The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is offering the Office of First Responder Wellness Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026 to support the wellness of first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The grant, established under Executive Order Thirty-Eight (2024), aims to provide funding to first responder agencies and nonprofit organizations that work to improve the mental, emotional, and physical health of current and retired first responders. These funds are intended to support wellness training, wellness programs, peer support services, and the purchase of therapeutic equipment. The program focuses on supporting law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) providers, emergency communications officers, and corrections officers across Virginia.

The total funding available under this grant program is $2,700,000, with individual grant awards capped at $30,000 per application. Funding will be distributed on a cost-reimbursement basis for actual expenses incurred within the grant period. The grant cycle spans 12 months, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The funds may be used for training costs, conference attendance (including registration fees, lodging, per diem), therapeutic equipment purchases, and support costs for therapy/support dogs. Nonprofit organizations may also use funds to provide wellness training, resources, or direct services to first responders. However, the funds may not be used for gym equipment, gym renovations, capital expenses, or for therapy/support dogs trained for detection or tracking purposes.

Eligible applicants include first responder agencies based in Virginia that serve first responders, such as state, municipal, county, and regional departments, as well as nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that have a demonstrated history of providing wellness services, training, or resources to first responders. Each grant application must be submitted through the DCJS Online Grant Management System (OGMS) by 5:00 p.m. on March 17, 2025. Applicants must ensure their project administrator is a locality’s chief administrative officer or a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors with financial authority.

The application process requires applicants to complete several forms within OGMS, including a project narrative describing the need for wellness-related support, a description of the proposed project, identification of the service area and target population, and a sustainment plan explaining how the program will continue after the grant period ends. Additionally, applicants must submit a detailed budget, demonstrating how the requested funds will be allocated to eligible expenses. Applications will be reviewed competitively, with scores based on adherence to guidelines, strength of the proposal, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with funding priorities. Final funding decisions will be made by the Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB) in May 2025.

Grant recipients must submit quarterly financial and programmatic reports through OGMS. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in termination of funding. Technical assistance for applicants is available from specific DCJS staff, including contacts for both grant application support and first responder wellness program-specific questions. Further guidance and resources can be accessed via the DCJS website and through provided attachments.

Contact information for technical assistance includes Phyllis Vaughan (phyllis.vaughan@dcjs.virginia.gov, 804-340-9754), Tracy Matthews (tracy.matthews@dcjs.virginia.gov, 804-371-0635), and Ronald Coombs (ronald.coombs@dcjs.virginia.gov, 804-845-0505). Assistance with the OGMS system can be obtained by emailing ogmssupport@dcjs.virginia.gov.