The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is making federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds available for Policing in the 21st Century grants to improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies in Virginia and the communities they serve.  This is a competitive solicitation.

In an effort to enhance the grant making process, Governor McAuliffe announced that his administration would hold four Law Enforcement and Community listening sessions across the state to solicit recommendations on ways to continue to strengthen and sustain the relationships between law enforcement officers and the diverse communities they serve and protect.

Convened by Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran and other administration officials, the listening sessions were attended by more than 300 law enforcement personnel and community partners, and provided a variety of ideas that local community groups in partnership with law enforcement could initiate with funding from this solicitation. The listening sessions were held in Richmond, Ashburn, Virginia Beach, and Roanoke in August and September of this year.       

Applications are due to DCJS by 11:59 pm via e-mail on November 3, 2016.

Policing in the 21^ST Century Grant awards will not exceed $20,000, including required in-kind matching funds.  Applications requesting more than $20,000 will not be considered. Recipients must provide in-kind matching funds from non-federal sources equal to 10% of the amount awarded.

Eligible projects will be ranked based on need and the measurable impact of the proposed project in addressing the need identified by the applicant.

Approved projects will be awarded for a twelve-month period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2017. Extensions to the grant period may be allowed on a case by case basis.   Continuation funding may be available for a second year of funding for a maximum grant period of up to 24 months. Grant recipients will be required to submit financial, program, and performance measure reports consistent with federal Byrne/JAG reporting requirements.