Applications Closed March 9, 2023
The Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice Assistance (OAJJA) offers funding for the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
The goal for the 2023 Colorado Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program as established by the Governor-appointed JAG Board is:
To support implementation of sustainable programs or to provide resources that prevent or reduce or address crime, delinquency, recidivism, or improve outcomes for those affected by crime, using innovative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based, promising or best practices.
Applicants who are applying for continuation funds or expecting to apply for continuation funding in future years (up to 48 months) for the same project will be expected to apply each year. Continuation applicants are no longer required to decrease their requests until the 4th year when they are asked to reduce their budgets by 15% of the prior year’s award.
Purpose of the Funds
The purpose of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, offered through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), is to promote working partnerships between federal, state, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system.
If you are interested in applying for a JAG grant, please review this helpful PowerPoint for important information as a supplement to the application instructions for each year.
Solicitation Schedule
The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) opens up for applications in January of each year (dependent on federal allocations). Generally, six weeks are given between the announcements and when applications will be due. The JAG Board meets to make preliminary funding decisions in May/June and then final decisions are made in July after the reconsideration process. As of 2018, grant periods are January 1 to December 31 of each year.
Funding Priorities
To support the implementation of sustainable programs or 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, promising or best practices.
These funds are for start-up efforts, either to attempt a new project design or to replicate a successful project. There is a 48-month funding cap, it is expected that State and local agencies will assume fiscal responsibility for projects when the federal JAG funding is no longer available. Applicants who are applying for continuation funds or expecting to apply for continuation funding in future years (up to 48 months) for the same project will be expected to apply each year and reduce their requested funding for the fourth (4th) year by 15%.
Applicants are highly encouraged to consider use of research, evidence-based or promising practices, programs and activities.
JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following program areas:
- Law enforcement programs
- Prevention and education programs
- Drug treatment programs
- Corrections and community corrections programs (including reentry)
- Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
- Prosecution and court programs
- Crime Victims and Witness Protection (other than compensation)
- Mental Health Programs
Eligibility & Requirements
Units of government at the municipal, county and state level, including special districts, may apply to the Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice Assistance, Division of Criminal Justice, for a JAG grant. The JAG program strongly encourages partnerships, so applications may support projects involving combined teams of agencies at all levels and including non-profit organizations. However, non-profit organizations cannot apply directly for JAG funding*. Non-profit organizations may participate as a team member, with the government agency assuming overall responsibility and leadership for a project.
*The JAG Board finds that to prevent fragmentation of law enforcement it will accept limited grant applications from non-profit organizations representing statewide associations of local law enforcement. These non-profits must include in their applications how the grant will benefit statewide priorities adopted annually by the Board.
Emergency Funding
Emergency funding proposals will be reviewed on an as-needed basis if funds are available. Eligible proposals will be forwarded to the JAG Board Executive Committee. An agency's lack of proper planning (i.e. missed JAG application deadlines or other funding opportunities) or foreseeable budgetary deficits do not meet the criteria for emergency funding. No emergency proposals may be funded for more than $50,000.
Requirements for Consideration:
The Applicant has demonstrated that there is an urgent and compelling need which must be addressed to maintain public safety. The Applicant has demonstrated that the timing of other events caused the urgent and compelling need for the proposed project and these events could not be anticipated and were outside the Applicant's sphere of influence.
If the request for funding is approved, a completed application will be required.
Submission Process
A written request describing the event and responding to the above criteria must be submitted by mail or e-mail to:
Michele Lovejoy
Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, OAJJA
700 Kipling St. Denver, CO 80215
E-mail: michele.lovejoy@state.co.us
The request must be submitted at least 30 days in advance unless otherwise stated above.
Prior and Current Funding Recipients
No Funding Conference for 2020
2017 JAG Recipients
Note: Although receipt of Colorado's federal 2017 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds have been delayed, this list of 2017 JAG Recipients has been approved for funds.
Staff Contact Information
Michele Lovejoy
Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, OAJJA
700 Kipling St. Denver, CO 80215
Direct: 720.498.7205
Toll Free: 800.201.1325
Fax: 303.239.4491
E-mail: michele.lovejoy@state.co.us