Deadline: 06-Oct-2025
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to address longstanding capacity challenges within the nation’s Medical Examiner and Coroner (ME/C) system.
These challenges stem from strict industry limits on the number of autopsies certified pathologists can perform each year, a constraint that has become more severe due to surges in opioid-related deaths and the COVID-19 pandemic. The program seeks to strengthen the ME/C system by increasing the number of certified forensic pathologists and improving the quality of medicolegal death investigations across the United States.
The funding is offered under two categories. The first category will support forensic pathology fellowships to expand the pool of qualified practitioners. Applicants may request support for up to two fellows, with anticipated awards of $150,000 for one fellow or $300,000 for two. These fellowships are intended to recruit medical professionals who have completed the required medical education and pathology residency and are ready to specialize in forensic pathology.
The second category provides funding to help ME/C offices achieve and maintain accreditation. Awards of up to $100,000 will be available to support the resources necessary to meet professional standards and performance criteria. This will ensure that agencies conducting postmortem examinations follow best practices, thereby improving the quality and consistency of services and strengthening public trust.
A total of $1.75 million will be awarded through this opportunity. BJA expects to make approximately six awards under the fellowship category and seven awards under the accreditation category. All awards will have a performance period of 36 months, beginning on October 1, 2025.
In addition to addressing workforce shortages and quality standards, the program aligns with the broader mission of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and safeguard communities. Priority consideration will be given to projects that support law enforcement operations, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to U.S. citizens, or support victims of trafficking and sexual assault.
Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments, Native American tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, and other local government units across the United States and its territories. By expanding the workforce and raising the quality of medicolegal death investigations, this funding opportunity aims to build a stronger, more resilient ME/C system that can respond effectively to today’s public safety and public health challenges.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.