Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG)

The Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG) Program, administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland, is a critical state-level funding initiative aimed at improving public safety and addressing criminal justice challenges across the state. This program is supported by federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance under ALN 16.738 and reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting law enforcement and community-based crime prevention. The program originates from the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and has evolved through various federal restructurings, ultimately consolidating into the current BJAG framework in 2005. GOCPP has been managing these funds for over a decade, focusing on reducing service gaps that affect enforcement, prosecution, detention, and victim services. The BJAG program provides funding for a wide array of initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime, aiding crime victims, and supporting system improvements throughout Maryland’s criminal justice ecosystem. The program’s design encourages comprehensive strategies that integrate law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, reentry, and victim support systems. For State Fiscal Year 2026, the program has prioritized areas such as place-based interventions, real-time access to crime data, youth charged as adults, specialized public safety training, evidence-based criminal justice innovations, and reentry services. These priorities are informed by crime data, federal guidance, and recent legislative developments in the state, ensuring the program aligns with both national standards and Maryland’s specific public safety needs. The total anticipated funding for SFY 2026 is $2,000,000, distributed across three allocations: General BJAG Formula Funds ($911,378), Local BJAG Formula Funds ($989,469), and Small Jurisdiction BJAG Formula Funds ($99,153). Award sizes range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the applicant type and the allocation. The performance period for all subawards is October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. Notably, the program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, operating expenses, equipment, and contractual services, while unallowable costs include real estate, luxury items, fundraising, lobbying, and weaponized vehicles, among others. Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, local and state law enforcement, non-profit organizations (including community- and faith-based), and non-profit institutions of higher learning. All applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Faith-based organizations may apply but must separate inherently religious activities from grant-funded services. Non-profits must also provide IRS documentation of their 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status, along with a current W-9 and Equal Employment Opportunity form. Applications must be submitted online through the GOCPP Grant Management System (GMS), with hard copies not accepted. The online application portal opens in September 2025 and closes on September 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Prior to that, applicants must request GMS access by August 29, 2025. The application requires multiple narrative components, including organizational background, needs assessment, project design, goals and objectives, and a data collection plan. Budget justification and personnel information are also mandatory. Applicants are encouraged to watch GMS instructional videos and attend a technical assistance webinar on September 2, 2025. Evaluation of applications will follow a weighted scoring system, considering factors such as problem statement, project design, goals and objectives, budget and sustainability, and organizational capacity. Grant recipients will be notified in October 2025, and funds will be disbursed on a quarterly reimbursement basis. Performance and financial reporting are required quarterly through the GMS, and federally mandated performance metrics must be submitted via the BJA’s Performance Measurement Tool. The program is recurring annually and applicants are encouraged to align proposals with Maryland’s Comprehensive State Crime Control and Prevention Plan 2024–2026.

Follow all narrative word limits; tie all budget line items to objectives; align project with state priorities; watch GMS videos before applying; incomplete or overlimit narratives may be disqualified.