Opportunity Information: Apply for O COPS 2023 171540
The FY 2023 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects grant is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), designed to help law enforcement agencies put practical mental health and wellness supports in place for sworn personnel and, where appropriate, certain civilian staff who are routinely exposed to trauma. The program sits within the broader community policing framework, which emphasizes proactive problem solving and partnerships to address the conditions that contribute to crime and fear of crime. In that same spirit, this solicitation focuses on strengthening the internal health and resilience of agencies so they can serve communities more effectively, while also aligning with DOJ priorities around civil rights and racial equity, access to justice, victim support, community safety, and trust between law enforcement and the public.
At its core, LEMHWA Implementation Projects funds the implementation or expansion of wellness programs that directly address officer emotional and psychological health. The COPS Office highlights that chronic stress, stigma around help-seeking, and repeated exposure to traumatic events can contribute to serious personal and professional harms, including family strain, substance misuse, injury, and increased suicide risk. Congress authorized this work through federal public safety statutes (including the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994), enabling the COPS Office to support programs that deliver training and services such as peer support and mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, clinical support connections, and family-oriented resources.
Funding is structured as multiple awards with an award ceiling of up to $200,000 per award, with approximately 47 awards expected under this solicitation. The opportunity is specifically for state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies. Projects can be designed to serve a single department, a consortium of departments, or a broader group of personnel across a county or statewide footprint, as long as the core purpose remains the delivery of concrete mental health and wellness training, programming, and support services for law enforcement.
The COPS Office is looking for projects that are both practical and shareable. Program goals emphasize identifying and expanding promising practices and producing knowledge products that reflect “good guidance” principles: they should be quality-driven and action-oriented, grounded in the best available evidence, written in clear and usable language for the field, and designed to be memorable enough that agencies can apply them in real-world, high-stress situations. Applicants are encouraged to use existing field learning, including the LEMHWA Report to Congress and the Eleven Case Studies, as inspiration for program design that is realistic and replicable.
A strong application under this topic area is expected to explain how the proposed activities will improve wellness for the agency or agencies served, define the intended service area and scale (for example, one department versus multiple departments), and describe privacy protections that will help ensure individuals can seek support without fear of stigma or professional repercussions. The proposal should also identify the outcomes the agency plans to track and report, since the COPS Office expects award recipients to be able to describe what was delivered, who was served, and what changes resulted (for example, increased utilization of peer support, improved awareness of warning signs and resources, or strengthened referral pathways to clinicians).
The primary deliverable is straightforward: the award is meant to produce actual training, programming, and support services centered on officer emotional and mental health, including suicide prevention, peer support structures, and clinical and family support services. Beyond that, the COPS Office encourages additional deliverables that capture lessons learned and promising practices in ways that can help other agencies, such as short reports, articles, webinars, conference presentations, or tools that can be adapted elsewhere. Recipients may also be invited to join a community of practice with other awardees to share approaches, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and help the COPS Office spread what works across the profession.
Several types of proposals are explicitly out of scope. Applications from entities that are not state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies will not be considered. Projects also will not be considered if they fail to focus on developing or enhancing mental health and wellness training, programming, and support services tied to emotional and psychological health, suicide prevention, peer support, and family support. The solicitation also draws a line against proposals that primarily seek to buy technology, software, mobile applications, or equipment without pairing those purchases with broader training and services that make the tools meaningful in practice. Similarly, proposals focused solely on health screenings or fitness programs do not fit the intent of this opportunity, because the emphasis is on mental health supports and service delivery rather than general wellness checks or physical fitness initiatives.
Administratively, applicants are encouraged to include letters of support when proposing site-specific work, and to follow the COPS Office Editorial and Style Manual for deliverables. Program questions are directed to the COPS Office Response Center (800-421-6770) or AskCopsRC@usdoj.gov during standard weekday business hours Eastern Time. The opportunity listing notes a creation date of February 21, 2023, and an original closing date of April 14, 2023, under Funding Opportunity Number O-COPS-2023-171540 and CFDA 16.710, categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services.Apply for O COPS 2023 171540
- The Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2023 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.710.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 21, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 14, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 47 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FY 2023 LEMHWA Implementation Projects Grant (COPS Office) - FAQs
1. What is the FY 2023 LEMHWA Implementation Projects grant?
The FY 2023 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects grant is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). It is intended to help law enforcement agencies implement or expand practical mental health and wellness supports for sworn personnel and, where appropriate, certain civilian staff who are routinely exposed to trauma.
2. Who is offering this grant?
This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
3. What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The main purpose is to fund the implementation or expansion of wellness programs that directly address officer emotional and psychological health. The funding is meant to support real-world training, programming, and support services (not just planning) that strengthen agency health and resilience.
4. How does this program connect to community policing?
The solicitation sits within the broader community policing framework, emphasizing proactive problem solving and partnerships to address conditions that contribute to crime and fear of crime. In this spirit, the grant focuses on strengthening internal wellness and resilience so agencies can serve communities more effectively, while aligning with DOJ priorities such as civil rights and racial equity, access to justice, victim support, community safety, and trust between law enforcement and the public.
5. What types of challenges is the program trying to address?
The COPS Office highlights issues such as chronic stress, stigma around help-seeking, and repeated exposure to traumatic events. These factors can contribute to harms including family strain, substance misuse, injury, and increased suicide risk. The grant supports efforts that address these challenges through concrete mental health and wellness supports.
6. Who is eligible to apply?
The opportunity is specifically for state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies. Applications from entities outside of these categories will not be considered.
7. Can civilian staff be included in the services funded by the grant?
Yes. The focus is on sworn personnel and, where appropriate, certain civilian staff who are routinely exposed to trauma.
8. What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is up to $200,000 per award.
9. How many awards are expected to be made?
Approximately 47 awards are expected under this solicitation.
10. Can the project serve more than one agency?
Yes. Projects may be designed to serve a single department, a consortium of departments, or a broader group of personnel across a county or statewide footprint, as long as the core purpose remains delivery of mental health and wellness training, programming, and support services for law enforcement.
11. What kinds of activities does the grant fund?
The grant funds implementation or expansion of wellness programs that directly support officer emotional and psychological health. Examples described in the opportunity include peer support and mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, clinical support connections, and family-oriented resources.
12. What is the primary deliverable expected from funded projects?
The primary deliverable is the delivery of actual training, programming, and support services centered on officer emotional and mental health, including areas such as suicide prevention, peer support structures, and clinical and family support services.
13. Are additional deliverables encouraged beyond providing services?
Yes. The COPS Office encourages additional deliverables that capture lessons learned and promising practices to help other agencies, such as short reports, articles, webinars, conference presentations, or tools that can be adapted elsewhere.
14. What does the COPS Office mean by projects being "practical and shareable"?
The COPS Office is looking for projects that can be implemented in real operational settings and that produce information other agencies can use. The solicitation emphasizes knowledge products that follow "good guidance" principles: quality-driven and action-oriented, grounded in the best available evidence, written clearly for practitioners, and memorable enough to apply in high-stress situations.
15. What resources are applicants encouraged to use when designing their programs?
Applicants are encouraged to use existing field learning, including the LEMHWA Report to Congress and the Eleven Case Studies, as inspiration for realistic and replicable program design.
16. What should a strong application explain about the proposed project?
Based on the solicitation description, a strong application is expected to: explain how proposed activities will improve wellness for the agency or agencies served; define the intended service area and scale (such as one department versus multiple departments); describe privacy protections that reduce stigma and fear of professional repercussions; and identify outcomes the agency plans to track and report.
17. What kinds of outcomes are award recipients expected to track and report?
The COPS Office expects recipients to be able to describe what was delivered, who was served, and what changes resulted. Examples mentioned include increased utilization of peer support, improved awareness of warning signs and resources, or strengthened referral pathways to clinicians.
18. What privacy considerations should applicants address?
Applicants are expected to describe privacy protections that help ensure individuals can seek support without fear of stigma or professional repercussions.
19. Are projects focused on purchasing technology or equipment eligible?
Proposals that primarily seek to buy technology, software, mobile applications, or equipment are not aligned with the intent of this opportunity if those purchases are not paired with broader training and services that make the tools meaningful in practice.
20. Are fitness programs or health screenings an eligible focus under this solicitation?
No. Proposals focused solely on health screenings or fitness programs are described as not fitting the intent of this opportunity, because the emphasis is on mental health supports and service delivery rather than general wellness checks or physical fitness initiatives.
21. What types of proposals are considered out of scope?
Out-of-scope proposals include: applications from entities that are not state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies; projects that do not focus on developing or enhancing mental health and wellness training, programming, and support services tied to emotional and psychological health (including suicide prevention, peer support, and family support); proposals primarily for technology/software/apps/equipment without meaningful accompanying services; and proposals focused solely on health screenings or fitness programs.
22. Are letters of support recommended?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to include letters of support when proposing site-specific work.
23. Are there any style or formatting expectations for deliverables?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to follow the COPS Office Editorial and Style Manual for deliverables.
24. What laws authorize this type of funding?
Congress authorized this work through federal public safety statutes, including the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as amended) and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, enabling the COPS Office to support training and services such as peer support and mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, clinical support connections, and family-oriented resources.
25. Is there an opportunity to collaborate or share practices with other awardees?
Yes. Recipients may be invited to join a community of practice with other awardees to share approaches, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and help the COPS Office spread what works across the profession.
26. What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed is O-COPS-2023-171540.
27. What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 16.710.
28. What category is this opportunity listed under?
The opportunity is categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services.
29. What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity listing notes a creation date of February 21, 2023, and an original closing date of April 14, 2023.
30. Who can applicants contact with program questions?
Program questions are directed to the COPS Office Response Center at (800) 421-6770 or AskCopsRC@usdoj.gov during standard weekday business hours Eastern Time.
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| FY23 Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) Apply for O COPS 2023 171542 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171542 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Invited to Apply - Administrative Funding Adjustments to BJA Previously Funded Awards 2 Apply for O BJA 2023 171612 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171612 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $313,826 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Community-Based Alternatives to Youth Incarceration Initiative Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171614 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171614 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Invited to Apply - Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance (EFLEA) Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171620 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171620 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $446,781 |
| FY 2023 COPS Technology and Equipment Program Invitational Solicitation Apply for O COPS 2023 171564 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171564 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| FY23 COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Program Apply for O COPS 2023 171609 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171609 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| FY23 COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program Apply for O COPS 2023 171607 Funding Number: O COPS 2023 171607 Agency: Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171605 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171605 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,900,000 |
| Certification and Professionalization of Mexican Criminal Justice Operators Apply for OFOP0001046 Funding Number: OFOP0001046 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| Improving State Procedures to Counter GBV Apply for OFOP0001048 Funding Number: OFOP0001048 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| OVW Fiscal Year 2023 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program - Solicitation Apply for O OVW 2023 171480 Funding Number: O OVW 2023 171480 Agency: Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 National Mentoring Programs Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171618 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171618 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| West Bank Access to Justice Legal Aid Grant Apply for INL23GR0024 AMEWESTBANK JLA 03012023 Funding Number: INL23GR0024 AMEWESTBANK JLA 03012023 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,300,000 |
| Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) Public Perception Assessment Apply for INL23GR008 PCPWESTBANK JLA 03012023 Funding Number: INL23GR008 PCPWESTBANK JLA 03012023 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Supporting Vulnerable and At-Risk Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171635 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171635 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Smart Prosecution: Innovative Prosecution Solutions Training and Technical Assistance Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171638 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171638 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| OVW Fiscal Year 2023 Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative - Solicitation Apply for O OVW 2023 171533 Funding Number: O OVW 2023 171533 Agency: Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| OJJDP FY 2023 Juvenile Justice System Reform and Reinvestment Initiative Apply for O OJJDP 2023 171591 Funding Number: O OJJDP 2023 171591 Agency: Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 National Center on Restorative Justice Apply for O BJA 2023 171645 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171645 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Emmett Till Cold Case Investigations and Prosecution Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171639 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171639 Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $750,000 |
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