This is a federal program for governments and tribal entities that run or oversee forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services, including publicly operated crime labs. If you are a small business, a for-profit lab, or a nonprofit, do not bother applying: the program does not accept for-profit applicants and does not accept nonprofits either. Awards run up to $500,000 with no cost share, and the deadline is October 29, 2026.
- Best for
- State and local government crime labs and medical examiner or coroner offices, City, county, and state governments improving forensic science services, Federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations running forensic or medical examiner services, Special district governments operating public safety or forensic laboratories
- Not for
- For-profit businesses of any size, including small businesses and sole proprietors, Nonprofit organizations, Private forensic labs or consultants seeking operating funds
These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.