The FY25 Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program is a funding initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. It is designed to promote collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health organizations to improve responses to individuals with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions. The program emphasizes deflection and diversion strategies to connect individuals to treatment and community services, reducing unnecessary interactions with the criminal justice system and enhancing public safety.

The program’s primary goal is to improve safety and outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs by establishing or expanding crisis intervention models, such as co-responder teams, mobile crisis units, and 911 call diversion initiatives. Applicants are encouraged to integrate trauma-informed approaches and collaborate with justice system stakeholders to ensure comprehensive care and effective interventions. Additional objectives include supporting veterans through tailored programs and training law enforcement officers in behavioral health response techniques.

This funding opportunity has an anticipated total award amount of $13,750,000, with individual awards capped at $550,000 for projects spanning up to 36 months. A required cost-sharing component mandates a 20% match for the first two years combined and a 40% match for the third year, calculated as a percentage of the total project cost. Matching contributions can be cash or in-kind and must comply with federal guidelines. Awards are contingent on available funding and agency priorities.

Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. Nonprofit and for-profit mental health agencies may apply if designated as a government provider by their state mental health authority. Partnerships between law enforcement and mental health organizations are required, formalized through a memorandum of understanding or a letter of intent.

Applications must include a proposal narrative, a detailed budget, and performance measures. The proposal narrative should outline the problem to be addressed, goals and objectives, project design, and implementation plans, as well as the applicant’s capabilities and competencies. A budget detail form must delineate planned expenditures, including both federal funds and matching contributions. Applicants must also describe how they will measure the project’s impact, including the number of individuals served and the outcomes achieved.

The submission process involves two steps: completing the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by April 3, 2025, and submitting the full application in JustGrants by April 10, 2025. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov in advance to obtain necessary credentials. A pre-application webinar will be held on February 27, 2025, to provide guidance and answer questions about the application process.

Award notifications are expected by September 30, 2025. Selected projects will undergo a planning phase, capped at $100,000, before transitioning to full implementation. Post-award requirements include regular financial and performance reporting, adherence to civil rights and financial management standards, and collaboration with technical assistance providers. Evaluation criteria prioritize alignment with program goals, cost-effectiveness, and geographic diversity.

For further details, applicants can consult the official NOFO document, the DOJ Application Resource Guide, and associated training materials provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.