US grant · National Institute of Justice
NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders
Up to $3,500,000 Closes November 30, 2026
Official listing and how to apply Full funding notice
Source: Grants.gov · Last checked
Key facts
| Funder | National Institute of Justice |
|---|---|
| Part of | Department of Justice |
| Opportunity number | O-NIJ-2026-172805 |
| Amount per award | Up to $3,500,000 |
| Total funding available | $3,500,000 |
| Opens | October 22, 2026 |
| Closes | November 30, 2026 (20 days left) |
| Who can apply | Schools and universities, Businesses, Government, Nonprofits, Other (see listing), Tribal organizations |
| Applicant types listed | Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; County governments; Special district governments; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Small businesses; Independent school districts; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); State governments; City or township governments; Private institutions of higher education; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education |
| State or area | Nationwide |
| Cost sharing or match | Not required |
| Status | Open |
| Source | Grants.gov |
| Last checked | November 10, 2026 |
About this grant
Summary from the official listing on Grants.gov:
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders. This opportunity seeks proposals for rigorous evaluations of implementations of drone technology to combat violent crime, immigration enforcement, and other law enforcement activities.
The goal of this NOFO is to provide actionable information about police implementation of small drones through a collaboration between law enforcement agencies and researchers. NIJ welcomes research and evaluation of drones as first responders (DFR) capabilities, including evaluation of existing capabilities or pilot programs at police departments already using DFR, as well as implementation of new pilot programs or demonstrations. NIJ expects research entities and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on implementing DFR and evaluating operational performance. Law enforcement agencies participating in evaluations will have the option to retain any DFR technology purchased through the NOFO at the study’s conclusion.
Eligibility
Other Units of Local Government
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