Grants

BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Award Range
up to $8,000,000
Deadline
2026-10-06
Time Remaining
Closing soon: about 3 days left as of October 3, 2026.
CFDA Number
16.753
Bottom line: The BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program provides up to $8,000,000 in funding through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This opportunity seeks to support projects designated for funding pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II.) to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and to assist victims of crime (other than compensation).

The BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how this award works before the 2026-10-06 deadline.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

By invitation only: this notice is open only to the recipients named for it. BJA sent an invitation to apply to all eligible recipients, which are limited to those identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement for projects designated for funding pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II). A list of the projects designated for funding in FY 2026 can be found here: FY 2026 Appropriations.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Public Safety & Justice programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. This funds projects Congress named. It pays for Congressionally Directed Spending projects listed in the appropriations act; only those designated recipients apply, and it is not open to the public.
  2. If your organization was named, follow the application steps in the official listing; a designation still requires a complete application.
  3. Otherwise, look for open programs. Use our free Grant Finder to find programs you can apply to.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
Funding Agency Bureau of Justice Assistance
CFDA Number 16.753
Award Minimum Not published
Award Maximum $8,000,000
Deadline 2026-10-06
Category Public Safety & Justice
Matching Required No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Public Safety & Justice grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program?

By invitation only: this notice is open only to the recipients named for it. BJA sent an invitation to apply to all eligible recipients, which are limited to those identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement for projects designated for funding pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. No. 119-74, Div. A, Title II). A list of the projects designated for funding in FY 2026 can be found here: FY 2026 Appropriations. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

What is the deadline for BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program?

The current deadline is 2026-10-06. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does BJA FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program require matching funds?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.