Courts Get Another Federal Grant Guide, Because Applications Need Rules
Published Date: 10/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The State Justice Institute just dropped its FY 2027 grant rules, making it clear who can apply, how to apply, and what’s expected after winning. If you’re part of state or local courts, or a nonprofit helping judges and court staff, this is your chance to score funding to improve justice. Get your applications in on time and follow the new guidelines to make the most of the money and support available!
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 5 mixed.
Project grant size and required dollar-for-dollar cash match
Project grants allow State and national nonprofit applicants to request up to $300,000 for up to 36 months, and local court applicants may request up to $200,000 for up to 24 months. All Project grant applicants must provide a cash match at least equal to the SJI award amount (dollar-for-dollar), and funds from other Federal departments or agencies may not be used for the cash match.
Technical Assistance (TA) grant limits and matching rules
TA grants may not exceed $75,000 or 12 months. Applicants must provide a total match of at least 50 percent of the SJI award, of which at least 20 percent must be cash (for example, a $75,000 TA grant requires a $37,500 match with at least $7,500 cash). Funds from other Federal departments and agencies may not be used for the cash portion of the match.
CAT grant limits and matching rules
Curriculum Adaptation and Training (CAT) grants may not exceed $40,000 or 12 months. CAT applicants must provide a match of at least 50 percent of the SJI award, with at least 20 percent of the match as cash (e.g., a $40,000 CAT grant requires a $20,000 match with at least $4,000 cash). Other Federal funds may not be used for the cash match.
Who may apply for SJI grants
State and local courts, national nonprofit organizations that serve or educate judges and court staff, institutions of higher education, individuals and for-profit entities (that must waive fees), and certain other noncourt State or local agencies are eligible to receive SJI awards. SJI is prohibited from awarding grants to Federal, tribal, and international courts.
ESP tuition assistance up to $1,000 per course
The Education Support Program (ESP) covers only tuition costs, up to a maximum of $1,000 per course, to help State court judges and court managers attend out-of-State or online programs. The ESP is administered by the National Judicial College and the National Center for State Courts/Institute for Court Management and applicants register at the providers' websites.
Restrictions on allowable uses and supplantation rule
SJI funds may not be used to supplant State or local funds (for example, to pay salaries of court employees who would otherwise perform the work), may not be used for construction, and may not be used solely to purchase equipment. Meals and refreshments and promotional trinkets are expressly disallowed.
Indirect cost recovery cap for non-governmental grantees
Indirect costs are only applicable to organizations that are not State courts or government agencies, and recoverable indirect costs are limited to no more than 75 percent of a grantee's direct personnel costs (salaries plus fringe benefits). If an applicant has a federally approved indirect-cost rate, it must attach that agreement to the application.
Other Federal funding cannot be used for cash match
Across grant types, funding from other Federal departments or agencies may not be used to satisfy the required cash match for SJI awards. This rule is explicitly stated for Project, TA, and CAT grants.
Quarterly application deadlines and online submission
Applications may be submitted at any time but are considered only on a quarterly schedule with deadlines of November 1, February 1, May 1, and August 1. All applications and postaward documents must be submitted through SJI's Grants Management System at https://gms.sji.gov, and SJI urges applicants to submit at least 72 hours before the deadline.
Consultant pay caps and prior approval
Any consultant rate in excess of $800 per day requires prior written SJI approval, and SJI funds may not be used to pay a consultant more than $1,100 per day. Honoraria require the same justification as consultant payments.
Certificate of State Approval for State/local court applicants
An application from a State or local court must include a Certificate of State Approval signed by the State's chief justice or State court administrator, confirming project approval and, if applicable, that the court or designee will receive and administer awarded funds.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-19664, Grant Guideline; Notice
The State Justice Institute just dropped its FY 2026 grant rules, making it clear who can apply, how to apply, and what’s expected after winning. If you’re part of state or local courts, or a nonprofit helping judges and court staff, this is your chance to grab funding to improve justice. Applications opened October 7, 2025, so get ready to boost your court programs with some federal cash!
2025-08343, State Justice Institute Board of Directors Meeting, Notice
The State Justice Institute’s Board of Directors will meet on June 2, 2025, to review and decide on grant applications for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. This meeting affects organizations seeking funding to improve state justice systems and could impact how money is awarded. It’s a key chance for applicants to get support for their projects and for the board to handle other important business.
2025-04491, SJI Board of Directors Meeting, Notice
The State Justice Institute’s Board of Directors is meeting on April 7, 2025, to review and decide on grant applications for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. This meeting affects organizations seeking funding to improve justice systems, with potential money awarded soon. It’s a key moment for those waiting on grants to support their important work.
2026-15179, SJI Board of Directors Meeting, Notice
The purpose of this meeting is to consider grant applications for the 4th quarter of FY 2026, and other business.
2026-09970, SJI Board of Directors Meeting, Notice
The State Justice Institute’s Board of Directors is meeting on June 15, 2026, to review and decide on grant applications for the third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. This affects organizations seeking funding to improve justice systems, with potential money awarded soon. The meeting will also cover other important business, all happening in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
2026-05713, State Justice Institute (SJI) Board of Directors Meeting, Notice
The State Justice Institute’s Board of Directors is meeting on April 20, 2026, to review and decide on grant applications for the second quarter of 2026. This affects organizations seeking funding to improve state justice systems, with potential new grants awarded soon. The meeting is a key step in distributing money to help courts and justice programs run better.
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