Pinellas County is on the hunt for initiatives that will bolster the local justice system and tackle alcohol and drug abuse, as they begin accepting applications for two significant sources of funding: the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide (JAG-C) and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Trust Fund.
The JAG-C program is designed to inject federal dollars into the county, with an anticipated $270,837 earmarked for various justice-related projects in the upcoming fiscal year. According to Pinellas County's announcement, eligible applicants include local government units, law enforcement, and not-for-profit organizations aiming to prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system, or support related education efforts. Yet, the precise amount of available funds won't be confirmed until later in the summer.
Focused on supporting drug treatment and education, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Trust Fund announces a budget of $35,000, derived from court fees. Nonprofit organizations providing relevant services are encouraged to step forward, with potential awards varying from $1,000 to $10,000. Applicants must be licensed providers of substance abuse therapy and maintain a client-facing presence within the county's borders.
Applications for both funding opportunities are vying for a slice of these budgets to enact programs ranging from law enforcement improvements to mental health initiatives. Detailed within the Pinellas County's notice, the projected period for project execution is from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026. Despite the upfront groundwork, final approval of projects and funds disbursement won't occur until the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners gives its green light in the fall.
