BJA FY 2026 John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program
The John R. Justice Formula Grant funds state-administered loan repayment for eligible prosecutors and public defenders who commit to three additional years of service.
Funder: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Due Dates: November 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern (Grants.gov) | November 10, 2026, 8:59 p.m. Eastern (JustGrants)
Funding Amounts: Up to $120,000 per state grant; no cost sharing or matching required
Summary: Supports state-administered loan repayment assistance for prosecutors and public defenders who commit to continued qualifying service.
Key Information: State governments apply for the grant; individual beneficiaries must commit to an additional three years of qualifying service.
Description
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program provides loan repayment assistance for local and state prosecutors and local, state, and federal public defenders. The program ties partial loan repayment to a commitment to continued employment in qualifying prosecutor or public defender positions for at least three years.
States receiving funding administer statewide programs through state agencies designated by their governors. Those agencies solicit applications from eligible attorneys and select beneficiaries for assistance. Selected beneficiaries must commit to an additional three years of qualifying service in exchange for partial loan repayment, with payments made directly to their loan service providers. This federal opportunity funds state governments rather than individual attorneys.
