Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and Lottery Funds

The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.  JAG blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Programs.  

Lottery Funds are only available to the multi-jurisdictional narcotics task forces. These funds are awarded in conjunction with the annual JAG awards. 

  • Applications for CY 2021 funds are now being accepted.  Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Friday July 31, 2020.  

Eligible Program Participants

Government and non-government agency programs that support initiatives to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and provide assistance to victims of crime; any law enforcement or justice initiative previously eligible for funding under Byrne or LLEBG. Grant funds can be disbursed only to a state agency or local unit of government.

  • A unit of local government is any city, county, or other political subdivision of a state and includes an Indian tribe that performs law enforcement functions as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.

The state or unit of local government (grantee) applies for and receives grant funds on behalf of the local criminal justice agencies or court (the “implementing agency”).  

  • Grant funds cannot be awarded to non-government victim/witness assistance programs and domestic violence programs, but a grantee may contract for services from such an organization. 

Application/Award Timeline

The JAG program and Lottery funds are awarded annually. For the CY 2021 grants: 

  • July: Notice of funding availability is made.
  • July 31: Applications deadline.
  • September: North Dakota Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board meets to award funds.
  • October: Award and denial letters are distributed to applicants.
  • January: JAG/Lottery annual projects commence.

Authorized Uses 

JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for one or more of the following purpose areas:

  • Law Enforcement
  • Prevention/Education
  • Corrections/Community Corrections
  • Drug Treatment
  • Prosecution/Courts
  • Planning/Evaluation/Technology Improvement
  • Crime Victim and Witness Programs (other than victim/witness compensation)

Prohibited Uses

Grant funds cannot be used to supplant state and local funds, or for reoccurring warranty, maintenance and insurance expenses.   In addition, 

  • JAG funds cannot be used for firearms, ammunition, canine expenses, or construction projects.
  • Lottery funds cannot be used for personnel costs or buy funds. 

Grant Applications

Applications for CY 2021 grants are now being accepted.

Applications must be submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 PM on Friday July 31, 2020. Late applications will not be accepted or considered.  

Length of Award

Grants are awarded for a maximum of one year.  Continued funding cannot be guaranteed.  Applicants should secure local funding so that projects may be continued after the grant ends.

Grant Funding Criteria

The following factors are considered when awarding grant funds:

  1. Overall quality of the application.
  2. Demonstration of need.
  3. Probability of the project meeting identified goals and objectives.
  4. Impact of the project on the criminal justice system.
  5. Degree and success of coordination with other agencies. 

Grant Awards

Minutes of the Drug and Violent Crime Policy Board (which reviews the grant applications and makes recommendations on the amounts approved for award) can be found on the Meetings page. The grant awards require a 35% cash match of local funds, based on total project cost. Grant funds are disbursed as reimbursements, for 65% of the total amount requested.