The Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants, as outlined in the announcement, is a federal initiative managed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The program is designed to support specific criminal justice-related projects identified for funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. The goal is to enhance the functioning of the criminal justice system, address juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime. The program aligns with the Department of Justice’s mission to uphold the rule of law, enhance public safety, and promote civil rights.

This grant is available by invitation only, meaning that only those identified in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement (JES) accompanying the Appropriations Act are eligible to apply. These applicants are pre-selected, and the specific projects they are invited to submit for funding are also predetermined. The legal name of the applicant must match the entity listed in the JES to be eligible for consideration. This funding is discretionary and does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions from applicants.

The available funding is substantial, with a total of $277,518,000 allocated for awards. Individual grants will vary, with the maximum award amount set at $4,500,000, depending on the needs of the designated project. The performance period for the grants is flexible, ranging from 12 to 48 months, beginning as early as March 9, 2024, unless the applicant requests a later start date. Projects must adhere to the purpose and scope defined in the JES, and changes to the project’s objectives after an award has been granted are not permitted.

Eligible applicants must complete the application process in two steps. First, they must submit basic information through Grants.gov by October 30, 2024. Then, the full application, including supporting documents, must be submitted via the JustGrants platform by November 1, 2024. Both submissions must be completed by 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the respective deadlines. To submit the application, applicants need to ensure they are registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and maintain active status throughout the process.

The application will include a proposal narrative, describing the issue to be addressed, the project design, organizational capacity, and how data will be collected to measure performance. While performance data are not required at the time of application, award recipients must submit regular reports on project outcomes. The application must also include a budget detailing the costs of implementing the project. Restrictions apply to the use of federal funds, including prohibitions on certain expenditures such as security enhancements for nongovernmental entities not involved in criminal justice, and limitations on compensation rates for personnel.

The review process focuses on ensuring that the proposed project aligns with the goals outlined in the Appropriations Act and the specific JES designation. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of the fiscal year, and award recipients must comply with all legal and financial reporting requirements as detailed in the award conditions. These include submitting financial and performance reports quarterly, as well as final reports at the project’s completion. Additionally, award recipients are expected to adhere to federal civil rights laws, ensuring that their programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.

This funding opportunity provides significant support for designated projects aimed at improving the criminal justice system, but it requires strict adherence to the guidelines and deadlines outlined in the announcement. Prospective applicants should ensure that their project aligns closely with the congressional intent and that they are fully prepared to comply with the administrative and legal requirements associated with the funding.