BJA FY 2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence
Funds help states and local governments cover postconviction case review, evidence location, and DNA testing in violent felony cases where testing could show actual innocence.
Funder: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Due Dates: December 8, 2026 (Grants.gov) | December 15, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per award; no cost sharing or matching required
Summary: Supports postconviction case review, evidence location, and DNA testing in violent felony cases where testing might show actual innocence.
Key Information: Projects must concern violent felony cases as defined by state law.
Description
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s FY 2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence program helps states and units of local government defray costs associated with reviewing cases after conviction, locating evidence, and conducting DNA testing. Its focus is violent felony cases in which DNA test results might show actual innocence.
This competitive grant program is administered by BJA, a component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice. It supports postconviction work tied to the possibility of establishing actual innocence, rather than DNA testing generally. Eligible applicants include specified government entities and public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
