OVW Fiscal Year 2026 STOP Formula Grant Program

The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program is administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for implementing grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act. This program is designed to strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to violent crimes against women, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through a statutory formula, funding is allocated to states and U.S. territories to support coordinated, statewide efforts that improve victim safety and offender accountability. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial resources to states and territories, which then distribute funds to subrecipients such as local governments, courts, law enforcement agencies, tribal governments, and victim service providers. Funds must be used to enhance training for criminal justice professionals, develop and expand specialized units addressing violence against women, improve policies and procedures, and strengthen victim services. Additional allowable uses include improving data systems, supporting coordinated community responses, expanding culturally specific services, addressing underserved populations, and enhancing forensic and investigative capabilities. The program has strict statutory requirements governing how funds may be allocated and spent. States must adhere to prescribed funding distributions among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim services, and must comply with specific programmatic conditions outlined in federal law. A cost-sharing requirement applies, requiring recipients to contribute a 25 percent non-federal match, although certain subrecipients such as tribal entities and nonprofit victim service providers may be exempt from this requirement. Funds are typically awarded for a 24-month project period, with expected performance beginning in mid-2026. Eligibility is limited to state governments and U.S. territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other insular areas. Only the designated state administering agency may apply on behalf of the jurisdiction. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with statutory eligibility requirements, including provisions related to victim protections, forensic examination policies, judicial notification, and prohibitions on charging victims certain costs. They must also submit certifications and detailed narratives documenting compliance with these federal requirements. The application process involves two required submission steps. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by the stated deadline, followed by a full application package submitted through the JustGrants system. Required components include an implementation plan covering a four-year period, a narrative demonstrating compliance with statutory requirements, financial documentation, certifications, and various forms. Applications are reviewed for completeness and compliance rather than through a competitive peer review process, as funding is distributed according to a statutory formula. Key deadlines include submission of the initial application in Grants.gov by July 10, 2026, and completion of the full application in JustGrants by July 14, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early due to system requirements. For assistance, applicants may contact OVW via email or phone, and additional support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. Overall, the STOP Formula Grant Program represents a major federal investment in addressing violence against women by supporting systemic improvements across law enforcement, courts, and victim services. Its structured funding approach ensures that every state and territory receives support while maintaining accountability through statutory compliance and performance reporting requirements.

Ensure all statutory compliance narratives are complete and aligned with federal requirements; begin registration early for Grants.gov and JustGrants; carefully follow submission checklist to avoid delays; provide thorough implementation plan covering four years