FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet encourage Kentucky’s public and private agencies to apply for grant funding to assist with the state’s continuing efforts to fight COVID-19. The funding is administrated and distributed through the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program.
“As of today, we have awarded 30 public safety agencies and offices with more than $3.4 million in CESF grant funding to better respond to the emergent needs created by COVID-19 while continuing to provide life-sustaining services to our Kentucky families,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our state, and nation, are experiencing an alarming rate of new cases on a daily basis. This funding is critical as we work to not only sustain operations but increase public safety during these challenging times.”
The Governor said both public and private agencies with a connection to the criminal justice system are eligible to apply for funding in order to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19 during the current state of emergency. Allowable program expenses are comprised of costs related to new hires and overtime pay exclusively related to COVID-19 response, equipment purchases (including law enforcement and medical equipment, and personal protective equipment), supplies, training and travel (particularly to distribute supplies).
“The grants have been awarded to meet the needs of Kentuckians and I commend them for their swift action plans,” said Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Mary Noble. “Our grants management division staff has worked diligently to oversee the application process, and I strongly encourage those agencies that have not yet applied, to do so soon. Let’s continue to stay focused on winning the fight against COVID-19.”
For a list of applicants and projects awarded CESF funding, click here.
How to Apply
Applicants can visit the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Grants Management Division website, https://justice.ky.gov/Departments-Agencies/GMD/Pages/cesf.aspx, to obtain the application. Applications must be submitted online via Intelligrants, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet’s electronic Grants Management System. New applicants should note that validating a new user account requires 48-72 hours. The solicitation will remain open until all funds have been awarded.
Assistance with the application processes may be obtained by contacting Grants Management Division staff at jusgmb@ky.gov.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.
For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19 visit kycovid19.ky.gov.