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 that support justice and prevention, traffic safety, and homeland security initiatives. Our office also conducts research to support these focus areas. OGR is the State Administering Agency (SAA) for grant funds awarded to Massachusetts by:
- Department of Justice (DOJ),
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
OGR also manage state-funded grant programs designed to improve safety and security across Massachusetts.
OGR helps build safe, resilient, and thriving communities across Massachusetts through our management of grant funds and research to support effective, evidence-based public safety and security programs. Our work is strengthened by our partnerships with federal, state, local, and community partners 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 all funded programs meet financial requirements and grant funding is used properly. The division promotes equitable access to funding opportunities and effective grant management by participating in technical assistance trainings for grant applicants and award recipients. 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 manages grant funds received by Massachusetts from NHTSA. The division works with media partners to develop outreach campaigns to address behaviors that contribute to traffic crashes.
Homeland Security Division
The Homeland Security Division manages grant programs that strengthen the state and its communities against the threat of terrorist attacks, cyber threats, hate crimes, and extremist violence. The division oversees grant funds awarded to Massachusetts by FEMA as well as state-funded nonprofit security programs. Program coordinators work closely with the state’s Regional Homeland Security Advisory Councils and other partners.
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 police, prosecutors, youth-serving organizations, and other community-based partners to promote evidence-based approaches to reduce crime. The Justice and Prevention Division manages and administered state-funded programs and 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 by OGR. 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
OGR is the SAA for federal funds received by Massachusetts from the DOJ, FEMA, and NHTSA. In this role, OGR manages and distributes these grant funds to state agencies, local and tribal authorities, and nonprofits. We work with partners in criminal justice, traffic safety, and emergency management and response systems to identify gaps, challenges, and needs and determine how federal funds can be used to address these areas.
As an SAA, OGR’s key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Planning –SAAs engage in strategic planning to identify gaps and set priorities and goals to ensure federal funds are used effectively and reach the areas of greatest need. OGR works with stakeholders from different fields, areas of the state, and underserved and vulnerable populations in our strategic planning processes.
- Grants Administration – We are responsible for ensuring all OGR's federal grant funds are spent appropriately and in accordance with all relevant regulations and laws.
- Collaboration with System Partners – OGR seeks input from a wide variety of stakeholders to determine the most pressing safety and security issues from a state and local perspective.
- Supporting Funded Programs – OGR serves as a general resource for grant recipients throughout the life of each grant. We offer training and support in areas such as reporting requirements and reimbursement requests.
Committees & Councils
OGR oversees several committees that play an important role in public safety issues impacting Massachusetts. You can find information on the committees' open meetings in the Public Meetings & Events section of OGR’s homepage.
We also work closely with the state’s five Homeland Security Regional Advisory Councils.
Select a committee to learn more about its work.