NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Violent Crime: Gangs and Organized Criminal Groups (Domestic and Transnational)

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is soliciting research and evaluation proposals that examine violent crime linked to gangs and organized criminal groups, both domestic and transnational. Projects must generate rigorous evidence—preferably randomized controlled trials, quasi‑experimental designs, or mixed‑methods studies—on strategies that law‑enforcement agencies are implementing or planning to implement. Evaluations should measure outcomes such as murder, aggravated assault, and robbery, and may include process and intermediate outcomes. Multi‑site, cross‑jurisdictional studies are encouraged. Up to five awards will be made, with a total ceiling of $3 million for FY 2026. • Target audience: universities, research institutes, nonprofits, state/local governments, tribal entities, and for‑profit firms that can partner with law‑enforcement agencies. • Funding mechanism: Grant (CFDA 16.560). • Estimated total funding: $3 M; average award ~ $600 k. • Expected deliverables: rigorous evaluation reports, data sets, policy‑relevant findings, and recommendations for law‑enforcement practice. • Required collaboration: Projects must be led by or involve law‑enforcement partners. • Submission window: 22 Oct 2026 – 30 Nov 2026.