Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) Minigrant Program
Request for Proposals
The Justice Information Resource Network, in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance , is offering 10-15 minigrant awards, each up to $50,000, to states working to improve death in custody data collection, quality, reporting, andFunding may be used to build infrastructure, provide training and technical assistance (TTA), maintain current systems, visualize and disseminate information, and other relevant activities. Proposed projects should have a clear connection to a problem impacting DCRA reporting or data quality. Projects with the potential to promote collaboration and cross-learning either within or across states are also encouraged.
Deadline for application: Friday, January 31 2025.
Anticipated project period: March 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025
Who can apply? Applicants can include state administering agencies (SAAs) responsible for DCRA reporting as well as other state government agencies and offices involved in DCRA reporting, such as criminal justice statistical analysis centers (SACs). SACs who apply for minigrant funding are expected to submit a signed partnership agreement with the SAA that confirms that the SAC is a partner in DCRA reporting.
What types of projects can be funded? Projects should address issues affecting DCRA reporting and can include multiple activities or components. Potential focus areas include, but are not limited to:
- Creating a website or supporting dissemination efforts
- Supporting the creation of data collection forms or updates to data collection systems
- Supporting training and attendance
- Purchasing software and licenses
- Purchasing subscriptions to news and information services
- Supporting hosting of workshops and events
- Hiring external consultants or temporary support staff
Projects should also include an emphasis on the following:
Identifying and Targeting Problems that Impact DCRA Reporting: Applicants should be prepared to show the connection between their funding request and specific issues or challenges that impact DCRA reporting or data quality. For example, states with gaps in data collection might request funds to support updates to data systems or subscriptions to news services to help identify incidents. In addition, states that are currently non-compliant with regard to are especially encouraged to apply and to submit proposals for funding that will help them achieve compliant status.
Collaboration and Cross-learning: Applicants are encouraged to use minigrant funding to promote collaboration between different state and local agencies or between states, and for sharing the benefits of minigrant funding with other agencies or states where possible. For example, a request for funds to attend a conference or training might also include a plan for attendees to debrief or share lessons learned with others involved in DCRA reporting. Similarly, requests to construct a website might include plans to link with DCRA-related websites in other states and provide resources or information to the public.
If you have any questions about whether a proposed topic is acceptable, just ask! Contact information is provided below.
How to apply?
Please apply using the DCRA minigrant application form. The application form will request information about the proposed uses for requested funds, the problem or issue being addressed, and the potential for collaboration or cross-learning. In addition, applicants will also need to upload a proposed budget (download the template). Budgets must include the proposed line-item funds (including personnel costs, fringe benefits, travel costs, contractual costs, and other direct or indirect costs).
How will proposals be evaluated?
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the DCRA project team at JIRN. Awards will be subject to final approval by BJA.
Funding requests will be grouped into the categories listed below and requests within each category will be assessed in regard to their anticipated impact on DCRA reporting and data quality, and their potential for promoting collaboration or cross-learning. Proposals can include requests in multiple categories. Requests in each category will be reviewed separately, and it is possible that not all requests within a proposal will be funded.
Minigrant Funding Request Categories:
- Purchases of resources/tools to support DCRA data collection and data quality
- Supporting attendance or hosting of events/trainings
- Supporting dissemination efforts
- Hiring consultants or support staff
- Other funding requests
Who can applicants contact with questions? Please direct all questions related to the DCRA minigrant program to Doug Spence at dspence@jirn.org