Deadline: 27-Oct-2025
The Coverdell Program grants aim to enhance forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services across states, focusing on improving both the quality and timeliness of these critical public safety functions.
A primary goal of the program is to demonstrate measurable improvements over current operations within state-run laboratories and those operated by local governments. One key indicator of progress is the reduction of forensic analysis backlogs, which directly impacts the speed at which services are delivered.
The program’s objectives include a broad range of improvements. It supports initiatives to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of forensic science services, addressing emerging issues such as statistical analysis, contextual bias, and measurement uncertainty. It also promotes the adoption of new technologies, including advanced automation and innovative instrumentation. Additionally, the program invests in the education and training of forensic pathologists to ensure a skilled workforce and funds medicolegal death investigation systems to support accreditation and certification efforts.
Timeliness is another major focus. The program seeks to eliminate backlogs in the processing of forensic evidence, covering areas such as firearms examination, latent prints, toxicology, digital forensics, and more. It also supports the hiring and training of laboratory personnel and medicolegal death investigators to sustain timely casework and reduce delays.
Funding for the Coverdell Program is subject to availability and federal regulations. For fiscal year 2025, an estimated total of approximately $28.7 million is available, combining both formula and competitive program funds. About 85% of this amount will be distributed among eligible states based on population through the Coverdell Formula Program. Each eligible state is guaranteed a minimum grant amount set at 1% of total funds, which for this cycle means no state will receive less than about $287,500.
Eligible applicants include state governments and their agencies, covering all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories such as the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
