BJA FY 2026 Tribal Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides Tribal Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance Grants, Training, and Technical Assistance for FY 2026. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will fund eligible tribal entities, nonprofit legal service providers, and tribal justice system organizations to deliver civil legal aid, indigent criminal defense, and specialized training to tribal communities, especially in rural and remote areas where services are scarce. Funding can also support joint tribal‑state jurisdiction initiatives, veterans’ legal clinics, Missing Murdered and Indigenous Persons (MMIP) efforts, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) services, Tribal Law and Order Act compliance, and special tribal criminal jurisdiction activities. Up to $600,000 may be awarded per grant; the program anticipates about 30 applications across three competition categories (civil assistance, criminal assistance, and court system support). • Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing legal aid to tribes/members, and tribal justice system personnel associations. • Funding instrument: Cooperative Agreement. • Deadline to submit: November 6, 2026 (electronic submission required). • No pre‑bid meeting or site visit required. • Grants aim to improve access to justice, strengthen tribal courts, and address specific legal needs of Native American veterans and victims of violence.