Bureau of Justice Assistance · Department of Justice
BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program
Key facts
- Deadline
- Due Oct 29, 2026 · 23 days left
- Award size
- Up to $500K
- Cost share / match
- Not required
- Who can apply
- Special district (utility, fire, etc.), City or town government, Tribal organization, County government, State government, Tribal government
- Where
- Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee
Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. The deadline is in 23 days. If your registration isn't already active, it may not be ready in time, so check it today. Grant-ready checklist
How this fits you
- Available in Tennessee (nationwide program)
- No cost share required
- Tennessee recipients since 2023: 7
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
Read the official notice View on Grants.gov Add deadline to my calendar
About this grant
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program. This opportunity funds improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by states and units of local government.
Who in Tennessee has won this program
7 awards to Tennessee recipients in 2 counties since federal FY2023. Largest shown:
| Recipient | Where | Amount | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance And Administration, Tennessee Department Of | Nashville, Davidson County | $452K | 2024 |
| Finance And Administration, Tennessee Department Of | Nashville, Davidson County | $432K | 2025 |
| Rutherford, County Of | Murfreesboro, Rutherford County | $428K | 2026 |
| Finance And Administration, Tennessee Department Of | Nashville, Davidson County | $426K | 2023 |
| Finance And Administration, Tennessee Department Of | Nashville, Davidson County | $347K | 2021 |
| Nashville & Davidson County, Metropolitan Government Of | Nashville, Davidson County | $250K | 2022 |
| Rutherford, County Of | Murfreesboro, Rutherford County | $152K | 2021 |
Source: USAspending.gov. Past awards show who this program funds; they don't guarantee future awards.
About the program (16.742)
Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program — Coverdell Program
How applications are judged
Criteria for selecting proposals is determined as part of the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Examples of funded projects
Not Applicable.