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

April 17, 2026 (Grants.gov) | April 24, 2026 (JustGrants)

Up to $120,000 per award; statewide formula allocation; no cost sharing required.

Supports loan repayment assistance for public defenders and prosecutors who commit to continued public service.

--- ## Description This program provides formula grant funding to state governments to support the John R. Justice (JRJ) loan repayment assistance program for local and state prosecutors and local, state, and federal public defenders. The goal is to encourage qualified attorneys to remain in public service by offering partial student loan repayment in exchange for a commitment to continued employment in these critical roles. States receiving funding must administer statewide programs through agencies designated by their governors and select beneficiaries who will commit to an additional three years of qualifying service. --- ## Due Dates - April 17, 2026: Grants.gov application deadline (11:59 pm Eastern) - April 24, 2026: JustGrants application deadline (8:59 pm Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award per state: $120,000 - No minimum award amount - Funding is allocated by formula to each state - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** State governments only (applications must be submitted by the state agency designated by the governor) - **Beneficiaries:** Local and state prosecutors, and local, state, and federal public defenders - Beneficiaries must commit to at least three additional years of qualifying service in exchange for loan repayment assistance --- ## Application Process 1. **State Agency Application:** Only state agencies designated by their governor may apply for funding through Grants.gov and JustGrants. 2. **Beneficiary Selection:** States must solicit and select eligible prosecutors and public defenders who commit to continued service. 3. **Submission:** - Submit the SF-424 and required materials via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361538) by April 17, 2026. - Complete the full application in [JustGrants](https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/) by April 24, 2026. 4. **Award Administration:** Funds are disbursed to states, which then make loan repayment payments directly to loan service providers on behalf of selected beneficiaries. --- ## Additional Information - The program is authorized under the John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act (CFDA 16.816). - No cost sharing or matching is required. - States must administer the program statewide and ensure fair, equitable selection of beneficiaries. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation & Details (BJA)](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172568) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361538) --- ## Contact Information | Point of Contact | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------| | OJP Response Center | [OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov](mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov) | (202) 616-6500 | | Bureau of Justice Assistance | [AskBJA@usdoj.gov](mailto:AskBJA@usdoj.gov) | (202) 616-6500 | ---

BJA FY25 John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program

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