OVC FY26 Invited to Apply Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) for Crime Victim Compensation and/or Assistance Evergreen, CO Crisis Response Grant

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, administers the Antiterrorism Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) to support jurisdictions responding to incidents of mass violence or domestic terrorism. This funding opportunity represents an invited application for a specific crisis response grant related to an incident in Evergreen, Colorado. The AEAP is funded through the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is designed to supplement state and local victim compensation and assistance efforts when existing resources are insufficient to meet the scale and urgency of victim needs. OVC plays a central role in coordinating federal victim assistance resources and ensuring timely, comprehensive support following major incidents. The purpose of this grant is to provide supplemental funding for victim compensation and assistance services in response to a qualifying incident of mass violence. AEAP funding is intended to address gaps that arise when a jurisdiction’s existing victim services infrastructure cannot adequately respond to the volume or complexity of needs resulting from a large-scale or uniquely impactful crime. The program recognizes that certain events, particularly those involving indiscriminate or broad targeting of victims, create extraordinary demands on local systems. Funding may support crisis response activities, consequence management, criminal justice support, and direct victim compensation, and these components may be combined into a single application depending on the needs identified. Allowable uses of funds include a wide range of victim-centered services such as emergency crisis counseling, temporary housing, travel expenses, mental health services, and administrative support necessary to deliver assistance. The funding is specifically intended to augment, rather than replace, existing Victims of Crime Act resources. OVC generally limits AEAP funding to incidents that are unpredictable and exceed the planning capacity of state and local agencies. Routine or more predictable forms of violence, such as domestic violence or gang-related incidents, are expected to be addressed through existing funding streams and are typically not eligible for AEAP support. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted, as it is an invited, non-competitive funding announcement. OVC directly contacts eligible applicants, which are typically state agencies, local governments, or designated entities responsible for victim compensation or assistance programs in the affected jurisdiction. Because this is not an open competition, prospective applicants cannot self-nominate or apply without prior invitation. This structure ensures that funds are directed quickly and efficiently to entities already engaged in response and recovery efforts for the specified incident. The application process is streamlined due to the urgent nature of the funding. Invited applicants are expected to prepare and submit required documentation through the Grants.gov system by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, typical submissions may include a description of the incident, assessment of victim needs, proposed use of funds, and budget justification. OVC may also provide technical assistance and guidance during the application process to ensure compliance and completeness. The timeline for this funding opportunity is highly compressed, reflecting the need for rapid response. The opportunity was posted on April 17, 2026, with a closing date of April 21, 2026. There is no indication of recurring funding cycles for this specific grant, as AEAP awards are incident-driven and issued on an as-needed basis. Award decisions are expected to follow shortly after submission to facilitate immediate deployment of resources. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. Overall, this grant represents a targeted federal intervention designed to ensure that victims of extraordinary criminal incidents receive timely and comprehensive support. By leveraging the AEAP mechanism, OVC provides critical supplemental funding to jurisdictions facing unprecedented challenges, reinforcing the federal commitment to victim services in times of crisis.