Best Crime Grants in Pennsylvania

The Federal STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aims to enhance community responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. By fostering collaboration among law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services, this program ensures a comprehensive approach to address these issues. With a focus on effective strategies and accountability for offenders, the grant encourages innovative solutions to protect and support victims, ultimately aiming to improve safety across communities in Pennsylvania.

The STOP Statewide Training and Technical Assistance: Law Enforcement grant, funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement in addressing domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence. This initiative provides essential training and technical assistance to ensure Pennsylvania's law enforcement officers can effectively respond to and mitigate these critical issues. Quarterly programmatic and fiscal reporting is required to monitor the grant's impact and efficacy.

Grants supporting research, policy advocacy, and violence intervention that impact crime and justice in Pennsylvania and the broader Great Lakes region are available, with a focus on racial equity. Grants from The Joyce Foundation help organizations advance gun violence prevention, justice system reform, and community-based violence intervention strategies connected to Pennsylvania.

The STOP Statewide Training and Technical Assistance grant aims to enhance knowledge of domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence in Pennsylvania. Funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, it supports non-profit and governmental organizations to develop statewide training programs for victim advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors. The initiative includes the implementation of the Maryland Model of Lethality Assessment Program and requires quarterly reporting through Egrants.

The STOP Statewide Training and Technical Assistance: Prosecution grant, offered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aims to enhance the skills of Pennsylvania prosecutors in addressing domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence. This initiative provides essential training and technical assistance to various stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated response to these critical issues. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the program seeks to improve overall community safety and support for victims.

The STOP Statewide Training and Technical Assistance: Sexual Assault Project, funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aims to enhance the understanding of sexual assault within Pennsylvania. This initiative targets victim advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors, ensuring they receive comprehensive training and technical support. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the project seeks to improve responses to sexual violence and ultimately support victims more effectively. Reports are required quarterly through Egrants.

Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Program Grants

The goal and objective of Track 1:

NIBRS Readiness Grants is to increase the number of local law enforcement agencies submitting data to the Pennsylvania State Police and the U.S. Department of Justice through NIBRS, which is the successor federal crime data reporting system to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) System. Despite recent investments to support local law enforcement agencies’ transition from UCR, Pennsylvania’s compliance rate with reporting data through NIBRS remains among the lowest of all states. With the U.S. Department of Justice (US DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) stating that all agencies must be NIBRS compliant in reporting no later than January 1, 2028, this solicitation seeks to offset the costs of some agencies seeking to meet that standard and increase Pennsylvania’s statewide NIBRS compliance rates.

The goal and objective of Track 2:

Implementation Grants is to afford local law enforcement agencies that are already NIBRS-compliant the opportunity to purchase technology, equipment, training, and other allowable activities to improve clearances rates of homicides and other violent crimes, including rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. NIBRS-compliant agencies will be expected to track measurable outcomes to show improvement in clearance rates related to one or more of these violent offenses.

Funding Availability:

A total of $3,425,000 in FY2026-27 State VICTIM Act funding is being announced to support this initiative.1

Under Track 1: NIBRS Readiness Grants, PCCD expects to fund approximately 20 grants with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 18-month project period. No less than $1,000,000 will be used to assist local law enforcement agencies who are not yet NIBRS compliant in achieving compliance (i.e., identified by the Pennsylvania State Police at the end of the project as a NIBRS reporting agency). Applicants that fail to achieve this standard by the final close-out report may be asked to return funding. Law enforcement agencies that have not received prior funding from PCCD for NIBRS compliance will be considered more favorably.

Under Track 2: Implementation Grants, PCCD expects to fund approximately five grants with budgets not to exceed $500,000 over the 18-month project period.

Governmental and non-governmental organizations in Pennsylvania implementing crime and justice, public safety, or victim services projects can apply for this Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency supports programs that advance the objectives and goals in its 2026–2030 Strategic Framework.

The BJA FY 2026 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program offers loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors and public defenders who commit to three years of service. Administered by state agencies, this program aims to alleviate the financial burden on legal professionals dedicated to public service. Applications are due by November 10, 2026, providing a crucial opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to secure support for their educational loans.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state and local government crime laboratories for processing DNA samples. This program focuses on using DNA technology to improve forensic efficiency and implement Rapid DNA in booking stations. It targets jurisdictions with operational challenges, ensuring fair access to funding. Eligible agencies can apply for both competitive and formula CEBR funding.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Victims of Child Abuse Act Training and Technical Assistance program aims to enhance the skills of child abuse professionals. This initiative will promote coordinated investigations and improve intervention strategies for child abuse victims. By providing essential training on effective interviewing, investigative techniques, and interagency collaboration, the program seeks to elevate the quality of care and support available to affected children and families. Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program aims to enhance the technological investigative capacity of ICAC task forces nationwide. Through this funding opportunity, the program will support the development and refinement of investigative tools and methods to combat child sexual abuse material, exploitation, and trafficking. The deadline for application submission is November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these critical issues.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs aims to provide crucial mentoring services to at-risk youth, helping them avoid delinquency and victimization. This funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring approaches. The program aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice's commitment to public safety and juvenile justice reform, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and fostering positive youth development.

The BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program supports state agencies in enhancing forensic science capabilities. The program aims to improve public safety by funding initiatives that strengthen forensic science and support law enforcement efforts. Eligible applicants can submit their full applications through JustGrants by November 6, 2026. This funding is crucial for addressing ongoing challenges in the justice system, including violent crime and public safety concerns.

The BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across the U.S. This funding opportunity supports state and local government laboratories in improving their capabilities to ensure justice and public safety. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, promoting advancements in forensic practices to better serve law enforcement and communities.

The BJA FY 2026 National Center for Veterans Justice aims to enhance support for veterans in the criminal justice system. By providing specialized training and resources to law enforcement and service providers, the center will address critical gaps in veteran identification and coordination among agencies. This initiative seeks to improve outcomes for veterans experiencing issues like PTSD and military sexual trauma, ultimately strengthening public safety and ensuring effective responses to their unique needs.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance program aims to enhance the ability of state, Tribal, and local agencies to effectively address cases of missing and exploited children. This initiative will support multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement and child protection personnel, to improve investigations and prosecutions. By providing essential resources and training, the program seeks to strengthen responses to protect vulnerable children and combat related public safety issues.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program aims to enhance juvenile drug treatment courts (JDTCs) across the U.S. by supporting states, local courts, and Tribal governments. This initiative focuses on improving outcomes for youth dealing with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health issues. The program underscores the commitment of the Office of Justice Programs to strengthen community safety and provide vital resources for effective intervention and support.

The BJA FY 2026 Veterans Treatment Court Program aims to enhance operations for veterans in the criminal justice system, focusing on reducing substance use, including opioids and alcohol. It integrates treatment for substance use and mental health disorders within a judicial framework, targeting high-risk veterans. This initiative not only addresses public safety concerns but also aims to provide necessary support and resources for veterans dealing with issues like PTSD and traumatic brain injury, fostering rehabilitation and recovery.

The BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA program aims to enhance public safety and justice by supporting prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes with developed DNA profiles. This funding opportunity, provided by the US DOJ's OJP Bureau of Justice Assistance, facilitates crucial investigative and forensic activities to increase successful prosecutions and provide resolution for victims and their families. Full applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The BJA FY 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) aims to enhance the capacity of grantees through dedicated training. It addresses critical operational issues related to overdose responses, targeting illicit opioids and stimulants. The program underscores the U.S. Department of Justice's commitment to public safety, law enforcement support, and the fight against substance misuse. Applications are due by November 9, 2026.

The BJA FY 2026 Adult Treatment Court Program aims to enhance Adult Treatment Court operations, focusing on preventing overdoses and reducing substance use among high-risk adults in the criminal justice system. The program integrates judicial supervision, substance use disorder treatment, and recovery support services to improve outcomes for participants. This funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice highlights the commitment to public safety and addressing critical issues like the opioid crisis.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The FY2027 Grants to Highest State Courts aim to enhance guardianship systems by evaluating and improving the fairness and effectiveness of adult guardianship proceedings. This initiative, funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, seeks to implement necessary changes based on assessments, streamline filing processes, and better detect fraud, ultimately ensuring the safety and integrity of protected individuals.

The BJA FY 2026 Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program aims to enhance public safety by improving the processes for reporting, transporting, and identifying missing persons and unidentified human remains. This funding opportunity supports efforts to locate missing individuals and address cases involving migrants, as authorized by Public Law 116-277. The program is part of the Office of Justice Programs' commitment to uphold justice and protect the rights of American citizens.

The OJP FY 2026 Integrity in American Elections Grant Program aims to enhance election integrity across the United States. This initiative, supported by the US Department of Justice, focuses on empowering state and local prosecutors to effectively prevent and prosecute voter fraud and maintain the integrity of voter rolls. By safeguarding elections against illegal voting and registration practices, this program is vital for upholding public confidence in democratic processes and ensuring that every American's vote counts.