CFAs: Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program (US)

Deadline: 26-Nov-2026

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is offering grant funding under the FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program to strengthen wrongful conviction review (WCR) entities and their partners. The program supports efforts to identify, assess, and manage post-conviction claims of innocence while enhancing public safety and delivering justice to victims. The application deadline is 26-Nov-2026. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) supports the BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program. The program is designed to strengthen the capacity of wrongful conviction review (WCR) entities and their criminal justice and victims’ services partners. The opportunity focuses on helping these entities more effectively and efficiently identify, assess, and manage post-conviction claims of innocence. It also aims to enhance public safety by preventing future errors, identifying actual perpetrators of crimes, and delivering justice to victims. Note: The source text includes both a “grant size” range and an “award ceiling.” Applicants should review the official NOFO for the controlling limits and any additional funding rules. The project duration and other benefit details are Not specified in the source. Eligible applicants listed on the Grants.gov record include: Additional eligibility clarification provided in the source: Exclusions/limitations: The source does not list additional exclusions beyond the categories described above. Any further requirements are Not specified in the source and should be confirmed in the official NOFO. The source describes the program’s purpose rather than listing discrete allowable activities. Supported work is centered on strengthening WCR entities and partners to: The opportunity also emphasizes outcomes related to: Specific priority areas, performance measures, or activity categories are Not specified in the source. Wrongful conviction review processes depend on the ability to evaluate post-conviction claims accurately and efficiently. This program is intended to build organizational capacity for WCR entities and their partners across the criminal justice system and victims’ services, supporting more reliable handling of innocence claims. By focusing on preventing future errors and improving the management of post-conviction innocence claims, the opportunity aligns with public safety and victim-centered justice goals described in the NOFO summary. If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, the source provides this contact: What is the funding opportunity number for this grant? The funding opportunity number is O-BJA-2026-172726. Who offers this grant opportunity? It is offered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice. What is the grant amount range? The verified editorial record lists a grant size of $500,000 to $1 million. The Grants.gov record also lists an award ceiling of $600,000. Applicants should confirm the applicable limits in the official NOFO. What is the application deadline? The application deadline is 26-Nov-2026. The deadline time and time zone are Not specified in the source. Which organizations are eligible to apply? Eligible applicants include state governments, certain local governments, eligible nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) categories as listed), eligible institutions of higher education, and specified Native American tribal organizations/governments. Is cost sharing or matching required? No. The source states Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No. Where can I find the official NOFO details?

Use the BJA opportunity page: BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program (O-BJA-2026-172726).

Eligible applicants should review the full BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program NOFO on the official BJA page to confirm allowable activities, application requirements, and any document or form instructions not included in the Grants.gov excerpt. Then, prepare and submit your application through the process specified in the official guidance before 26-Nov-2026.