[Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov)

March 2, 2026 (Grants.gov) | March 9, 2026 (JustGrants & Solicitation Closing)

Up to $1,000,000 total; 1 award anticipated; cooperative agreement.

Supports a national data collection on public defense provision, focusing on demographics, caseloads, clients, and resource access among public defenders.

--- ## Description This opportunity from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) funds the implementation of the 2025 Survey of Public Defenders (SPD). The SPD is a national data collection effort aimed at capturing detailed information about the provision of public defense services in the United States, including attorney demographics, caseloads, client characteristics, and access to resources. Building on prior BJS efforts and incorporating lessons learned from previous surveys and pilot studies, this project will use the 2025 Census of Public Defender Offices (CPDO) as its sampling frame. The awardee will be responsible for executing the full-scale national data collection, integrating methodological improvements, and supporting BJS’s mission to provide accurate, timely statistics on the U.S. justice system. --- ## Due Dates - March 2, 2026: Grants.gov application deadline (11:59 pm Eastern) - March 9, 2026: Application JustGrants deadline (8:59 pm Eastern) - March 9, 2026: Solicitation closing date --- ## Funding Amount - Total estimated program funding: $1,000,000 - Maximum award (ceiling): $1,000,000 - Minimum award (floor): $0 - Expected number of awards: 1 - Funding instrument: Cooperative agreement - No cost sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - Independent school districts - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) IRS status (excluding institutions of higher education) - For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) - Small businesses --- ## Application Process - Submit your application through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361172) by March 2, 2026. - Complete the second stage in the [JustGrants](https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/) system by March 9, 2026. - Download the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and instructions from the [BJS opportunity page](https://bjs.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bjs-2025-172531). - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Additional Information - The SPD survey will build on the recently completed 2025 CPDO and pilot-tested instruments. - The project will contribute to national statistics on the public defense system, informing policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. - The cooperative agreement structure means BJS will be substantially involved in project oversight and direction. --- ## External Links - [BJS Opportunity Page & NOFO](https://bjs.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bjs-2025-172531) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361172) - [Bureau of Justice Statistics Homepage](https://bjs.ojp.gov) --- ## Contact Information | Method | Details | |----------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | [AskBJS@usdoj.gov](mailto:AskBJS@usdoj.gov) | | Phone | (202)-307-0765 | | Funder Contact | [Contact Page](https://bjs.ojp.gov/contact) |

BJS FY25 Survey of Public Defenders (SPD)

Sign in to see full grant listing