Frequently Asked Questions

DOJ discretionary grant solicitations require, at a minimum, several elements including the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), a program narrative, a budget detail worksheet, and a budget narrative. There are also a few certifications that may be required and other elements, as specified in the program announcement. Specific requirements may vary. For additional information, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#apply. 

This is a standard form that collects essential, basic information about the applicant and is required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications, applications, and related information under discretionary grant solicitations. It is essential that the authorized representative designated in the form has the authority to receive official notifications from DOJ, and that they have the authority to accept award offers. Some items are required and some are at the discretion of the applicant or the federal agency. Applicants must consult with their awarding agency to obtain instructions to determine other specific requirements. The form can be found here. 

Yes. Examples of types of applicants include, but are not limited to:  

1. Government organizations.

• State governments.
• County governments.
• City or township governments.
• Special district governments.
• Regional Organization 
• U.S. Territory or Possession 
• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized).
• Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized).

2. Education organizations.

• Independent school districts.
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
• Private institutions of higher education.

3. Public housing organizations.

• Public housing authorities.

4. Nonprofit organizations.

• Nonprofits that have a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), other than institutions of higher education.
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

5. For-profit organizations.

• Organizations other than small businesses.

6. Small businesses.

Eligible applicant types will be clearly defined in each program funding announcement and solicitation.

DOJ is required to review and assess the potential risks presented by applicants for federal grants prior to making an award (2 C.F.R. § 200.205). DOJ will use a variety of factors, which may include financial capabilities and past performance in a risk-based approach. To facilitate part of the risk assessment, DOJ applicants—other than an individual—may be required to complete a questionnaire to assess their financial capability and submit it to DOJ, prior to award approval, also known as the FCQ. 

Yes. However, it is important to note that high-risk grantees are not prohibited from applying for or receiving new awards from DOJ. If a high-risk grantee is funded, they are closely managed and monitored, and any new awards these grantees receive are subject to additional restrictions, typically imposed through the inclusion of high-risk special conditions. Such conditions may be imposed not only at the beginning of a grant but at any time throughout the period of the grant, if appropriate.

In general, a recipient may be designated as high-risk if any of the following apply:  

• Has a history of unsatisfactory performance.  
• Is not financially stable. 
• Has a management system that does not meet the standards set forth in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (Subpart D—Post Federal Award Requirements: Standards for Financial and Program Management).
• Has a prior negative audit finding that has not been corrected. 
• Has not complied with the terms and conditions of previous awards. 
• Is otherwise not responsive to grant making organization requirements. 

If you are the individual who applied for the award or the initial point of contact (POC) of the organization named in the application, you will receive an email notifying you of your award. Once registration of at least one entity administrator is completed in the Justice Grants System (JustGrants), you may access the award by clicking on the “Awards” tab. For instructions on registering an entity administrator, see the Transition to JustGrants. 

The National Institute of Justice's CrimeSolutions website uses rigorous research to inform practitioners and policy makers about what works in crime victim services, as well as criminal and juvenile justice. Visit the Victims & Victimization section of the site to view research on program effectiveness reviewed and rated by CrimeSolutions Researchers and Reviewers.

Also visit the Office for Victims of Crime-funded Center for Victim Research. The Center provides access to victim research and data and seeks to improve the utility of research and data collection to crime victim services.

Agencies that receive Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds also have complimentary access to the Center's collection subscription-based journal articles. Visit the Center for Victim Research Registration page and then click on “VOCA-Funded Agencies.” Once you are registered as a VOCA-Funded Agency, you will be able to search for both open-access and subscription resources.

Visit the Victims of Crime section of our site for additional publications and resources.

See the School Safety Special Feature for resources on bullying and bullying prevention and visit the following websites for resources on how students, parents, educators and others can help prevent bullying:

• StopBullying.gov
• National Crime Prevention Council: Bullying
• Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking section of our Internet Safety Special Feature

Evaluations of programs aimed at preventing bullying can be located on the National Institute of Justice's CrimeSolutions website. See the Juveniles page to view information about these and other juvenile-related programs.

The Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, blends forensic science and computer technology into a tool for linking violent crimes. It enables federal, state, and local forensic laboratories to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking serial violent crimes to each other and to known offenders. Using the National DNA Index System of CODIS, the National Missing Persons DNA Database also helps identify missing and unidentified individuals.

Learn more on the CODIS section of the Federal Bureau of Investigation website.