LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan State Police (MSP) Grants and Community Services Division (GCSD) is opening the checkbook to help solve crimes in the state. Under the state’s FY 2026 budget, the Michigan State Police are offering competitive grants aimed at two things most people assume law enforcement already does: investigate cold cases and know where critical incidents are happening in real time.

Universities with existing – or soon-to-launch – cold case programs can apply for up to $200,000 to fund operations, research, and investigations. The idea is to put students and faculty to work reexamining unsolved crimes using modern tools, fresh eyes, and academic manpower.

More maps, fewer guessing games.

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Counties, meanwhile, can apply for up to $25,000 per grant – up to three grants each – to build or improve critical incident mapping. That’s the digital infrastructure that helps first responders know exactly where they’re going when seconds matter.

MSP Director Col. James F. Grady says the funding, approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature, will support important facets of public safety that will “build upon and complement great work already occurring in our state to improve public safety outcomes.”

For agencies and universities willing to navigate the paperwork, the pitch is simple: fewer mysteries, faster responses, and maybe some long-overdue answers to cold cases.