FY25 Research and Evaluation on Human Trafficking
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations conducting research and evaluation on human trafficking. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, academic institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and consortia. Priority often goes to projects addressing underexplored trafficking dimensions or serving underrepresented communities.
Geographic scope is nationwide. International organizations may partner but must have a U.S.-based lead applicant. Projects examining trafficking prevention, victim support, offender interventions, or policy effectiveness are supported.
All proposed research must follow federal regulations for human subjects protection. Applicants should have experience managing federal research grants and demonstrated expertise in trafficking, criminal justice, or related fields.
Program description
This NOFO is released by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). The funding opportunity seeks to build upon past research and evaluation efforts by focusing on emerging evidence needs and remaining gaps to combat human trafficking and protect children, with a particular focus on trafficking at the Southern Border.
Applicants should propose projects that will have a clear effect on U.S. criminal justice policy and practice. This NOFO calls for applications in two categories:
• Category 1: Justice System Responses to Trafficking (Anticipated Award Amount: $3,000,000)
This category seeks applications for research and evaluation projects on strategies to improve trafficking investigations, prosecutions, and disruption of human trafficking networks, particularly along the Southern border; and evaluations of well-developed direct service programs to help American child and adult victims of labor and sex trafficking.
• Category 2: Technology and Trafficking (Anticipated Award Amount: $1,000,000)
This category seeks applications for research and evaluation at the intersection of technology and trafficking, especially relating to technology used by traffickers and technologies used to investigate and build cases.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Private University
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (typically 20-25 pages)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capacity Statement
- Curriculum Vitae for key personnel
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) assurance or approval status
- Organizational chart and letters of support from partner agencies
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
What types of organizations can apply?
Nonprofits, universities, research institutes, and government agencies are eligible. Consortia with multiple partners are also accepted if one is designated as the fiscal lead.
What research topics are funded?
Projects examining trafficking prevention, prosecution, victim services, offender rehabilitation, or policy evaluation are supported. Methodologically rigorous evaluation designs are preferred.
Is prior federal grant experience required?
While not absolute, NIJ typically funds organizations with demonstrated capacity to manage federal awards. First-time applicants should show strong institutional support.
What is the timeline?
Applications open May 4, 2026. The deadline is June 8, 2026. Award announcements typically follow 3-6 months later.
What is the typical funding range?
NIJ research grants typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on project scope and duration. Multi-year awards are common.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research questions with NIJ's stated priorities in the solicitation. Applicants should demonstrate how findings address policy or practice gaps.
- Assemble a team with proven research expertise and access to trafficking-affected populations or relevant data sources. Partnerships strengthen applications.
- Include a detailed evaluation plan with measurable outcomes and realistic timelines. Vague methodology or overly ambitious scope raises concerns.
- Secure institutional support letters showing your organization will provide necessary resources, data access, and oversight for the duration of the award.
- Budget clearly for personnel, research activities, and dissemination. Include costs for compliance with human subjects protections and data security requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research questions that are too broad or disconnected from trafficking contexts. Weak or inexperienced research teams without demonstrated publication records. Underestimating costs for human subjects protections, institutional review, and data security compliance.
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