Grant programs, amounts, eligibility and deadlines change every fiscal year. This page describes how programs have generally worked and where to verify current details. Always rely on the official program page and the current notice of funding opportunity.
Law enforcement grant sources
COPS Office (U.S. Department of Justice)
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services administers hiring, community policing and officer wellness programs. The COPS Hiring Program is the best-known. See our COPS Hiring Program overview.
Bureau of Justice Assistance and OJP
BJA and other Office of Justice Programs offices fund programs such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), which flows to states and local governments, along with training and technical assistance programs. OJP's funding page lists current solicitations.
Fire service grant sources
FEMA administers the Assistance to Firefighters Grants family: AFG for equipment, vehicles, PPE and training; SAFER for staffing and volunteer recruitment and retention; and Fire Prevention & Safety grants. See our fire department grants overview.
State and other sources
- Your state administering agency for JAG and homeland security funds
- State POST or fire training commissions, which may fund training
- USDA Rural Development Community Facilities programs for eligible rural communities
- Private foundations and corporate programs for equipment and community projects
How to check what's open now
- Search Grants.gov by agency (DOJ, DHS/FEMA) and keyword
- Read the current notice of funding opportunity in full — eligibility, match and deadlines change
- Register early: SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration can take weeks
- Subscribe to COPS, OJP and FEMA grant announcements
- Talk to your state administering agency about pass-through funds
A note on staffing grants
Hiring grants can add positions, but they rarely solve retention on their own. Many hiring programs have historically required agencies to retain funded positions after the grant period, which makes keeping those officers or firefighters especially important.
Sources and further reading
Frontline for Public Safety
A retention program that supports the individual and gives leadership an earlier view of workforce concerns.