The Department of Justice (DOJ) created the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) program to help agencies address the outbreak.
The DOJ announced Wednesday that the $850 million CESF program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, is available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges caused by the pandemic.
The funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs, and cover expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas.
Grant applications for funding will remain open for at least 60 days and will be extended as necessary. Grant funds may also be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, subject to federal supplanting rules. The department plans to make awards quickly and has “the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days” of approval.
Applicants can find eligibility requirements, award information, and additional guidelines in the solicitation posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan in the announcement. “We are grateful to Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found here.
Click here to learn more about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program and here for more information about the Office of Justice Programs.