For additional news, resources, events, and activities related to this program, visit the Local Initiatives Support Corporation website.

Budget Guidance for Applicants

BCJI Program resources are targeted specifically at distressed neighborhoods that face significant serious and violent crime challenges. As such, many applicants may propose Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies. CPTED research principles reinforce the need to consider the physical environment when developing strategies to prevent and reduce crime. Therefore, BCJI will support the development of strategies to address these needs, subject to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and other grant requirements.

Some specific expenses that are unallowable under BCJI include the use of grant funds to establish and maintain a land bank, land acquisition, and construction/major renovations of real property. Further, applicants should be aware that some costs related to certain physical neighborhood improvements or costs related to CPTED require specific approval from BJA and may require the site to obtain a NEPA assessment prior to spending grant funds.

While the action plan may include strategies focused on crime risks related to conditions in the target area, not all strategies should or will be funded with BCJI Implementation funds. BCJI funds should be focused on the key needs related to public safety outcomes and be reasonable in relation to the overall budget, which BJA expects will fund a range of crime prevention and reduction activities.

Applicants should also understand that the range of strategies that are a part of the BCJI model may require funding in addition to that provided by BJA. It is therefore expected that applicants leverage other resources to support and sustain their effort. This may include federal and local funding for expenses not allowable or within the scope of the BCJI program.

A sample of agencies to consider for leverage funding includes:

• Department of Housing and Urban Development (resources and technical assistance)
• Center for Community Progress (resources and technical assistance) For youth crime or alternatives for youth:
• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
• Department of Education, Promise Neighborhoods Program
• Corporation for National and Community Service For rural and tribal resources
• Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development For police staffing and community policing resources
• Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
• BJA law enforcement programs such as: Strategies for Policing Innovations, Project Safe Neighborhoods, and the Public Safety Partnership.

News

Justice Department Awards Nearly $444 Million to Support Violence Intervention Efforts
This December 23, 2021, Department of Justice press release highlights fiscal year 2021 awards made through Bureau of Justice Assistance grant programs, including the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) program.