OAJJA: 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG)

The 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Announcement of Availability of Funds, Application, and Application Instructions are available in DCJ’s Grant Management System, Fluxx. To access materials and apply for funding, log into Fluxx, click “Apply for Funding” and then click “Apply Now for a 2025 JAG Grant”.

Project applications must be submitted on or before Monday March 10, 2025. DCJ support ends that day at 5:00 PM MST.  `

PROJECT APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON-LINE.  

Failure to submit a complete project application may result in denial of funding.

To learn about the programmatic and financial components of the JAG grant program, including application requirements and tips, view the recording of the 2025 SCIP and JAG Application Workshop & Slide Deck held on Tuesday, February 11th.

To learn how to navigate the JAG & SCIP applications in DCJ's new grant management system, FLUXX, refer to the General Grantee Training Recording & Slide Deck from the training held on Thursday, January 9th.

The purpose of JAG funds is to support activities that prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system.

The JAG Program is authorized by Title I of Public Law 90-351 (generally codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10726), including subpart 1 of part E (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10158).

JAG funds can be used for state and local governmental agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to provide technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following Program Areas.

JAG Program Areas:

1. Law Enforcement
2. Prosecution, Court, and Indigent Defense
3. Prevention and Education
4. Corrections and Community Corrections
5. Drug Treatment and Drug Enforcement
6. Planning, Evaluation, Technology Improvement
7. Crime Victims and Witness Protection
8. Mental Health Programs
9. Implementation of State Crisis Intervention Court Proceedings and Related Programs or Initiatives , but not limited to, mental health courts, drug courts, veterans’ courts, and extreme risk protection order programs.[NEW]

Full descriptions of each program area can be accessed in the following PDF.

JAG Board Funding Priorities:

• Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities
• Behavioral Health Programs that prevent and/or reduce criminality related to substance use and/or mental health disorders
• Community-Based Violence Intervention 

1. Project Summary
2. Problem Statement
3. Implementation Plan
4. If a continuation project - description of accomplishments, project changes, and past progress
5. Measurable goals, objectives, and outcomes
6. Budget and Budget Narrative
7. All appropriate documents

$3,300,000

October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026

Match is not a requirement for this funding source.

As directed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), JAG funds CANNOT be used to purchase any of the following:

Category A - Strictly Prohibited. (A waiver WILL NOT be granted to utilize JAG funds for the items listed.)

1. Food and beverages.
2. Any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization.  
3. Any direct or indirect use of JAG award funds to provide any security enhancements or any equipment to any nongovernmental entity that is not engaged in criminal justice or public safety.
4. Firearms or ammunition of .50 or greater caliber.
5. Firearm silencers, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(24).
6. Bayonets.
7. Grenades and Grenade launchers (including launchers for stun and flash-bang).
8. Explosives (except for explosives and percussion actuated non-electric disruptors used for accredited bomb squads and explosive detection canine training).
9. Any vehicles that do not have a commercial application, including all tracked and armored vehicles, unless the LEA certifies that the vehicle will be used exclusively for disaster-related emergencies; active shooter scenarios; hostage or other search and rescue operations; or anti-terrorism preparedness, protection, prevention, response, recovery, or relief.
10. Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and/or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
11. Weapons systems covered by DOD Directive 3000.09 of November 21, 2012, as amended (Autonomy in Weapon Systems).
12. Weaponized aircraft, vessels, and vehicles of any kind.
13. Aircraft that are combat-configured or combat-coded, have no established commercial flight application, or have no application for disaster-related emergencies; active shooter scenarios; hostage or other search and rescue operations; or anti-terrorism preparedness, protection, prevention, response, recovery, or relief.
14. Long-range acoustic devices that do not have a commercial application.
15. Camouflage Uniforms (digital pattern). Woodland and desert patterns are allowable based on operational needs. Camouflage may not be worn in urban or populous areas.

As directed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), JAG funds CANNOT be used to purchase any of the following:

Category B - Statutorily Prohibited without Waiver (Must have Department of Justice certification)

For purposes of Category B, a vehicle is considered a “Police Cruiser” only if it is used in the ordinary course for routine police patrol within the United States. Vehicles (including motorcycles, SUVs, pickup trucks, ATVs, and UTVs) used as “Police Cruisers” ARE NOT prohibited under JAG, and therefore may be acquired with JAG funds in the ordinary course, to the extent otherwise allowable under the award.

1. Vehicles (excluding police cruisers), vessels (excluding police boats), or aircraft (see excluding police helicopters). 
2. “Vehicles” includes, without limitation:
   • Buses / recreational vehicles.
   • Trucks, including pickup trucks.
   • Vans, including passenger vans.
   • Motorcycles.
   • Sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
   • Segways, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs) and similar items.
3. Luxury items
4. Real estate
5. Construction projects (other than penal or correctional institutions)

JAG Board Exclusions:

1. Pre-existing Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force activities.

JAG Board Limitations:

1. Applicants without a purchasing policy/price agreement must use the State of Colorado’s Price Agreement as a guideline for the allowable amount that may be requested for each piece of equipment. If the item requested is higher than the State Price Agreement the JAG Board will consider the request on a case-by-case basis.
2. There will be a preference for applicants requesting funds for BWC or other technology, using the State of Colorado’s Price Agreement.
3. Applicants requesting funds to purchase equipment and related software costs, JAG funds will only pay for equipment and one (1) year of subscription costs. A quote must be included at time of application.
4. Warranties are limited to one year unless included in a bundle package. A quote must be included at time of application.
5. Computers (includes both laptops and desktops) – maximum federal funds applicants can request is $2,000 per unit (this does not include Mobile Data Terminals).
6. Conference costs - contact DCJ for further clarification

 Units of government at the municipal, county and state level, including special districts, and recognized Native American tribal governments, may apply to the Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice Assistance, Division of Criminal Justice, for a JAG grant. Additionally, non-profit agencies may apply if conducting public safety work complementary to law enforcement and government. This can include entities engaging in community violence intervention work within local communities and neighborhoods and entities providing support within the criminal legal system.

Applications will be reviewed by the JAG Advisory Board using the criteria listed below:

1. The proposed project is likely to positively impact the Colorado JAG Board’s Goal: To support implementation of sustainable programs or to provide resources that prevent or reduce or address crime, delinquency, and recidivism, or improve outcomes for those affected by crime; using innovative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based, best, or promising practices.
2. Applicant meets eligibility requirements. 
3. Applicant provides a clear, focused and concise description of the project.
4. The applicant clearly identifies need through use of statistics/information at the level of the project (i.e., using current state or local data).
5. The applicant clearly demonstrates that the proposed project will solve critical problems within a state or local agency, or agencies, and/or within a community. 
6. Preference will be given to applicants who use a pooled/banked equipment approach.
7. Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate collaboration with underserved communities.
8. Applicant demonstrates the capability and authority to successfully complete the proposed project. This includes the ability and willingness to comply with federal and state administrative, financial, evaluation, and other reporting and record keeping requirements. 
9. Goals and Objectives are logical, sensible, clearly written and directly tied to the project.
10. Outcomes are realistic and can be accomplished in the time frames described. Outcomes must identify the amount of intended change expressed as a rate, percent or whole number. Measures are included that will sufficiently document any change that occurs.
11. Budget items are detailed, reasonable, specifically defined, justified and demonstrate how the costs were determined.  No concerns of supplanting have been identified.
12. The project demonstrates the ability to meet the requirements of reporting on the mandatory performance measures within the 15-day due date.

The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) requires quarterly reports that document the project’s progress towards meeting its goals and objectives, and its expenditures under the approved budget. All quarterly reports are due by the 15th day following each calendar quarter and must be submitted on-line using the DCJ Grants Management System (GMS).

In addition to the required  reports to be completed on-line using the DCJ GMS, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has established mandatory performance measures which must be submitted by the 15th day following each calendar quarter using BJA’s on-line Performance Management Tool or PMT. Once completed PMT reports are submitted to the DCJ through the GMS.

DCJ maintains the right to withhold payments if reporting requirements are not met in a timely manner. See the DCJ Administrative Guide for Federal Grant Programs for more information.

Announcement date:  January 6, 2025

Application deadline:  March 10, 2025

Funding decision announced:  Early June 2025

Reconsideration/appeals deadline: Mid-June 2025

Grant Agreement Issuance:  August/September 2025

Award Period:  October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026

Michele Lovejoy
Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, OAJJA
Direct:720-498-7205
E-mail: michele.lovejoy@state.co.us

If you experience problems or have questions about how to use Fluxx, please contact dcjgms@state.co.us.

The State of Colorado is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans. The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals, and we are continually making changes to improve accessibility and usability of our services. As part of this commitment, the DCJ is prepared to offer reasonable accommodations for those who have difficulty engaging with our content. As an example, documents can be produced in an alternative file format upon request. To request this and other accommodations, or to discuss your needs further contact Michele Lovejoy at 720-498-7205 or michele.lovejoy@state.co.us.