# NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/o-nij-2026-172805-nij-fy-2026-research-and-evaluation-on-drones/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/364139

> National Institute of Justice is offering grants of up to $3.5 million to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 6 awards worth $3.5 million in total. Applications close on November 30, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | O-NIJ-2026-172805 |
| Agency | National Institute of Justice |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $3.5 million |
| Award floor | not stated |
| Expected awards | 6 |
| Total funding | $3.5 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 16.560 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Other Units of Local Government

## What the grant funds

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.

## Questions people ask

### Who can apply for NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders?

National Institute of Justice accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders?

Closes November 30, 2026 (30 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $3.5 million each. About $3.5 million in total across about 6 awards.