GRANTS · CYCLE CALENDAR
When the major corrections and law-enforcement grant programs typically open and close. Use it to start budgets and narratives before a solicitation drops.
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Read this first
Federal solicitation windows shift every fiscal year and depend on when Congress appropriates funds. The months below reflect the usual pattern — every specific date carries a [verify] flag. Always confirm the live Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the funder’s site and your State Administering Agency’s sub-award schedule.
Typical 12-month cycle
| Window |
Phase |
What happens |
| Jan – Feb |
Planning window |
Review prior-year awards, confirm your State Administering Agency (SAA) contacts, and pre-draft budgets. Federal FY solicitations begin to appear. |
| Mar – Apr |
Byrne JAG / COPS early solicitations |
DOJ programs commonly begin releasing NOFOs. COPS technology and hiring solicitations often open in spring. |
| May – Jun |
Peak federal application window |
Many BJA solicitations (JAG, Second Chance Act, RSAT, JMHCP, BWC) close in late spring / early summer. DHS SHSP/UASI pass-through deadlines set by states. |
| Jul – Aug |
State sub-award & formula deadlines |
State Administering Agencies run local sub-award application cycles for pass-through federal formula funds. County budget cycles align here. |
| Sep |
Federal fiscal year-end / awards announced |
Federal FY ends Sep 30; many awards are announced late summer through fall. |
| Oct – Dec |
New fiscal year / state appropriations |
New federal FY begins Oct 1. State-appropriated corrections and LE technology grants often open with the state budget cycle. |
Program-by-program timing
| Program |
Funder |
Typical timing |
Window |
| Edward Byrne Memorial JAG |
BJA |
NOFO typically spring; local sub-awards via state SAA on the state’s own schedule. [verify] |
Spring open |
| COPS Office (technology / hiring / CRI) |
COPS |
Solicitations commonly open spring, close early summer. [verify] |
Spring–Summer |
| BWC Policy & Implementation Program |
BJA |
Annual solicitation, commonly spring close. [verify] |
Spring |
| Second Chance Act (re-entry) |
BJA |
Annual solicitation, commonly late spring / early summer. [verify] |
Late spring |
| RSAT (substance-abuse treatment) |
BJA (formula) |
Formula funds through the state SAA; sub-award cycle set by the state. [verify] |
State-set |
| JMHCP (justice & mental health) |
BJA |
Annual competitive solicitation, commonly spring. [verify] |
Spring |
| DHS SHSP / UASI (preparedness) |
DHS/FEMA |
Federal allocation early in year; state pass-through deadlines set by the SAA. [verify] |
State-set |
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Tip
Build the project budget and draft narrative 60–90 days before the expected close. The agencies that win awards are the ones with a shovel-ready package when the NOFO opens, not the ones starting from scratch.
See which programs fit
The Available Grants page breaks down each program by who’s eligible, what it funds, and how FortressDMS helps meet the funded need.
View available grants →
