This document serves as a fact sheet on a grant to support the establishment and enhancement of community courts and community-oriented projects that provide community justice beyond the courtroom; it provides an overview of who may apply and why, maximum award funds, where to find more information, tips for successful grant applications, and how and when to apply.
This solicitation overview provides grant information and resources for entities that may be interested in funding assistance from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the establishment and enhancement of local community courts in order to enhance public safety and increase access to critical behavioral health treatment and recovery support. The community-oriented projects funded by this grant program can serve as the basis to provide community justice beyond the courtroom; create a partnership to solve other community safety programs, leverage resources for residents; prevent crime; and improve public trust in the justice system, law enforcement, and the community. The document lists eligible applicants as being: state, county, city, or township governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; and state, city, township, county, or tribal government acting directly or through agreements with other public or private entities on behalf of a single community court. It provides details on the maximum amount of funding per award and lists examples of strategies or activities that can be funded, as well as where to get more information about the grant opportunity. The document also lists five tips for submitting a successful grant application, with details about how and when to apply; it notes that the System for Award Management (SAM) registration or renewal may take up to 10 business days.