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

April 10, 2026 (Grants.gov) | April 17, 2026 (JustGrants/solicitation close)

Up to $120,000 per award; loan repayment assistance for eligible prosecutors and public defenders.

Provides loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors and public defenders who commit to continued service, administered via state agencies.

--- ## Description This program provides formula grants to state agencies for the purpose of offering student loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors as well as local, state, and federal public defenders. The goal is to encourage qualified attorneys to remain in public service by reducing the burden of educational debt. Beneficiaries must commit to an additional three years of qualifying employment in exchange for partial loan repayment, which is paid directly to the beneficiary’s loan servicer. --- ## Due Dates - April 10, 2026: Grants.gov submission deadline (11:59 pm Eastern) - April 17, 2026: JustGrants application deadline / solicitation closing date (8:59 pm Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award per state: $120,000 - Funding is for loan repayment assistance; actual amounts to individuals are determined by state-administered programs. - No cost-sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** State governments (designated state agencies as determined by the governor). - **Eligible Beneficiaries:** Local and state prosecutors, and local, state, and federal public defenders who commit to an additional three years of qualifying service. --- ## Application Process - State agencies must apply via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361538) by the stated deadline. - After federal awards are made, state agencies solicit applications from eligible prosecutors and public defenders within their jurisdiction. - Selected beneficiaries receive loan repayment assistance directly to their loan servicer upon agreeing to the service commitment. --- ## Additional Information - Funds are administered at the state level; interested prosecutors and defenders should consult their state’s administering agency for internal application details and deadlines. - States must use the funds to support loan repayment for eligible beneficiaries who agree to the three-year service requirement. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation & Details (BJA)](https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172568) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361538) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------| | OJP Response Center | [OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov](mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov) | (202)-616-6500 | | General BJA Contact | [AskBJA@usdoj.gov](mailto:AskBJA@usdoj.gov) | |

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

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