Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG)
The Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds evidence-based criminal justice research and innovation in Maryland to reduce violent crime and improve community safety.
Funder: Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027: Full application submission deadline (projected) | July 2027: Deadline to request GMS User ID/request GMS access (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2,600,000 total; typical awards range from $10,000–$100,000; up to 35 awards; project period is 12 months.
Summary: Funds innovative, evidence-based criminal justice initiatives in Maryland to reduce violent crime, improve public safety, and close service gaps.
Key Information: Only new projects are eligible; continuation of previously BJAG-funded projects is not allowed.
Description
The Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG), administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, supports a wide range of state and local criminal justice initiatives throughout Maryland. The program aims to address critical needs in law enforcement, crime prevention, victim services, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation. Funding is intended to reduce service gaps that contribute to violent crime and to support innovative, evidence-based, and data-driven approaches for safer communities. Projects must align with at least one federal purpose area and one Maryland BJAG state priority area, focusing on violent crime reduction, community safety, and youth crime prevention/diversion.
