The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is currently accepting applications for the FY25 Capital Case Litigation Initiative (CCLI). This program supports efforts to enhance the quality of legal representation in state capital cases, including improving the effectiveness of prosecutors representing the public and strengthening legal representation for indigent defendants in capital proceedings.

Funding Agency

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Solicitation Title

FY25 Capital Case Litigation Initiative: Improving the Quality of Legal Representation in State Capital Cases

Funding Opportunity Number

O-BJA-2025-172492

Assistance Listing Number

16.746 – Capital Case Litigation Initiative

Application Deadlines

• Grants.gov (SF‑424): May 8, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
• JustGrants Full Application: May 15, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

Total Funding Available

Up to $4,100,000 is available nationally under this solicitation, with an anticipated award ceiling of up to $450,000 per award. The anticipated period of performance is 36 months.

Program Summary

The Capital Case Litigation Initiative supports activities designed to improve the quality, fairness, and effectiveness of state capital case litigation. Funded projects may enhance prosecutors’ ability to represent the public in capital cases and support improvements in legal representation for indigent defendants, including through training, performance assessment, standards development, and systemic review efforts intended to reduce error and improve outcomes in capital litigation.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments only

“State government entities” means any state agency in states that authorize capital punishment and that conduct or will conduct prosecutions in which capital punishment is sought. Local governments, nonprofits, and other entities are not eligible to apply directly under this solicitation.

Key Focus Areas

Funded activities may include:

• Specialized training, resources, and support for prosecutors handling state capital cases
• Development and implementation of standards and qualifications for capital case litigators
• Performance assessments and reviews related to capital case representation
• Systematic review of capital cases to identify legal or forensic issues, including potential post‑conviction needs
• Support strategies that improve overall quality and reliability in capital case litigation

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and JustGrants by the deadlines listed above. Applicants should review the NOFO carefully for detailed requirements, allowable activities, and review criteria specific to this program.

Links

• Full NOFO (PDF): https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2025-172492.pdf
• BJA Opportunity Page: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172492