NIJ FY24 Graduate Research Fellowship

A university may apply on behalf of a student who is:

1. Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the sciences or engineering.
2. Proposing dissertation research relevant to criminal or juvenile justice or victimization.

Accredited universities in the U.S. or its territories are eligible. 

Financial support to allow promising students to devote full attention to their dissertation research. The fellowship includes up to 3 years of support over a five-year period:

1. $41,000/year in Salary and Fringe
2. $16,000/year in Cost of Education Allowance (tuition, fees, indirect or administrative costs)
3. $3,000/year in Research Expenses

Approximately 20 awards, up to $180,000 per award. 

Eligible applicants in all science and engineering fields are encouraged to apply.

NIJ will also give special consideration to proposals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs); proposals with inclusive research; and proposals that include consideration and measurement of issues of diversity, discrimination, and bias across age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation, as applicable

All topics relevant to criminal or juvenile justice or victimization are welcome. GRF spans the full scope of NIJ’s mission and programs.

The following must be included with the application: 

1. Proposal narrative
2. Budget web-based form
3. Verification of current enrollment
4. Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
5. Statement of support from the dissertation committee chair or equivalent
6. Biosketches, Curriculum Vitae, or Resumes
7. Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire

Start early! 

The university applies on behalf of the student, so early communication is critical. Most universities have an Office of Sponsored Programs (or similar office) that helps university researchers apply for federal grants. Contact them and start assembling the application documents early.

Other helpful tips:

1. Browse past fellows’ abstracts. 
2. Clearly articulate the relevance to criminal justice.
3. Include preliminary results, if available.
4. Ask others (peers and advisors) to read and comment on:
   • Concept
   • Experimental design
   • Proofread for errors
5. Visit the program FAQs.

To apply, the university must first register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete. Register at: sam.gov/content/home. 

After registering with SAM, the SF-424 and SF-LLL must be submitted in Grants.gov by 11:59pm eastern time on April 10, 2024. Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline. 

Finally, the full application, including attachments, must be submitted in JustGrants by 8:59pm eastern time on April 17, 2024.

See examples of successful applications and other useful information.