Scroll Top

About SOJ
Applications
- Application for DNA Testing
- Application for Public Awareness Campaign Funding
Featured Cases
Support SOJ
Events
- Past Event Recordings
SOJ In The News
Get in Touch
- Contact SOJ
- Stay in the Know

DNA Testing Grant Application

Thank you for filling out our questionnaire. Your case fits our preliminary criteria, and we invite you to fill out our application below. Our team will be in touch with you once its submitted.

Step 1 of 9

11%

General Information
1.1 Applicant's Information
Applicant's Name
First Last
Applicant's Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Applicant's Phone Number
Agency Name
Applicant's Title/Position in Agency
Applicant/Agency Mailing Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Applicant's Supervisor's Name
Supervisor's Phone Number
How did you hear about Season of Justice?
Has your agency had a grant funded by Season of Justice in the past?
*Note: Having a case funded in the past will not reduce the change for this application's funding.*
- Yes
- No
Previous Victim Name(s)*

1.2 Agency Resources
Does the investigating agency have a dedicated cold case squad?
- Yes
- No
Is there currently an assigned investigator reviewing this investigation?*
- Yes
- No
Does the investigating agency have a budget for DNA testing related to cold case investigations?
- Yes
- No
Does the investigating agency have alloted funds for testing in this case?
- Yes
- No
Please list max amount of available funds:*
Will the agency accept a matching grant (50/50) for this case?
- Yes
- No
Are they willing to accept a set amount from Season of Justice and then apply their available funds for this investigation?*
- Yes
- No
Does the agency have any additional pending grant applications for cold case funding?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please list the organization and grant program.*
Has the local prosecuting authority been informed that an outside vendor (lab) may be hired for this investigation?*
- Yes
- No
Has the agency of jurisdiction informed the local/state/regional forensics lab that an outside vendor (lab) is being considered for this investigation?*
- Yes
- No
Is this case still prosecutable under your state's statutes and local standard operating procedures?
- Yes
- No
Are all major witnesses still alive and willing to testify?
- Yes
- No
Please explain:*

1.3 Unit/Lead Investigator Information
Current Investigator's Name
First Last
Skip this section if the investigator is also the applicant.
Current Investigator's Phone Number
Current Investigator's Email
Agency/Department with current jurisdiction:
Agency Case Number
Is this the original investigative agency?
- Yes
- No
Name of the original investigative agency*

Case Information
2.1 Victim Information
Victim's Name
First Last
Race/Ethnicity
Gender
Age at time of death
Cause of death
Date of Incident
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Is a photograph of the victim available? Please do not upload autopsy or crime scene photos.
- Yes
- No
Please upload victim photograph(s)*
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB.
Is this a Doe case?
- Yes
- No
Is the manner of death confirmed to be Homicide?*
- Yes
- No
Has the Doe case been entered into NamUS?*
- Yes
- No
NamUS Case Number:*
Is this a child Doe case?
- Yes
- No
Has the Doe case been entered into the NCMEC database?*
- Yes
- No
NCMEC Ref. Number:*

2.2 Evidence
Is there a person of interest in this case?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a DNA sample from the person of interest?*
- Yes
- No
Are they still alive?*
- Yes
- No
What's their age?*
Has unknown suspect DNA been discovered?
- Yes
- No
If yes, has unknown suspect DNA been entered into CODIS?
- Yes
- No
Please provide additional explanation why the sample has not been uploaded to CODIS.*
Please select the relevant CODIS database(s) the sample is uploaded to.
If you are unsure, please consult with your local or state lab's CODIS administrator.
- LDIS
- SDIS
- NDIS
Is there viable evidence that has not been tested for unknown suspect DNA?*
- Yes
- No
Would this grant be used to retest evidence using new technology not available during the original investigation?
- Yes
- No
Please provide additional details on what evidence will be retested:*
Would this grant be used to test fired shell casings?*
- Yes
- No
Have the shell casings been entered in NIBIN/IBIS?*
- Yes
- No
How do you believe this funding and the testing/services listed above will help in this investigation?
Is there any evidence related to this case currently being tested or queued for testing with any other lab outside of this grant application?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please list the items, method of testing, and lab conducting the test.*
What is the anticipated turnaround time for the above listed items and testing?*
Is there any evidence related to this case currently being reviewed or tested by another agency or organization outside of this grant application?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please list the agency or organization and briefly describe the scope of their work.*

2.3 Case Summary
Using the field below, please give enough information to allow our Board of Directors to make an informed decision related to the investigation and the funds needed to assist with advanced testing/genealogy services. You do not have to release any confidential information unless it would help explain the need or urgency for the grant.*
*Any information provided during the grant application process will be kept confidential and only be seen by the Season of Justice Staff and Board of Directors.*

Vendor/Quote Information
Beginning 2024, all applications for DNA extraction and analysis, excluding Forensic Genetic Genealogy, will be required to submit quotes from two (2) private labs of their choice. In the following sections, please provide the name and contact person for each lab separately.
3.1 Vendor Information (1 of 2)
Vendor/Company Name
Contact Person
First Last
Phone Number
Email
Has the investigating agency used this vendor in the past?
- Yes
- No
3.1 Vendor Information (2 of 2)
Vendor/Company Name
Contact Person
First Last
Phone Number
Email
Has the investigating agency used this vendor in the past?
- Yes
- No

3.2 Quote Information
Have the vendors provided quotes?*
- Yes
- No
Please upload quotes here (max: 10 files)
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 10.
Do these quotes list all testing services expected to be funded by a Season of Justice grant?
- Yes
- No
Does your agency anticipate requesting any additional funding related to the services and fees listed in these quotes?
- Yes
- No

Please provide any additional information you believe might be helpful to our Board of Directors for grant consideration.
Please click here to review the waiver.
CAPTCHA

Season of Justice (SOJ) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing funding to investigative agencies and families to help solve cold cases.

Season of Justice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Quick Links

DNA Testing Application
Awareness Campaign Application
Stay in the Know
Contact Us

Help Solve Cases

Interested in helping move unsolved violent crime cases to a conclusion by donating to our grant fund?

2025 © Copyright Season of Justice

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

Sydney Pacha is a nonprofit development professional from the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Sydney holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History and anthropology from North Central College along with a Master’s Degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management specializing in arts-focused nonprofits from Columbia College Chicago.

Sydney has diverse professional experience including leading organizations as an executive director and supporting leadership in numerous development roles for nonprofits of varying missions and sizes. Sydney is passionate about connecting donors and community members with impactful missions that make the world a better place. After supporting Season of Justice as a volunteer, she is thrilled to spearhead sustainability and growth initiatives as SOJ’s Development Manager.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and doting on her pets (a cat and a dog) in addition to art history and archeology, visiting museums, taking/teaching dance classes, and traveling.

Kendall brings extensive experience in program development and collaboration with law enforcement to her role as Program Manager at Season of Justice. With a background in technology, Kendall partnered with law enforcement agencies, Crime Stoppers programs, and school safety teams to implement anonymous reporting systems nationwide, enhancing public safety and fostering community trust. In 2021, Kendall transitioned to the nonprofit sector, leveraging her expertise to support SOJ’s mission of providing critical resources for solving cold cases and advocating for long-term unsolved investigations.

At Season of Justice, Kendall has spearheaded initiatives to streamline operations, including developing a grant management database and refining internal workflows to increase the organization’s capacity for supporting investigators and families. Her dedication to justice and innovation has been instrumental in amplifying SOJ’s impact, helping to bring resolution and justice to families across the country.

Outside of work, Kendall enjoys exploring Utah’s stunning landscapes with her husband and their pets, attending live music events, and sharing her passion for history and the outdoors.

With more than a decade of expertise in nonprofit development and criminal justice reform, Angela brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her role as Executive Director of Season of Justice. Angela oversees the organization’s operations, fundraising efforts, financial management and strategic planning to further its mission of providing funding for investigative agencies and families to help solve cold cases and bring long-awaited justice to victims.

Prior to joining Season of Justice, Angela served in pivotal fundraising roles at the Center for Justice Innovation (formerly known as the Center for Court Innovation), the Legal Aid Society, and Community Mediation Services, all headquartered in New York City. These organizations tackle various criminal justice issues, including policy reform, legal aid, mediation services for underserved communities, victim advocacy, violence prevention, and court-based initiatives. This is in addition to domestic violence support, mental health programs, and other efforts to promote public safety. In each of her roles, she successfully spearheaded the development and grants management process for operating budgets spanning from $10 million to $97 million. She also gained invaluable experience working at Harvard Law School, supporting law professors and visiting judges with events, administration, and research projects.

Angela is passionate about creating systemic change and is committed to fostering collaboration between law enforcement, investigative agencies, forensic experts, and the families impacted by unsolved crimes. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Social Sciences, pursued a graduate degree in Government Studies at Harvard University, and attended Northwestern California University School of Law to pursue a Juris Doctor degree.

stay connected!