Overview
The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) is a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). OGR manages and administers more than $279 million in state and federal grant funds directed toward justice and prevention, traffic safety, and homeland security initiatives, and conducts research to support in support of these areas. OGR is the State Administering Agency (SAA) for grant funds awarded to Massachusetts by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and also manage and administer grant funds authorized by the Massachusetts Legislature to address public safety and security needs across the state.
OGR works to create safe, resilient and thriving communities across Massachusetts through the management of grant funds and research to support effective, evidence-based public safety and security programs. This work is accomplished through our strong partnerships with federal, state, local and community partners and the organizations we fund.
Explore our site to learn more about OGR’s programs and the impact of our work.
Divisions of OGR
Fiscal Division
OGR’s Fiscal Division supports all the agency’s divisions by ensuring financial requirements are met by all funded programs and that grant funding is properly distributed. The division participates in technical assistance trainings offered to prospective grant applicants and award recipients to promote broader access to funding opportunities and the effective management of state and federal grant awards. The Fiscal Division is vital to the success of all OGR programs.
Highway Safety Division
The Highway Safety Division of OGR works with partners in law enforcement, the transportation sector and nonprofits to reduce the traffic crashes, fatalities, injuries and resulting economic losses. The division is responsible for the management and administration of grant funds received by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from NHTSA. The division also conducts public participation and engagement initiatives and collaborates on the creation of outreach campaigns to address behaviors that contribute to traffic crashes.
Homeland Security Division
The Homeland Security Division is responsible for managing grant programs designed to strengthen the Commonwealth and its communities against the threat of terrorist attacks, hate crimes and extremism. The division oversees funding awarded to Massachusetts by FEMA as well as state funded programs. Program coordinators assigned to the Homeland Security Division work closely with the state’s Regional Homeland Security Advisory Councils. This division also oversees state and federal programs that help protect nonprofit organizations from hate crimes and extremist attacks.
Justice and Prevention Division
OGR’s Justice and Prevention Division oversees grant programs focused on community safety, criminal justice, violence prevention and victim services. Program coordinators work closely with law enforcement, prosecutor’s offices, youth-serving organizations and other community-based partners to promote evidence-based approaches to crime reduction. In addition to managing and administering state-funded grant programs, the Justice and Prevention Division is responsible for federal funds awarded to Massachusetts by the DOJ.
Research and Policy Analysis Division
OGR’s Research and Policy Analysis Division (RPAD) conducts research and analysis to enhance the state’s criminal justice and public safety systems, including programs funded through OGR grants. RPAD houses the Massachusetts Statistical Analysis Center, which conducts research funded by the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).
Leadership
Executive Director
Director of Administration and Finance
Director of Communications
Justice and Prevention Division Manager
Highway Safety Division Manager
Homeland Security Division Manager
Research and Policy Analysis Division Director
Have general questions or need help figuring out the right division to contact? Please call our front desk at (617) 725-3301.
Role of the State Administering Agency
As the SAA for federal funds received by Massachusetts from the DOJ, FEMA and NHTSA, OGR manages and distributes these grant funds to state, local and tribal authorities and nonprofits. We engage partners across Massachusetts’ criminal justice, traffic safety and emergency management and response systems to identify gaps, challenges and needs and how federal funds can be used to enhance the state’s safety and security.
As an SAA, OGR’s key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Planning - SAAs engage in strategic planning processes to identify gaps and set priorities and goals to ensure that federal funds are used effectively and reach the areas of greatest need. OGR strives to include stakeholders from across professional disciplines, geographically diverse communities and underserved and vulnerable populations in our strategic planning processes.
- Grants Administration - As an SAA, we manage a wide range of federal grants and are responsible for ensuring all federal funds are spent appropriately and in accordance with all applicable regulations and laws.
- Collaboration with System Partners - In order to determine the most pressing safety and security issues from a state and local perspective, SAAs collaborate with and seek input from a wide variety of partners, community-based organizations and other relevant sectors and stakeholders.
- Supporting Funded Programs – A key responsibility of the SAA is ensuring that funded programs are well supported and set up for success. We provide training and support to grant recipients in areas such as reporting requirements and requesting reimbursement and serve as a general resource on grant administration matters throughout the lifetime of each grant.
Committees & Councils
OGR oversees several committees that play an important role in public safety issues impacing Massachusetts. You can find information on upcoming or past open meetings of these committees on the Public Meetings & Events section of OGR’s homepage.
In addition, we work closely with the state’s five Homeland Security Regional Advisory Councils.
Select a committee to learn more about its role in promoting the safety and security of Massachusetts communities.