local levels.
This grant is for researchers and research organizations studying the U.S. correctional system. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) accepts applications from accredited colleges and universities, nonprofits, for-profit research organizations, state and local government agencies, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and other qualified research institutions. Eligible activities include empirical research, program evaluation, and data analysis focused on improving corrections outcomes, reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety, and understanding evidence-based practices in correctional facilities. Applicants must have the capacity to conduct rigorous research methodology and typically must partner with or have access to correctional facilities or systems for data collection. Funding is intended to generate knowledge that informs corrections policy and practice at federal, state, and local levels.
Program description
This funding opportunity seeks rigorous proposals on: (1) management and development of the correctional workforce; and (2) correctional officer safety. Proposals for research outside of these two topics will not be considered responsive to this NOFO. Applicants may submit more than one proposal; however, only one topic may be submitted per proposal. Applicants are requested to identify the topic addressed in their application on the title page of the proposal narrative.
NIJ is particularly interested in applications with research designs that incorporate action-oriented research, where jurisdictions are an integral part of defining the program, implementing change, and revising practices based on assessment of the change. Applicants may propose a phased implementation plan if the research design and questions warrant this approach.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for researchers and research organizations studying the U.S. correctional system. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) accepts applications from accredited colleges and universities, nonprofits, for-profit research organizations, state and local government agencies, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and other qualified research institutions. Eligible activities include empirical research, program evaluation, and data analysis focused on improving corrections outcomes, reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety, and understanding evidence-based practices in correctional facilities. Applicants must have the capacity to conduct rigorous research methodology and typically must partner with or have access to correctional facilities or systems for data collection. Funding is intended to generate knowledge that informs corrections policy and practice at federal, state, and local levels.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative (research design, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes)
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- Curriculum vitae or resume for key personnel
- Letters of commitment or support from correctional agency partners
- Organizational capacity documentation (evidence of prior research, relevant staff expertise)
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
- Data management and security plan (for sensitive corrections data)
- Evaluation plan and dissemination strategy
Program contact
- 👤 National Institute of Justice
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-616-5314
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.560 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$18,393,640
-
$10,561,120
-
$9,800,000
-
$6,998,958
-
$5,997,434
-
$5,691,859
-
$4,581,851
-
$4,501,620
-
$4,500,000
-
$4,000,000
Top States by Funding
- NC 9 awards $38.0M
- VA 13 awards $27.9M
- PA 3 awards $12.5M
- IL 9 awards $11.7M
- CA 6 awards $11.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.560). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $57,808,937 | |
| 2025 | $3,183,371 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Accredited colleges and universities, nonprofits, for-profit research firms, state and local government agencies, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and other research institutions with demonstrated research capacity are eligible. Individual researchers must typically be affiliated with an eligible organization.
What is the deadline and how much time do I have?
The application deadline is June 2, 2026, with the application opening on April 30, 2026. This provides approximately five weeks to submit your application.
What types of research activities are supported?
NIJ funds empirical research and rigorous evaluations focused on corrections, including studies on recidivism reduction, reentry programming, incarceration alternatives, correctional facility management, and evidence-based practices within the criminal justice system.
How competitive is this funding?
NIJ grants are highly competitive, with multiple research organizations nationwide competing for limited funding. A strong research design, partnerships with correctional systems, and innovative approaches significantly increase competitiveness.
What is the typical funding range?
Funding varies by research scope, but NIJ grants typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more for multi-year projects. Check the current solicitation for specific funding caps and required project durations.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner with correctional agencies early in proposal development to ensure access to data, facilities, and stakeholder buy-in; NIJ strongly favors applications with committed research partnerships.
- Design rigorous methodology using experimental, quasi-experimental, or strong quasi-experimental designs; randomized controlled trials and matched comparison groups significantly strengthen competitiveness.
- Clearly articulate the policy or practice implications of your research and explain how findings will be disseminated to practitioners, policymakers, and the field.
- Address a specific gap or priority identified in the NIJ solicitation; carefully review the current funding priorities and tailor your research question to align with agency priorities.
- Build in time for data collection and analysis; allow realistic timelines and budget for staffing, IRB approval, and coordination with correctional partners.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often lack sufficient detail on research methodology or fail to justify the rigor of their design relative to the research question. Weak partnerships with correctional agencies—or failure to demonstrate secured data access—frequently undermine otherwise strong proposals. Many applicants underestimate the time and cost required for ethical review, data collection in secure facilities, and meaningful stakeholder engagement with corrections professionals.
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