Cold Case Grant: Solutions for Prosecutors

District attorney's offices across the country face a shared frustration: stacks of unsolved cases sitting in storage, victims' families waiting for answers, and limited resources to reopen investigations. Cold cases demand time, forensic expertise, and funding that many prosecutorial agencies simply don't have. That's where cold case grant funding steps in. These specialized grant programs provide the financial support needed to revisit violent crimes, conduct forensic analysis, and bring long-awaited justice to communities. At Educational Research Institute (ERI), we help district attorney's offices secure the funding necessary to reopen and resolve these critical investigations.

What Is a Cold Case Grant?

A cold case grant provides funding to law enforcement agencies, district attorney's offices, and prosecutorial teams to investigate and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for extended periods. These grants primarily focus on violent crimes such as homicides and sexual assaults, though some programs extend to child welfare cases or other serious offenses.

Funding supports forensic analysis, investigative personnel, overtime hours, case reviews, and evidence processing. Many grants also cover technology upgrades, expert consultations, and training for staff members.

The goal is straightforward: give prosecutors the tools and resources needed to move cold cases forward. For district attorney's offices dealing with limited budgets and growing backlogs, these grants offer a lifeline.

Cold case grants often require agencies to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having suspect DNA profiles or demonstrating a clear plan for case resolution. 

While many programs emphasize DNA evidence, not all require it. The largest federal programs, such as the BJA's Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program, generally require developed suspect DNA profiles. However, some state and local grant programs support cases without DNA evidence, focusing instead on other investigative leads, witness interviews, or alternative forensic methods.

Types of Cold Case Grants Available

Cold case grant opportunities come from multiple sources, each with different priorities and eligibility requirements.

Federal Cold Case Grant Programs

Federal agencies offer some of the most substantial cold case grant funding. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program, which supports the resolution of violent crimes where suspect DNA profiles exist. This program focuses on homicides and sexual assaults with forensic evidence that can identify offenders.

The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division also operates a Cold Case Initiative targeting racially motivated homicides. These federal programs typically provide larger awards but come with strict compliance requirements and detailed application processes.

Federal cold case grants require close coordination between law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Your office must demonstrate investigative readiness, forensic capacity, and a clear plan for case prosecution.

State and Local Grant Opportunities

Many states operate their own cold case grant programs, often focusing on unsolved homicides or sexual offenses. Local governments and county agencies sometimes offer smaller grant programs designed to address regional cold case priorities. These grants can be more flexible in their requirements and may cover cases outside the scope of federal programs.

Foundation and private funding sources also support cold case initiatives, particularly those focused on child welfare or cases involving marginalized communities.

Eligibility Requirements for District Attorney's Offices

Not every cold case qualifies for grant funding. Federal and state programs impose specific eligibility criteria that prosecutorial agencies must meet before applying.

Most federal cold case grants require that your office have violent cold cases with developed suspect DNA profiles. Cases without forensic evidence or DNA matches often don't qualify for these programs.

Your office must be a government agency or work in direct partnership with one. Tribal, state, county, and municipal prosecutorial agencies can all apply, but private entities typically cannot serve as lead applicants.

Many programs require that a prosecutorial body be directly engaged in the grant activities. Some grants require multidisciplinary partnerships, demonstrating collaboration with law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, victim services organizations, and community stakeholders.

Compliance with federal and state regulations is nonnegotiable. District attorney's offices must show they can meet reporting requirements, track performance metrics, and adhere to grant guidelines throughout the funding period.

We conduct thorough research to identify grant opportunities that match your office's case portfolio and capacity. Learn more about our grant writing services and how we support prosecutorial agencies.

How to Write a Successful Cold Case Grant Application

Writing a successful cold case grant application requires precision, clarity, and a deep understanding of funder priorities. We guide district attorney's offices through every stage of the process.

Identifying Your Cold Case Priorities

Start by reviewing your office's cold case inventory. Which cases have suspect DNA profiles? Which involve violent crimes such as homicide or sexual assault? Which cases have the strongest potential for resolution if additional resources become available?

Funders want to see clear priorities and realistic goals. Focus on cases that meet the funder's eligibility criteria and have the highest likelihood of successful prosecution.

We help you assess your case inventory and identify which investigations align with available grant programs.

Demonstrating Need and Impact

Your application must clearly explain why your office needs grant funding and what impact the funding will have. Use data to support your case. How many cold cases does your office currently have? How long have these cases remained unsolved?

Funders also want to know the community impact. How will resolving these cases affect victims' families? What message does successful prosecution send to your community?

We craft compelling narratives that connect your office's needs to the funder's mission using evidence-based strategies.

Building a Strong Budget Justification

Your budget must be precise, realistic, and fully justified. Cold case grant budgets typically include personnel costs, overtime pay, forensic analysis fees, travel expenses, equipment purchases, and training costs.

Every line item must be clearly explained and directly tied to grant activities. We assist with budget planning and preparation, ensuring that every dollar requested is accounted for and justified.

Managing Cold Case Grant Funds Effectively

Winning a cold case grant is just the beginning. District attorney's offices must manage funds carefully, track outcomes, and meet reporting requirements throughout the grant period.

Compliance and Reporting Requirements

Federal and state grants come with strict compliance requirements. Your office must follow spending guidelines, maintain accurate financial records, and submit regular progress reports. Missing a reporting deadline or failing to track expenses properly can jeopardize future funding.

We support clients through post-award compliance and reporting. Our team helps you establish tracking systems, prepare required reports, and ensure that your office meets every funder requirement.

Tracking Outcomes and Performance Metrics

Funders want to see measurable results. Your office must track key performance metrics such as the number of cases reviewed, forensic tests completed, charges filed, and convictions obtained.

We provide monitoring and evaluation support that includes performance tracking, metrics reporting, and follow-up analysis. Explore how our team brings decades of grant management experience to support your agency.

Common Challenges in Cold Case Grant Applications

District attorney's offices often face obstacles when applying for cold case grant funding. Recognizing these challenges early helps you avoid common pitfalls.

One frequent issue is applying with ineligible cases. If your cold cases lack suspect DNA profiles or don't involve violent crimes, they may not qualify for federal programs.

Vague outcomes and weak impact statements also hurt applications. Funders want specific, measurable goals.

Weak budget documentation is another common problem. Reviewers reject applications with unjustified costs or budgets that don't align with project activities.

Insufficient collaboration can also weaken your application. Cold case investigations require coordination between prosecutors, law enforcement, forensic labs, and victim services.

We address these challenges by conducting thorough application reviews and refining every component of your proposal. Our staff, with over 60 years of combined experience, knows what funders look for.

Why Work with an Independent Contractor like ERI Grants

District attorney's offices juggle heavy caseloads, court appearances, personnel management, and community obligations. Adding grant writing and management to that workload often isn't realistic, yet cold case grant funding can be transformative.

Working with an independent contractor like ERI Grants removes the burden of navigating complex grant applications while ensuring your proposals are competitive and compliant.

Expertise Without the Overhead

Hiring a full-time grant writer means salary, benefits, office space, and ongoing training costs. An independent contractor provides specialized expertise exactly when you need it, without the long-term financial commitment.

Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience specifically in grant development for government and nonprofit agencies. We understand funder priorities, compliance requirements, and the technical details that make applications succeed.

Focused Attention on Your Application

Your staff have full-time responsibilities that can't be set aside for weeks of grant writing. We dedicate the time and focus needed to craft compelling, thorough applications.

From initial opportunity research through final submission, we handle the entire process. We conduct background research on funders, review your case inventory, identify qualifying cases, develop project narratives, prepare budget justifications, and compile required documentation.

No Upfront Costs

We operate on a contingency basis, which means your office pays nothing unless you win the grant. This model aligns our success with yours and makes professional grant writing accessible to agencies of all sizes and budgets.

Ongoing Compliance and Reporting Support

Grant management doesn't end when you receive the award. We support clients through post-award management, helping you establish tracking systems, prepare required reports, and maintain compliance with funder requirements.

Strategic Partnership for Long-Term Success

Working with ERI creates a strategic partnership that extends beyond individual applications. We track upcoming funding opportunities that align with your needs and proactively alert you to new programs.

This ongoing relationship means we're prepared to move quickly when time-sensitive opportunities arise.

Conclusion

Cold case grant funding provides district attorney's offices with the resources needed to reopen investigations, pursue justice, and bring closure to victims' families. These grants support forensic analysis, investigative personnel, and prosecutorial efforts that might otherwise remain out of reach.

Successfully securing a cold case grant requires careful case selection, a compelling demonstration of need and impact, and a clear plan for compliance and performance tracking.

We work with prosecutorial agencies nationwide to identify grant opportunities, craft winning applications, and manage post-award compliance. Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience in grant writing and development.

If your office has cold cases waiting for resolution and needs funding to move forward, we're here to help. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Contact us today to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cold case grant and who can apply for it?

A cold case grant provides funding to law enforcement agencies, district attorney's offices, and prosecutorial teams to investigate unsolved violent crimes like homicides and sexual assaults. Government agencies at tribal, state, county, and municipal levels can apply.

Do cold cases need DNA evidence to qualify for federal grant funding?

Most federal cold case grants, such as the BJA's Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program, require cases to have developed suspect DNA profiles. Some state grants may have different requirements.

What expenses can be covered with cold case grant funds?

Cold case grant funds can cover forensic analysis, investigative personnel salaries, overtime pay, case reviews, evidence processing, technology upgrades, expert consultations, training, travel expenses, and equipment purchases.

How long does it typically take to solve a cold case with grant funding?

The timeline varies significantly depending on case complexity, forensic analysis requirements, witness availability, and investigative challenges. Grant periods typically span multiple years.

What happens if a district attorney's office doesn't meet cold case grant reporting requirements?

Failing to meet grant reporting requirements can jeopardize future funding opportunities and may result in loss of current grant funds.