Discretionary Grant Program

Program purposes. The Byrne Discretionary Grant Program focuses on the following crime and violence prevention and control activities:

• Undertaking educational and training programs for criminal justice personnel.

• Providing technical assistance to state and local units of government.

• Promoting projects that are national or multijurisdictional in scope.

• Demonstrating programs that, in view of previous research or experience, are likely to be successful in more than one jurisdiction.

Funding. In fiscal year (FY) 2002, more than $94 million was appropriated for the Byrne Discretionary Grant Program; however, all of the discretionary funding was earmarked for special projects.

Eligibility. Units of local government, tribal governments, public and private agencies, and private nonprofit organizations are generally eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program.

Matching requirements. Grants and contracts may be awarded for up to 100 percent of the cost of a project. However, BJA's policy is to promote leveraging of state, local, and private resources and to emphasize the need for early sustainment planning by grant recipients.

Program priorities. During FY 2002, BJA is focusing on programs that implement comprehensive approaches to crime; stimulate partnerships among public agencies, private organizations, and communities; and address unmet needs in the delivery of criminal justice services. Most funds appropriated for discretionary grants will be awarded to continue initiatives started in previous fiscal years or to support those efforts designated by Congress.