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Grants / Justice and legal services

BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA

Bureau of Justice Assistance, Department of Justice

Deadline
October 29, 2026in 9 days
Award size
Up to $750,000
Matching funds
Not required
Fit for small groups
Better for larger organizations

In plain language

This grant helps pay for work to solve cold cases using DNA. It is meant for local and state law enforcement and prosecutors. The money can help with investigations and prosecutions.

The money can pay for

  • Investigating cold cases
  • Prosecuting violent crimes
  • Crime and forensic analysis
  • DNA profile work

Who can apply

State and local governments, Native American tribal governments, and other local government units can apply.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Better for larger organizations. This grant is for government agencies and law enforcement, not for small community nonprofits like food pantries or arts groups.

Before you apply

  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program. This opportunity supports prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes where a DNA profile from a suspect is already developed. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, hold violent offenders accountable, and further case resolution for victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies may utilize this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, as well as crime and forensic analysis that could increase the rate of successful prosecutions and/or other appropriate resolution of cases.

Opportunity number
O-BJA-2026-172708
Posted
September 21, 2026
Eligible applicants
State governments
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
County governments
Special district governments
Others (see eligibility details)
City or township governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Eligibility details
For the purposes of this NOFO, eligible applicants are state and local prosecuting agencies or law enforcement agencies with an engaged prosecutorial entity. For the purposes of this NOFO, “other units of local government” include towns, boroughs, parishes, villages, or other general purpose political subdivisions of a state.
Assistance listing
16.036 Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program
Agency contact
Bureau of Justice Assistance
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
202-514-9354
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement

Nonprofits are eligible here through the “Others” category. Read the eligibility details carefully.