The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a funding opportunity aimed at increasing the prosecution of violent cold case crimes in the United States where suspect DNA has already been identified.
With an anticipated budget of $6.5 million, this program seeks to help law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years, bringing justice to victims and their families.
The funding supports investigative and prosecutorial activities, along with advanced forensic and crime analysis that can directly contribute to the successful prosecution of violent cold cases. Eligible uses include traditional law enforcement work, the formation and sustainment of multidisciplinary case review teams, advanced DNA testing, forensic genetic genealogy, and other specialized analyses. It also provides resources for prosecutors, including training, expert witness support, and trauma-informed services for victims and families.
By focusing on cases with existing DNA profiles, the initiative leverages scientific evidence to move stalled investigations forward. Forensic techniques such as genetic genealogy, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and digital evidence analysis are expected to play a key role. These tools, combined with enhanced investigative approaches, create opportunities to connect the evidence to suspects and resolve complex cases.
The program makes up to sixteen awards, with each award capped at $500,000. The period of performance will extend for up to three years, beginning October 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that are realistic and aligned with their project goals while ensuring they have the capacity to manage funds responsibly.
Eligibility extends to a wide range of applicants, including state, county, city, and township governments, federally recognized and non-recognized Tribal governments, prosecuting agencies, and law enforcement agencies. U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are also eligible.
Priority consideration will be given to projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing public safety, protecting children, supporting victims of violent crime and trafficking, and aligning local efforts with federal law enforcement initiatives. The program’s design reflects an effort not only to solve cold cases but also to strengthen trust in the justice system by holding offenders accountable.
This opportunity provides law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and their partners with vital resources to revive unsolved cases. It emphasizes the importance of combining advanced forensic science with investigative and prosecutorial expertise, offering hope to families who have long awaited justice and closure.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.