OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program

The Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program is administered by the Office on Violence Against Women within the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal agency responsible for implementing programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act. The program is designed to support efforts that prevent and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This funding opportunity specifically targets Tribal communities and organizations, reflecting a federal commitment to addressing the unique needs of victims in Indian country and Alaska Native villages through culturally appropriate services and interventions. The purpose of this program is to assist Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal nonprofit organizations in delivering comprehensive services to victims of sexual assault. Funded projects are expected to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and related assistance for adult, youth, and child victims, as well as support for family and household members and others affected by victimization. Activities may include crisis intervention, operation of 24-hour hotlines, accompaniment through medical and legal systems, forensic examinations, and multidisciplinary coordination to improve systemic responses to sexual assault cases. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs that deliver direct services within eligible Tribal communities. The total available funding is $7.6 million, with approximately 16 awards anticipated. Individual awards range from $350,000 to $500,000 for a project period of 36 months beginning October 1, 2026. Applicants are required to include a minimum allocation of $20,000 for travel to participate in required training and technical assistance. No cost sharing or matching contribution is required for this program. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal consortia, Tribal organizations, and Tribal nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit applicants must maintain 501(c)(3) status throughout the award period. Eligibility is limited to entities operating within Indian country or Alaska Native villages. Organizations may submit only one application, and applicants with existing funding that extends significantly into the future may be less competitive. Certain disqualifying factors, such as improper financial practices, may result in removal during the review process. The application process involves a two-step submission. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The full application must then be submitted through the JustGrants system by September 3, 2026 at 4:59 PM Eastern Time. Required application components include a proposal narrative, detailed budget, standard applicant information, and supporting documentation such as letters of support, certifications, and financial disclosures where applicable. The proposal narrative must follow strict formatting guidelines and address project purpose, implementation activities, and staffing. Applications are evaluated based on multiple criteria including the clarity and strength of the proposed project, alignment with program goals, feasibility of activities, and organizational capacity to implement the project. Additional consideration may be given to projects addressing federal public safety priorities such as human trafficking and those focused on delivering direct victim services in rural or Tribal communities. Award decisions are expected by December 31, 2026, and recipients will be required to submit performance reports to demonstrate progress toward program objectives. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact the Office on Violence Against Women via email at OVW.Tribal.SASP@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-307-6026. Additional support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early to ensure compliance with submission requirements and deadlines. This funding opportunity represents a recurring federal initiative aimed at strengthening services for sexual assault victims in Tribal communities.

Emphasize direct victim services impact; align project with Tribal community needs; clearly demonstrate implementation capacity and measurable outcomes