BJA FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative: Improving the Quality of Legal Representation in State Capital Cases

This federal grant under the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Capital Case Litigation Initiative seeks to improve the quality of legal representation in state capital cases. Funding must be split equally between capital prosecution and defense representation for indigent defendants. Eligible applicants are state government entities in states that authorize and seek capital punishment. The award ceiling is $450,000, with an expected 35 applications. Recipients will use funds to enhance prosecutorial capacity and to support defense counsel in capital cases, thereby strengthening fairness and effectiveness of the capital litigation system. • Funding amount up to $450,000 (no minimum). • Open to any state agency in a death‑penalty state that conducts capital prosecutions. • Must allocate funds equally between prosecution and defense representation. • Application window: 09/21/2026 – 10/29/2026. • No pre‑bid meeting or site visit required. • Award will be a discretionary grant; award date not yet set.