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The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is accepting applications for the FY 2026 Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Program, a grant opportunity designed to help state, local, and tribal governments protect federal judges and their families by preventing the public release of sensitive personal information.

Created pursuant to the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022, the program supports efforts to remove or redact covered personal information from publicly accessible government records, databases, and registries. The goal is to enhance the safety and security of federal judges and their immediate family members while ensuring judges can carry out their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. 

Funding Overview

BJA expects to make approximately $6.5 million available through this solicitation. Funding is available under two categories: 

Category 1: Program Implementation
For jurisdictions establishing a new judicial privacy and protection program.

• Maximum Award: Up to $200,000
• Expected Awards: Approximately 15 

Category 2: Program Enhancement
For jurisdictions that already operate a judicial protection program and seek to expand or enhance existing capabilities.

• Maximum Award: Up to $500,000
• Expected Awards: Approximately 7 

Grant Period

• Project Length: 36 months beginning October 1, 2026 

Important Deadlines
Applications must be submitted through both Grants.gov and JustGrants:

• Step 1 (Grants.gov): October 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
• Step 2 (JustGrants): October 22, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET 

Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Federally recognized tribal governments
• Other units of local government
• Agencies of eligible governmental entities that operate relevant databases or registries containing covered information

Applicants must operate a state or local database or registry that contains covered information as defined by the statute. 

Allowable Uses of Funds
Grant funds may be used to support a variety of judicial privacy and security initiatives, including:

• Creating programs to redact or remove judges’ personal information from public records
• Expanding existing judicial privacy protection programs
• Developing or improving policies, procedures, and protocols to prevent unauthorized disclosure of protected information
• Modifying databases, registries, and information systems to safeguard covered information
• Developing confidential opt-out systems that allow judges to request protection across multiple databases simultaneously
• Hiring contractors or third-party vendors to support redaction and removal efforts

These activities are intended to help jurisdictions build sustainable processes for protecting covered information while maintaining public records responsibilities. 

Key Considerations for Applicants 

Protection Is Request-Based
The program is designed as a voluntary, request-based service. Federal judges and eligible family members must affirmatively request protection of their covered information. Applicants should describe how requests will be submitted, verified, processed, and protected from disclosure. 

Existing Judicial Protection Programs
Jurisdictions that already operate broader judicial privacy programs may apply. However, applicants must clearly demonstrate how grant funds will be used specifically to protect federal judges and their immediate family members. If infrastructure also benefits state, local, or tribal judges, applicants should explain their cost-allocation methodology and ensure non-federal costs are tracked separately. 

Partnerships and Collaboration
Collaborative efforts are encouraged, but only one entity may serve as the applicant. Any partnering organizations must participate as subrecipients. An organization may serve as a subrecipient on multiple applications. 

Why This Opportunity Matters
Many state and local information systems contain publicly accessible personal information about federal judges and their families. As concerns regarding threats, harassment, and targeted violence against members of the judiciary continue to grow, jurisdictions are increasingly being asked to implement policies and technologies that balance transparency with privacy and security. The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Program provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen those protections through technology enhancements, policy development, and coordinated redaction efforts. 

Additional Resources 

Complete NOFO:
BJA FY 2026 Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Program 
(Funding Opportunity No. O-BJA-2026-172661) 

Questions?
OJP Response Center
Phone: 800-851-3420
Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov

SEARCH encourages eligible agencies to explore this opportunity and evaluate whether funding could help advance current or future initiatives to safeguard federal judges’ personal information. Please feel free to share this announcement with colleagues and partner agencies that may benefit from or be interested in pursuing this funding opportunity.