Opportunity Overview
Open now on a rolling basis. The Connecticut Office of Policy and Management Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division is accepting applications for the 2026 State Share of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Proposed projects must address criminal-justice issues statewide; regional projects serving multiple municipalities may also be considered.
Funding and Timing
OPM reports $1,933,126.98 available for state-share subawards. Applications are accepted from July 15 through October 15, 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis until available funds are fully allocated, so qualified applicants should not wait for the final date.
Healthcare-Relevant Purpose Areas
The NOFO dedicates $483,337 to Mental Health Programs and Education and anticipates up to three awards in that category, averaging about $161,000 each. Addendum 1 clarifies that this category is not limited to law-enforcement or corrections staff; projects may also serve criminal-justice-involved individuals.
The Pre-trial Diversion, Corrections and Re-entry purpose area includes support for personnel, clinical services and programmatic costs associated with diversion efforts that connect eligible individuals with treatment services. Planning and Technology funding can support criminal-justice technology initiatives, but the NOFO does not establish connected clinical-exam technology as an automatically allowable use.
Who Can Apply
Eligible entities include Connecticut Judicial and Executive Branch state agencies, nonprofit organizations, coalitions, intermunicipal groups and task forces, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and private entities. Certain larger localities may apply for state-level funding when the project addresses a statewide issue. Nonprofits must demonstrate an annual project portfolio exceeding $250,000 and be prepared for review of their financial systems.
Applicants must maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier in SAM.gov, a FEIN, written accounting policies and procedures, and a financial-management system capable of tracking expenditures and outlays.
Award Size and Budget Strategy
OPM describes roughly $161,000 per award as an estimate, not a cap. Addendum 1 says applicants may request more when justified. Requests above $200,000 should clearly distinguish essential items from scalable, phased or partially fundable components and explain sustainability after the grant period.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 93/100. This is a strong Connecticut behavioral-health and justice-health opportunity because the current NOFO expressly supports mental-health programming and clinical services connected to pre-trial diversion and treatment access. The rolling allocation structure makes early action especially important.
N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 5/100. The solicitation supports technology in criminal-justice settings but does not establish remote physical-exam technology or connected clinical equipment as a verified allowable direct purchase. QC Healthcare Fit: 40/100 conditional. Clinical-service partnerships may be relevant within eligible diversion and treatment projects, subject to applicant eligibility, procurement, program design and the controlling award terms.
Next Action
Confirm the project addresses a statewide or qualifying regional criminal-justice need, select the appropriate Byrne JAG purpose area, verify SAM.gov and financial-system readiness, build an implementation-ready budget and sustainability plan, and submit through Connecticut’s EUNA Grants system as early as practical before October 15, 2026.
Official source: Connecticut OPM — Byrne JAG 2026 State Share.