The U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), has launched a new funding opportunity for invited applicants to support survivors of violence. The program aims to strengthen community responses and provide survivors with flexible financial aid to meet their unique needs.
Established in 1995, OVW has been central to enforcing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and related laws. The office leads national efforts to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The latest grant program continues this mission by ensuring survivors receive essential support while holding offenders accountable.
The grants prioritize survivor choice and agency, allowing recipients to identify the support that best fits their safety and recovery needs. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that are responsive to individual circumstances. By centering survivors in program design, OVW seeks to empower individuals to access resources that make a real difference in their lives.
Invited applicants are urged to consider several priority areas. These include combating human trafficking and transnational crime, particularly where such crimes intersect with domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. Projects that expand victim services, especially housing solutions, are strongly encouraged. OVW also emphasizes the importance of strengthening law enforcement and victim support in rural, remote, and Tribal communities. These areas often face limited resources, making targeted support essential for survivors and their families.
The program will distribute a total of $3.9 million, with individual grants of up to $300,000. Each award covers a 24-month period, giving organizations time to implement meaningful projects and achieve lasting outcomes. Eligible entities include a select group of invited organizations, such as local domestic violence intervention services, Tribal nations, and family support centers. Faith-based organizations that meet eligibility requirements are also welcome to apply. The invitation-only approach ensures funding goes to organizations with proven capacity and a strong record of serving survivors.
Through this initiative, OVW continues to advance safety, justice, and healing for survivors of violence. By supporting community-based projects and encouraging coordinated responses, the program empowers organizations to create effective solutions for survivors and their families. This funding opportunity reinforces the government’s commitment to survivor-centered support, helping communities provide essential services while promoting accountability for offenders.
