The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is now accepting applications for the 2025–2027 Juvenile Diversion Grant Program. This competitive funding opportunity, established by Indiana Code § 31-40-5-6, is designed to support programs aimed at preventing further involvement of youth in the formal juvenile justice system. The program seeks to fund initiatives that provide alternatives to adjudication with minimal supervision requirements, emphasize restorative justice practices, and reduce recidivism through research-based interventions.

Eligible applicants include public entities, units of local and state government, nonprofit organizations, and nongovernmental agencies that provide services to justice-involved or at-risk youth. To qualify, applicants must be prequalified, including demonstrating good standing with the Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development, and Secretary of State. Nongovernmental applicants must have an operating agreement or MOU with referring agencies and be overseen by a local or regional Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) or another collaborative body of juvenile justice stakeholders.

The funding period spans two years, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Each county may receive a base award of $75,000, with additional funds allocated based on county population to support rural areas. Counties with populations under 25,000 may receive up to $90,000, those between 25,000–50,000 up to $85,000, and those above 50,000 up to $80,000. Applicants proposing to serve multiple counties must submit individualized plans and detail the percentage of services provided per county.

Applications must be submitted through IntelliGrants by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 17, 2025. A pre-application informational webinar will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET, with no registration required. All applicants are encouraged to review ICJI training materials and application guides before submitting.

Allowable activities include developing or supporting evidence-based or restorative justice programs, providing culturally appropriate services, placement and medical advocacy, telehealth-based services, and supportive services such as childcare for families. Unallowable costs include direct financial assistance to clients, lobbying, fundraising, real estate or vehicle purchases, construction, and indirect or de minimis cost rates. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the total budget and must be allocated within staff time, not listed separately.

Subgrantees are required to submit monthly or quarterly reports via IntelliGrants, including detailed demographic, referral, participation, and outcome data. Final fiscal and programmatic reports are due within 30 days of the project end date. Applications will be evaluated based on completeness, alignment with program goals, legal compliance, financial documentation, and risk assessments. Monitoring will occur via desk reviews, site visits, and regular reporting review.

Questions or technical issues regarding IntelliGrants should be directed to the ICJI Helpdesk at CJIHelpDesk@cji.in.gov or by phone at 317-232-1233. Additional resources, including required forms and user guides, are available on the ICJI website.