CFDA 16.738: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG)
The largest federal source of criminal-justice funding for state and local agencies. Supports law enforcement, prosecution, courts, prevention, corrections, treatment, and victim services.
What this CFDA funds
Eight broad program areas: law enforcement, prosecution and courts, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning/evaluation/technology improvement, crime victim and witness programs, and mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections services.
What winning applicants look like
Local law enforcement agencies, public defenders, and 501(c)(3) reentry/prevention programs partnered with sheriff/DA's offices. Coalition applications with documented data-sharing agreements score well. SAAs prioritize evidence-based programming aligned with the National Institute of Justice's CrimeSolutions.gov registry.
Common pitfalls + things to know
Byrne JAG is heavily formula-driven at the state level — many local nonprofits assume direct application is possible when it isn't. Check your state's SAA process. Drug-checkpoint funds and racial-profiling guidance change administration to administration. Anti-supplanting rules (cannot replace existing state/local spending) are strictly enforced.
Related CFDAs to also explore
- CFDA 16.575 — Crime Victim Assistance (VOCA)
- CFDA 16.812 — Second Chance Act Reentry
- CFDA 16.560 — National Institute of Justice Research
Always verify in the official source. CFDA program details, eligibility, and award ranges change with each annual NOFO cycle. Confirm at sam.gov/content/assistance-listings or the agency's program office before you build an application strategy. This page is editorial reference, not an official agency notice.