Grant opportunity
BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program. This opportunity supports prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes where a DNA profile from a suspect is already developed. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, hold violent offenders accountable, and further case resolution for victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies may utilize this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, as well as crime and forensic analysis that could increase the rate of successful prosecutions and/or other appropriate resolution of cases.
- Funder
- Bureau of Justice Assistance
- Applications close 2026-10-29
- Applications close 2026-10-29: Oct 29, 2026
- Award
- USD 750,000
- Applicant
- County governments; Special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Discipline
- Social Sciences, Policy and Governance
- Region
- United States
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
Call summary
Overview
BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA is official opportunity O-BJA-2026-172708, published by Bureau of Justice Assistance during the 18-22 August 2026 hunt window.
Who can apply
Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: County governments; Special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized). Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.
What it supports
- This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program. This opportunity supports prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes where a DNA profile from a suspect is already developed. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, hold violent offenders accountable, and further case resolution for victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies may utilize this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, as well as crime and forensic analysis that could increase the rate of successful prosecutions and/or other appropriate resolution of cases.
- Opportunity number: O-BJA-2026-172708
Funding and duration
- Award ceiling: USD 750,000
Applications close 2026-10-29
Applications close 2026-10-29: Oct 29, 2026
How to apply
Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.
Call details
Source-based overview
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program. This opportunity supports prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes where a DNA profile from a suspect is already developed. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, hold violent offenders accountable, and further case resolution for victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies may utilize this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, as well as crime and forensic analysis that could increase the rate of successful prosecutions and/or other appropriate resolution of cases. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity O-BJA-2026-172708.
Eligibility
Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: County governments; Special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized). Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.
Funding and benefits
Award ceiling: USD 750,000
Themes and supported activities
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program. This opportunity supports prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of violent cold case crimes where a DNA profile from a suspect is already developed. This initiative aims to enhance public safety, hold violent offenders accountable, and further case resolution for victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies may utilize this funding for investigative and prosecutorial activities, as well as crime and forensic analysis that could increase the rate of successful prosecutions and/or other appropriate resolution of cases.
Opportunity number: O-BJA-2026-172708
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 2026-10-29: Applications close 2026-10-29: Oct 29, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.