Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Program Type: Cooperative Agreements for Model Cities Initiative
Purpose of Funding: Model Cities Initiative (MCI)
The Model Cities Initiative (MCI) is a flagship DOJ program to help selected U.S. cities implement comprehensive crime reduction and public safety strategies. The initiative emphasizes:
- Strengthening law enforcement and deterrence capacity
- Leveraging advanced technology (AI, drones, forensic tools, real‑time crime centers)
- Expanding prosecutorial and forensic resources
- Supporting victims of crime
- Improving reentry and reducing recidivism
- Expanding behavioral health and substance use treatment linked to public safety
Funding Details
- Total Funding Available: ~$300 million
- Anticipated Awards: 2–4 cities
- Award Type: Cooperative agreements (DOJ will be substantially involved)
- Award Period: 36 months
- Assistance Listing Number: 16.077
Key Dates
- Application Release Date: June 3, 2026
- Pre‑Application Webinar: June 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET (details forthcoming)
- Phase 1 Application Deadline: September 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
- Phase 2 Presentations: Scheduled upon invitation
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants:
- Local government entities serving populations of at least 100,000
- Collective entities acting as a single governmental unit representing a jurisdiction or contiguous region
- Must have legal authority to receive and administer a federal award (per 2 C.F.R. § 200.1)
Additional Requirements:
- Partner with DOJ to jointly develop, implement, and review MCI projects.
- Submit subrecipients/partners for DOJ pre‑review and approval.
- File Certified Assurances of Compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373 (Appendix A).
- Comply with DOJ’s July 29, 2025 Guidance on Unlawful Discrimination.
- Demonstrate support from key stakeholders (Mayor, Prosecutor, Sheriff, City Council, Health Director, Community Supervision Executive).
Application Process
Phase 1:
- Submit a written narrative (≤20 pages, double‑spaced, 12‑point font).
- Include crime data, vision statement, innovative approaches, and appendices (A–F: certifications, partnerships, budget, timelines, partner list).
- Email submission to MCIapplications@usdoj.gov by September 1, 2026.
Phase 2:
- Finalists present strategies to DOJ leadership (may include site visits).
- DOJ selects recipients based on alignment with MCI goals.
Contact Information
- Questions Email: MCIquestions@usdoj.gov
- Webinar: June 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET (details forthcoming)
Eligibility Geography
This program is only open to U.S. local government entities and jurisdictions.
- International applicants are not eligible.
- Applicants must be legally recognized entities within the United States or its territories.
Read or download the application guidelines
visit official website for full details
Other funding opportunity for USA OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Crime – Funding Opportunity