OVW Fiscal Year 2026 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program

The Office on Violence Against Women, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, administers federal grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act to support coordinated responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This funding opportunity represents the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program, which is designed to provide formula-based funding to recognized statewide and territorial coalitions. These coalitions serve as central coordinating bodies that unify victim service providers, advocate for policy improvements, and strengthen systemic responses to violence across jurisdictions. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance coordination and collaboration among victim service providers and government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Funding supports activities that improve service delivery systems, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that responses to survivors are appropriate, trauma-informed, and effective. The program draws on statutory authority under federal law, specifically provisions governing STOP Formula Grant Program and Sexual Assault Services Program set-aside funds, which are allocated to coalitions for coordination and systems-level work rather than direct services. Funding is distributed as fixed formula awards depending on the designation of the coalition. Domestic violence coalitions receive a specified allocation derived from STOP program funds, while sexual assault coalitions receive combined funding from both STOP and SASP allocations. Coalitions that serve as dual-designated entities receive a combined total reflecting both funding streams. These funds are intended to support coordination activities, policy development, training, and collaboration efforts, and must align with statutory requirements governing allowable uses. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, reducing financial barriers to participation. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations designated as state or territorial coalitions by the Department of Health and Human Services. These entities may or may not hold 501c3 status but must appear on the federally recognized list of eligible coalitions. The program is not open to general nonprofits, individuals, or local agencies outside of these designated coalitions. Each eligible entity is expected to submit a complete application that reflects its coalition type and includes all required documentation. The application process involves a two-step submission mechanism. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. Following this, the full application must be submitted through the JustGrants system, including required forms, a proposal narrative, a detailed budget, and several supporting documents such as board member information, certifications, and financial disclosures where applicable. Applications must adhere strictly to submission requirements to avoid delays in funding. Applications are reviewed for completeness and compliance with statutory and programmatic requirements rather than through a competitive peer review process, as this is a formula grant program. Successful applicants are expected to begin their award period on October 1, with a performance period of twelve months. Notification of awards is anticipated by the end of September. Recipients are required to submit performance reports and demonstrate progress toward program goals, particularly in enhancing coordination and systemic responses to violence. Key deadlines include the Grants.gov submission by August 31, followed by the JustGrants submission deadline on September 2. The funding opportunity was released in late July, providing applicants with a defined window to prepare submissions. Contact information for programmatic and technical assistance is provided through the Office on Violence Against Women and federal support help desks, ensuring applicants have access to guidance throughout the process.

Ensure all required documents are submitted and complete to avoid funding delays; follow budget justification rules closely; distinguish subawards and contracts clearly