[Bureau of Justice Assistance](https://bja.ojp.gov/)

October 6, 2025 (Grants.gov) | October 14, 2025 (JustGrants)

Up to $300,000 per award; approximately 13 awards expected; no cost-sharing required.

Supports efforts to strengthen the Medical Examiner/Coroner system by increasing certified forensic pathologists and improving the quality of medicolegal death investigations.

--- ## Description This grant program aims to address capacity challenges within the Medical Examiner/Coroner (ME/C) system, which have intensified due to strict industry limits on autopsies per pathologist, a surge in opioid-related fatalities, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will be provided to increase the number of certified forensic pathologists and enhance the quality and effectiveness of medicolegal death investigations across the United States. The program is designed to help ME/C offices meet national standards, improve service delivery, and ultimately strengthen public health and safety outcomes. --- ## Due Dates - Grants.gov application deadline: **October 6, 2025 (11:59 pm Eastern)** - JustGrants application deadline: **October 14, 2025 (8:59 pm Eastern)** --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$300,000 per recipient** - Minimum award: **No minimum specified** - Expected number of awards: **13** - No cost-sharing or matching requirement --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - City or township governments - Special district governments - Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized and other tribal organizations) - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), excluding institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) - Other units of local government *For full eligibility details, see the [program page](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172448).* --- ## Application Process 1. **Register and apply via Grants.gov** by the October 6, 2025 deadline. 2. **Complete application submission in JustGrants** by October 14, 2025. 3. Review the [Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2025-172448.pdf) for detailed instructions and requirements. 4. Applicants are encouraged to review the [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/fy25-mec-faq.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The program does **not** require cost sharing or matching funds. - The focus is on increasing the number of board-certified forensic pathologists and improving death investigation quality. - Applications must address how proposed activities will directly strengthen the ME/C system. --- ## External Links - [Program Information & Application Instructions](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172448) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360557) - [Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2025-172448.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/fy25-mec-faq.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------| | OJP Response Center | [OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov](mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov) |

BJA FY25 Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program

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