The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) has announced the availability of $2,000,000 in federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding to support law enforcement equipment needs for local and public campus law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth of Virginia. As the State Administrative Agency, DCJS is responsible for distributing JAG funds to improve the overall criminal justice system. The grant supports projects that enhance the delivery of law enforcement services and officer and community safety.

This grant opportunity specifically prioritizes funding for equipment that helps agencies increase their operational efficiency and capacity. Funds can be used for purchasing or upgrading equipment, computer software, and communications technology. However, the grant strictly prohibits spending on items such as weapons, standard uniforms, vehicles, training, indirect costs, and multi-year service plans. The grant period is limited to six months, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025. Importantly, there will be no continuation funding, and priority is given to applicants who can complete purchases before September 30, 2025.

Eligible applicants are limited to local and public campus law enforcement agencies located in Virginia. Each entity may only submit one application. Applicants must use the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) to submit their application, and all required forms and narratives must be completed. No paper or email submissions are accepted. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025.

The funding range for each grant award is between $10,000 and $75,000, inclusive of required matching funds. A 25% local cash match is required, meaning federal funds can cover up to 75% of total project costs. All matching funds must come from non-federal local sources and cannot be used to support other projects.

Applications will be reviewed through a competitive process based on technical compliance, project narrative, goals and objectives, and budget justification. Each component has a weighted score, and evaluations will consider need, geographic location, and the cost-effectiveness of the proposal. Final funding decisions will be made by the Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB) at its June 2025 meeting and cannot be appealed.

Applicants must include key details such as project title, target population, project sustainability plan, goals and objectives in S.M.A.R.T. format, and a complete budget. Contact information must be provided for the project director, project administrator, and finance officer. For questions regarding the grant, applicants may contact Natasha Winfree at natasha.winfree@dcjs.virginia.gov or (804) 659-7593, or Nicole Phelps at nicole.phelps@dcjs.virginia.gov or (804) 786-1577. Technical support for OGMS is available via ogmssupport@dcjs.virginia.gov.