NIJ FY25 Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), under the U.S. Department of Justice, is offering a grant opportunity titled "Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults." This grant reflects NIJ's broader commitment to strengthening justice systems and supporting victims by funding research that furthers the understanding of elder abuse and informs effective prevention and intervention strategies. NIJ operates within the Office of Justice Programs and focuses on scientific research to improve criminal justice policies and practices. The purpose of this grant is to fund rigorous research and evaluation in five clearly defined topical areas: (1) evaluations of programs addressing the abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of older adults; (2) research into financial fraud against older adults, particularly studies enhancing scam prevention messaging; (3) studies on abusive or neglectful behaviors by formal or informal caregivers; (4) forensic research into radiographic and bioinformatic evidence relevant to elder abuse; and (5) exploration of how emerging technologies contribute to fraud and exploitation targeting older adults. Projects must fall under at least one of these five categories to be considered responsive to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The grant offers a total pool of $1.6 million. Individual award ceilings will be determined based on the scope and needs of the proposed research projects, with no fixed maximum per applicant. Funded projects are expected to be completed within 60 months from the start date, anticipated to begin on January 1, 2027. While applicants may propose budgets of varying sizes, they should be aligned with the proposed research design and capacity to deliver. There is no cost share or match requirement, although voluntary contributions can be included and will become mandatory if accepted in the budget. Eligible applicants include a wide array of public, nonprofit, for-profit, and tribal entities, such as state, county, and city governments; school districts; public and private higher education institutions; nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)); and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. Only one entity can serve as the lead applicant, although collaborative proposals involving subrecipients are permitted. There is no restriction on the number of applications per applicant, provided each application proposes a distinct project. The application process involves a two-step submission. Step 1 requires applicants to submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 19, 2026. Step 2 involves submitting the complete application through JustGrants by 8:59 p.m. ET on May 26, 2026. Applications must include a project narrative, detailed budget, CVs/resumes of key personnel, and several other supporting documents such as a data management plan, human subjects protection materials, and, if applicable, letters of support and tribal resolutions. Applicants are encouraged to allow ample time for registration and technical troubleshooting. Review criteria for applications include the significance of the problem addressed, the rigor and feasibility of the research design, the qualifications of the research team, and the potential impact on policy and practice. Preference may be given to projects that directly support law enforcement operations, combat violent crime, or serve American children, victims, or individuals affected by trafficking. All recipients will be expected to submit semiannual and final performance reports, peer-reviewed scholarly publications, and complete data archiving through the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data or other approved repositories. This opportunity is expected to be released on March 25, 2026, and may recur annually. NIJ encourages timely registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants to prevent last-minute technical issues. Award announcements will follow the close of the review process, and selected projects may receive additional continuation funding in future years based on performance and available resources.

Proposals must address one of five specific topic areas and demonstrate strong methodological design, including independence in evaluation.