About the training…

The Bureau of Justice Assistance has established The Grant Writing and Management Academy for criminal justice practitioners and state, local, and tribal jurisdictions (including any community- and/or faith-based partners) that apply for or receive federal grants. This training provides an overview of project planning, management, administration, and assessment of federally funded programs. The training encourages participants to think strategically about how they develop and fund projects. Participants are introduced to a variety of methods and tools used to identify community problems, administer and manage projects, and assess performance.

Module 1: Before Applying
for BJA FundsThe first module—Before Applying for BJA Funds—provides an overview of BJA, its funding opportunities, and the purpose of and the rules associated with grant funds and highlights various tools and resources available from BJA to help perspective applicants and grantees. Many potential applicants are unaware of the various rules and requirements associated with applying for and receiving federal grant funds. This module will help clarify those responsibilities so that applicants will know what is expected of them should they decide to apply for grant funds. In addition, the module offers tips to help agencies receive the variety of notices regarding funding availability in a timely fashion.

Module 2: Applying for
BJA FundsThe second module—Applying for BJA Funds—addresses preapplication activities, such as registration with www.grants.gov and solicitation format requirements. It also covers the application process, including information required for each section and tips on how to present the material to address the requested information, how applications are reviewed, and what an applicant can expect in terms of next steps and timing of award announcements.

Module 3: Managing
Your BJA Funds The third module—Managing Your BJA Funds—will offer an overview of the various administrative and financial requirements associated with managing a federal grant project, provide suggestions and methods to help manage daily project activities, and discuss the importance of ensuring accountability in all project operations.

Module 4: Strategic Planning The fourth module—Strategic Planning—is a supplemental module that provides information on the benefits of strategic planning and provides suggestions on how undertaking sound project planning will assist projects to be more effective and efficient in their operation.

Module 5: Budget The fifth module—Budget—is a supplemental module that provides more in-depth information on budget development, budget categories, and budget narrative provided as a part of a grant application.

A video transcript is available for each module via the Video Transcript link at the bottom of each page.

Because BJA has a wide audience of potential applicants and grantees, we are always seeking ways to better serve you. In that regard, we have included a feedback mechanism as a "pop-up" at the end of each module. We encourage you to provide us feedback on the substantive material addressed in the training, as well as your experience with the BJA Grant Writing and Management Academy. Please consider providing comments and suggestions on the functionality of the tool—was it easy to use?; delivery—was the information conveyed clearly; and the future—what additional topics would you like to see?

You will learn about:

• Issues and requirements to consider before applying for BJA funds.
• Steps and development required to submit a well-rounded application.
• Management and administration necessary for a successful project.
• Supplemental information focusing on strategic planning and budget development.

Training topics include:

• Project Strategy and Design
• Problem Validation and Data Gathering
• Partnerships
• Management Strategies
• Project Integrity, Accomplishments, and Sustainment
• Resource Development