The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is currently accepting applications for the FY 2026 Investigating and Prosecuting Sexual Assaults in Confinement Facilities Program, which supports state, local, and tribal efforts to enhance their capacity to investigate and prosecute incidents of sexual assault in confinement facilities. State agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutorial agencies may use this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, including establishing or enhancing dedicated prosecution units, evidence collection and victim/witness interviewing, and training for prosecutors handling these cases.

Funding Agency
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Solicitation Title
BJA FY 2026 Investigating and Prosecuting Sexual Assaults in Confinement Facilities Program

Funding Opportunity Number
O-BJA-2026-172674

Assistance Listing Number
16.735

Application Deadlines

• Grants.gov (SF-424): September 23, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
• JustGrants Full Application: September 30, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

Funding Information

• Expected Total Amount of Funding: $7,000,000
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 4
• Award Type: Grant
• Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $2,000,000
• Expected Period of Performance: 48 months (starting October 1, 2026)
• Cost Sharing/Match: Not required

Program Summary
This program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to enhance the capacity to investigate and prosecute sexual assault in confinement facilities. Funds may support establishing or enhancing prosecution units, evidence collection and victim/witness interviewing, coordinated interagency responses (such as SARTs), and training for law enforcement and prosecutors' offices.

Goals and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity

Goal 1: Enhance prosecutorial and investigative operations and capacity for the processing and disposition of sexual assault cases in confinement settings.

• Objective 1: Increase the number of incidents of sexual assault that are investigated and referred for potential prosecution.
• Objective 2: Increase the rate of successful prosecutions of cases involving sexual assault in confinement facilities.
• Objective 3: Improve collaboration and operations among state agencies, correctional institutions, law enforcement, and prosecutorial agencies in investigating instances of sexual assault in confinement facilities.

Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:

• State, county, and city/township governments
• Native American Tribal governments (federally recognized and other)
• State and local prosecuting agencies (state, county, and municipal offices authorized to prosecute criminal offenses)
• Other units of local government
• Publicly funded law enforcement agencies

No cost sharing/match required.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and JustGrants by the deadlines above. Applicants should review the NOFO for required attachments, including an MOU/letter of intent for named partners.

Links

• Full NOFO (PDF): https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2026-172674.pdf