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Grants / Justice and legal services

BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program

Bureau of Justice Assistance, Department of Justice

Deadline
November 2, 2026in 13 days
Award size
Up to $600,000
Matching funds
Not required
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

This grant helps organizations that work to prevent wrongful convictions and support the rule of law. It pays for programs that review cases and help people who may have been wrongly convicted. The money can also help improve justice for victims.

The money can pay for

  • Reviewing post-conviction claims of innocence
  • Supporting criminal justice partners
  • Helping victims of crime
  • Improving the justice system

Who can apply

Local governments, tribal governments, schools, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, and other eligible organizations can apply.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Possible fit. This grant may be a good fit for a small nonprofit that works on justice issues, but it may require more resources or partnerships than a small group can provide.

Before you apply

  • Check if your organization meets the eligibility requirements
  • Review the specific funding categories
  • Make sure you understand the application process
  • 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 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program. This opportunity strengthens the capacity of wrongful conviction review (WCR) entities and their criminal justice and victims’ services partners to more effectively and efficiently identify, assess, and manage post-conviction claims of innocence. Additionally, it aims to enhance public safety by preventing future errors, identifying actual perpetrators of crimes, and delivering justice to victims.

Opportunity number
O-BJA-2026-172726
Posted
September 21, 2026
Eligible applicants
City or township governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Private institutions of higher education
Special district governments
Others (see eligibility details)
State governments
County governments
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Eligibility details
Other Units of Local Government: 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. States and counties that have in-house post-conviction representation programs that show demonstrable experience and competence in litigating postconviction claims of innocence.
Assistance listing
16.746 Capital Case Litigation Initiative
Agency contact
Bureau of Justice Assistance
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
202-514-9354
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement