$2M NIJ Grant for State and Local Crime Data Research

The National Institute of Justice has opened a $2 million funding opportunity for research examining the accuracy of crime-data collection and reporting across state and local jurisdictions.

Reliable crime data influences public policy, law enforcement operations, resource allocation, staffing decisions, and federal funding. When collection systems are inconsistent or inaccurate, the consequences extend far beyond a spreadsheet.

NIJ is looking for a research team capable of studying these challenges across multiple jurisdictions and translating the findings into scalable practices that agencies can implement nationwide.

Grant Breakdown

NIJ FY2026 State and Local Collection and Reporting of Crime Data

This opportunity will support rigorous research into how state and local jurisdictions collect, classify, verify, and report crime data.

The selected recipient will be expected to identify common reporting challenges, evaluate the accuracy of incident-level information, and develop practical guidance for improving data quality and integrity.

NIJ is particularly interested in research addressing inaccuracies in offender race and ethnicity data caused by inconsistent definitions, misidentification, reporting practices, and other systemic factors.

Funding Agency: National Institute of Justice

Total Funding Available: $2 million

Anticipated Number of Awards: One

Maximum Award: Up to the full $2 million available

Award Period: Up to 24 months

Award Type: Grant or cooperative agreement

Match Requirement: No cost sharing or matching funds required

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments

• County governments

• City and township governments

• Special district governments

• Federally recognized Tribal governments

• Tribal governments that are not federally recognized

• Independent school districts

• Public and private institutions of higher education

• Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status

• For-profit organizations and small businesses

• Other eligible units of local government

Applicants may submit more than one application if each application proposes a different project.

Program Priorities

The funded research should:

• Document crime-data collection processes across multiple jurisdictions

• Evaluate the accuracy of incident-level crime data

• Examine how offender and offense information is reported

• Identify internal and external factors affecting data accuracy

• Compare jurisdictional data with other credible sources

• Develop scalable best practices for improving data quality and integrity

• Produce scholarly research and practical dissemination products

• Create a best-practices guide for crime-data practitioners

• Archive resulting datasets and supporting documentation

Application Deadlines

Grants.gov deadline: July 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

JustGrants deadline: August 6, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET

Review the complete NIJ FY2026 Crime Data Collection and Reporting funding notice.

This opportunity is open to a broad range of organizations, but the scope is highly specialized. NIJ is looking for rigorous research design, demonstrated technical expertise, access to multiple jurisdictions, strong data-governance practices, and the ability to translate research into actionable guidance.

An organization should not pursue this funding solely because it works in criminal justice or maintains a program database. The competitive applicant will need credible research leadership, data-security protocols, jurisdictional partnerships, and a demonstrated history of managing complex research.

Schedule a Strategic Consultation