Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Grant Program

The Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Grant Program administered by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) provides funding to assist local law enforcement agencies in submitting and testing sexual assault evidence. A total of $4 million in new grant funding is available statewide.

Interested law enforcement agencies are encouraged to learn more about the grant program, the eligibility criteria, and the Request for Applications (RFA) process. The grant application period has been extended. The revised application closing date is March 4, 2024.

Background

The Budget Act of 2021 appropriated $4 million in grant funding to assist local law enforcement agencies with the process of submitting and testing sexual assault forensic evidence.

Eligibility Criteria

Any local law enforcement agency within the State of California is eligible to apply for grant funds to facilitate activities related to the submission and DNA testing of sexual assault evidence.

Grant Proposal

The DOJ will award grant funds to eligible law enforcement agencies that apply for funds through a RFA. This RFA is a non-competitive application process that is reimbursing eligible agencies for costs incurred during the submission and testing process.

Eligible agencies must submit a complete application to DOJ by March 4, 2024. All grant applications must be emailed to SAESG@doj.ca.gov by 5:00 PM (PDT). No late applications will be accepted.

A complete application package includes the following:

A copy of the RFA is available to download.

Funding Details

A total of $4 million in grant funding is available. Grant funds are not designed to sustain a project, but are intended to supplement existing funds in order to help agencies submit and test sexual assault evidence.

Agencies who are interested in applying for funds should request amounts based on their need. The grant period for the use of these funds will begin on or around April 1, 2024 and will end March 1, 2027.

Questions concerning the application process may be directed to the DOJ at SAESG@doj.ca.gov

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