Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Program

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Program is administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services, and at the state level by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. This program is designed to support state efforts to prevent and respond to family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. It focuses on strengthening community-based systems that provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and prevention programming for victims and their dependents. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute acts as the pass-through entity responsible for distributing funds and overseeing compliance with both federal and state requirements. The primary purpose of the program is to ensure that victims of violence have access to safe housing and comprehensive services that promote safety, recovery, and long-term stability. Funded projects are expected to provide immediate shelter options such as emergency shelters, hotel or motel vouchers, or other safe temporary housing arrangements. In addition to shelter, grantees must offer supportive services including counseling, advocacy, case management, legal and medical referrals, and services tailored to children exposed to violence. Prevention and outreach activities that raise awareness and improve access to services are also allowable and encouraged components of funded programs. Funding under this program is governed by strict allocation requirements. A minimum of seventy percent of total funds must be dedicated to programs whose primary purpose is to provide immediate shelter and supportive services to victims and their dependents. At least twenty five percent of funds must be used for supportive and prevention services. Grants are reimbursement based, meaning recipients must incur eligible costs and then request reimbursement through the grant management system. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, supplies, shelter operations, and programmatic services, while unallowable costs include construction, real estate purchases, direct financial assistance to clients, and fundraising activities. Eligibility is limited to local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations, including faith based and community based organizations, tribal organizations, and voluntary associations that serve victims of domestic violence and related crimes. Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record in addressing these issues and must complete prequalification requirements such as obtaining a Unique Entity ID, registering in the System for Award Management, maintaining good standing with relevant state agencies, and participating in the E Verify program. Funded organizations must also comply with strict confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and accessibility requirements, ensuring services are available regardless of income, immigration status, or other protected characteristics. The application process is conducted through the IntelliGrants online system, which manages submissions, reporting, and reimbursement requests. Applicants must complete required forms, including a total agency budget, indirect cost documentation if applicable, and at least one letter of endorsement from an external entity. Additional attachments such as job descriptions may be required depending on the proposed budget. Questions about the funding opportunity must be submitted by a specified deadline, and responses are publicly posted. Technical assistance is available through the administering agency, but applicants are responsible for timely submission and system registration. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on completeness, eligibility, alignment with program scope, compliance with regulations, and the reasonableness of proposed budgets. Additional considerations include organizational risk, financial standing, and the applicant’s ability to manage federal funds. Awards are contingent on the availability of federal funding and may be modified or reduced if funding levels change. Successful applicants are notified following the review process and must begin project implementation within a defined timeframe or risk cancellation of the award. The timeline for this funding cycle begins with the release of the request for funding in mid July, followed by a webinar and a period for submitting questions. Applications are due in early August, with award notifications issued in early September. The performance period runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year, with strict requirements for project startup, reporting, and closeout. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, and organizations are expected to comply with ongoing reporting, monitoring, and evaluation requirements throughout the grant period.

Ensure full compliance with eligibility and budget rules provide complete documentation and demonstrate strong service track record