Frequently Asked Questions

1. How was Wisconsin's share of Byrne/JAG Recovery Act funds determined? The formula used to determine Wisconsin's share is based on population and crime statistics, in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share.

2. What can the money be used for? Byrne/JAG funds are a very flexible federal grant fund. States and communities can spend funds where they are needed most in seven program areas:

• Law enforcement programs
• Prosecution and court programs
• Prevention and education programs
• Corrections and community corrections programs
• Drug treatment programs
• Planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs
• Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)

3. Are there things I cannot use the money for? Byrne/JAG funds cannot be used for construction and may not be used to supplant items currently allocated in local budgets.

4. What strings are attached to the funding? To assist in fulfilling the accountability objectives of the Recovery Act, as well as OJA's responsibilities under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 GPRA), Public Law 103-62, applicants who receive funding under this solicitation must provide data that measure the results of their work. In addition, applicants must discuss their proposed data collection methods in the application.

5. How do I apply? For State-Adminstered Byrne/JAG: While some of the $18.8 million in state-administered funds are not yet available, OJA is distributing the funds as quickly as possible.  We announce all funding opportunities on the home page and on the Find a Grant page of this website. Applications must be submitted through OJA's Egrants online grants management system.

6. How was Wisconsin's share of VAWA Recovery Act funds determined? The state's allocation was $600,000 with an additional sum based on population.

7. What can the VAWA money be used for? There are 14 VAWA program areas described on the Office of Voilence against Women website. WI-OJA will be addressing nine of these program areas in its spending plan.

8. What strings are attached to the VAWA funding? VAWA grants often require in-kind or cash match funds. Watch for requirements in funding announcements on this site. 

9. How do I apply for VAWA Recovery Act funds? The $2.5 million in state-administered VAWA funds will soon be available. Once spending plans are approved, these funds will be distributed by OJA to local, tribal and state agencies and non-profit groups to create jobs and promote public safety. We will announce all funding opportunities on the home page and on the Find a Grant page of this website. Applications must be submitted through OJA's Egrants online grants management system.

10. Where can I find information on where and how the federal stimulus money has been spent?  A key component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is accountability and transparency. Recipients of Local Direct Recovery JAG awards from the federal government are responsible for reporting project progress and expenses directly to the federal government. Information will be available on the federal Recovery.gov website. Recipients of state-administered funds (Byrne/JAG and VAWA) will be required to submit budgets and progress reports to OJA.  These reports will be posted on this website and on Governor Doyle’s Recovery and Reinvestment website: www.Recovery.wisconsin.gov.

11. How will this local funding help Wisconsin citizens and communities? Improved public safety is an essential element of economic recovery. Investments will be made in Wisconsin’s future by creating jobs that will reduce future costs to state and local criminal justice systems. 

12. Who can I contact if I have questions about justice-related Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding?