Deadline: 23-Oct-2025
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), has announced a new funding opportunity to support states and localities in improving juvenile indigent defense.
This initiative aims to help jurisdictions develop and implement sustainable strategies that strengthen public defense services for youth who cannot afford legal representation, ultimately contributing to safer communities, lower recidivism rates, and better outcomes for justice-involved youth.
This program is designed to address critical barriers and gaps within the juvenile justice system that often hinder fair and effective legal representation for indigent youth. By enhancing public defense practices and expanding access to quality legal support, the initiative seeks to restore public confidence in the juvenile justice system and promote more equitable treatment for vulnerable youth populations.
The funding opportunity will provide a total of $1.6 million, with up to four awards anticipated, each valued at up to $400,000. Funded projects will be expected to run for a period of 36 months starting on October 1, 2025. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments; special district governments; public and private higher education institutions; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; and other local government units.
Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with OJP’s broader public safety priorities, including supporting law enforcement operations, combating violent crime, protecting American children, assisting victims of trafficking and sexual assault, and enhancing services for American citizens. Successful projects will contribute to building sustainable systems that ensure all youth—regardless of economic status—have access to effective legal defense and fair treatment within the juvenile justice system.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.