BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is issuing a FY 2026 grant to strengthen wrongful‑conviction‑review (WCR) entities and their partners. The program seeks to improve the capacity of local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits, and higher‑education institutions to identify, assess, and manage post‑conviction claims of innocence, thereby enhancing public safety and delivering justice to victims. Funding up to $600,000 is available on a competitive basis, with an anticipated applicant pool of about 85. Eligible applicants include city, county, state, tribal, and nonprofit entities that have demonstrated competence in post‑conviction litigation. • Goal: Build capacity for effective wrongful‑conviction review and victim‑service coordination. • Funding mechanism: Grant (CFDA 16.746 – Capital Case Litigation Initiative). • Award ceiling: $600,000; award floor: $0. • Application window: 09/21/2026 – 11/02/2026. • Eligible applicants: State, county, city/township, special districts, tribal governments, public‑controlled higher‑education institutions, and qualifying nonprofits. • Expected deliverables: Enhanced investigative processes, victim‑service integration, and mechanisms to prevent future wrongful convictions.