OVC FY 2026 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant

The Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. This program is a longstanding federal initiative designed to support states and territories in delivering services to individuals affected by crime. The Office of Justice Programs plays a central role in advancing national public safety priorities, including supporting law enforcement, addressing violent crime, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring access to services for crime victims. Through this formula grant, federal resources are distributed to states and territories, which then allocate funding to local organizations and public agencies. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial support to state-administered victim assistance programs, which in turn distribute subgrants to organizations that offer direct services to crime victims. These services include crisis counseling, information and referral services, advocacy within the criminal justice system, emergency shelter, mental health therapy, and other forms of support that aid victims in recovery and stabilization. The program emphasizes improving the treatment of victims and ensuring they receive comprehensive assistance following criminal incidents. Funding for this program is derived from the Crime Victims Fund, with a substantial allocation designated for victim assistance grants. Each eligible state and territory receives a base funding amount, with additional funds distributed based on population metrics. States have discretion in determining how subawards are distributed, provided they comply with statutory requirements and federal regulations. A key requirement is that funds must support services for specific victim populations, including victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and underserved communities affected by violent crime. There are clear restrictions on the use of funds. Award funds must be used primarily for direct victim services, with no more than five percent allocated to administrative and training costs. Funds cannot be used to replace existing state or local funding for victim services. Additionally, certain activities are explicitly prohibited, including those that violate federal immigration laws or civil rights protections, as well as certain types of legal services for individuals unlawfully present in the United States, unless specific exceptions apply. Eligibility for this grant is limited to state governments, which act as the primary applicants and administrators of funds. These entities are responsible for ensuring compliance with federal requirements and for overseeing the distribution of subgrants to eligible local organizations. The application process involves a two-step submission: first through Grants.gov using the SF-424 form, followed by a full application submission in the JustGrants system. Required application components include organizational information, financial management documentation, and several programmatic statements outlining subgrant strategies and compliance plans. The application timeline includes a defined submission deadline for the initial Grants.gov component, followed by a secondary deadline for the full application. Applicants must also complete system registrations in advance to ensure eligibility to submit. The review process focuses on ensuring that submitted materials are complete, reasonable, and aligned with program goals. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of the federal fiscal year, with a performance period of up to 48 months beginning in October. This funding opportunity is issued annually, reflecting its formula-based structure and recurring nature. States can anticipate future funding cycles based on similar timelines and requirements. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it accessible for eligible government entities. For additional support, applicants can contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours.

Ensure alignment with VOCA requirements and clearly describe subgrant strategy and victim service impact