# Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (16.820)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/16-820-postconviction-testing-of-dna-evidence/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence is run by Department of Justice. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $41.7 million in 50 grants, about $834,984 per award.

## Objectives

Program goal(s) name: Assist states and units of local government with postconviction DNA testing in cases of violent felony offenses where actual innocence might be demonstrated.
Program goal(s) description: Conduct review of cases involving violent felony offenses (as defined by state law) where actual innocence might be demonstrated through the use of DNA testing and improve practices involving preservation of biological evidence and/or modernization of record retention in adjudicated cases.
Program objective(s) name: Improve and modernize processes to locate, store and retain biological samples for DNA testing in postconviction cases.
Program objective(s) description: Identify potential postconviction DNA testing cases; Review appropriate postconviction cases to identify those in which DNA testing could prove the actual innocence of a person convicted of a violent felony offense as defined by state law; Locate biological evidence associated with such postconviction cases; Perform DNA analysis of appropriate biological evidence and report and review the DNA test results; Locate, record, store, and retain biological evidence in adjudicated cases in accordance with best practices; Modernize evidence retention practices for biological evidence in accordance with best practices; Modernize and digitize the storage of existing files and records in adjudicated cases.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $5.2 million | 13 |
| 2022 | $12.5 million | 23 |
| 2023 | $7.6 million | 5 |
| 2024 | $17.1 million | 28 |
| 2025 | -$617,178 | 0 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Emergency Services | California | $3.5 million |
| New York City Off of Cheif Med Exam | New York | $2.5 million |
| The Regents of the University of Colorado | Colorado | $2.3 million |
| The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | $2.0 million |
| Committee for Public Counsel Services | Massachusetts | $2.0 million |
| County of Macomb | Michigan | $1.6 million |
| Dutchess County of (Inc) | New York | $1.5 million |
| University of Wisconsin System | Wisconsin | $1.5 million |
| County of Alameda | California | $1.5 million |
| University of Arizona | Arizona | $1.5 million |
| State of IL Attorney General | Illinois | $1.5 million |
| County of Fulton | Georgia | $1.3 million |
| Cal State La University Auxiliary Services Inc | California | $1.2 million |
| Louisiana State University | Louisiana | $1.2 million |
| Boise State University | Idaho | $1.2 million |
| Judiciary Courts of the State of North Carolina | North Carolina | $1.2 million |
| Dallas County Texas | Texas | $1.2 million |
| Emergency Services and Public Protection, Department of | Connecticut | $1.0 million |
| Washington State Patrol | Washington | $947,654 |
| State of Iowa Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing | Iowa | $855,000 |

## Open opportunities

- [BJA FY 2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/o-bja-2026-172771-bja-fy-2026-postconviction-testing-of-dna-evidence/), closes December 8, 2026