RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced the award of more than $135.8 million in grant funding to localities, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies throughout Virginia to support state and local criminal justice programs. The Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB) of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approved the grants during its May 20 virtual meeting. The majority of this funding, over $85.5 million, will support services in the Commonwealth for those who have been the victim of a crime. Specifically, many of the recipient organizations provide direct services for traditionally underserved populations and victims of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

“Each of these grant recipients play an important role in keeping our communities safe and supporting victims and survivors of crime,” said Governor Northam. “This funding will sustain the operations of a variety of critical programs and help expand the reach of services to underserved areas of the Commonwealth.”

In total, the 436 grants fund over 1,500 positions in the Commonwealth and provide operational funding for many criminal justice programs, including the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act Program, Pretrial Services Act Program, Pre and Post Incarceration Services Program, Jail Mental Health Pilot Program, Hate Crimes Grant Program, Addiction Recovery Grant Program, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT), Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, School Resource Officer Incentive Grant Program, Victims Services Grant Program, Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund, Victim Witness Grant Program, Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program, and Child Advocacy Center and Child Treatment Grant. 

“The programs supported by these grants provide essential services throughout the criminal justice system,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “By continuing to support a wide range of programs, we are working to ensure the safety of all Virginians.” 

“DCJS will continue to aid the CJSB to make sure grant funds like these are supporting services dedicated to marginalized communities,” said DCJS Director Shannon Dion. “We are committed to administering grant programs that help all sectors of society.”

DCJS administered nearly 700 grants in Fiscal Year 2021 totaling more than $63 million in federal funds, $39 million in general funds, and $11 million in special funds. The grants support programs and initiatives across the criminal justice system and related agencies in Virginia.
More information about the grants approved by the Board on May 20 is available here.