OVC FY 2026 Increasing Services for American Indian and Alaska Native Victims of Human Trafficking in Urban Centers Program

The Increasing Services for American Indian and Alaska Native Victims of Human Trafficking in Urban Centers Program is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime within the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice. This federal funding opportunity is part of a broader national effort to strengthen public safety, support victims of crime, and address complex challenges such as human trafficking. The program aligns with the Department of Justice mission to uphold the rule of law while ensuring that underserved and vulnerable populations, including American Indian and Alaska Native communities, have access to critical victim services. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to increase access to coordinated, high-quality services for victims of human trafficking who are American Indian or Alaska Native and reside in urban centers. The program is structured into two categories: Category 1 focuses on direct service delivery to victims, while Category 2 emphasizes strengthening the capacity of organizations that support victim service providers. The initiative specifically targets gaps in service availability and organizational infrastructure that affect urban Indian populations, particularly in areas where unmet needs have been identified. Funding under this program supports a wide range of victim-centered services and activities. Allowable uses include case management, advocacy, emergency assistance such as shelter and food, transportation support, housing assistance for limited durations, and certain types of civil legal assistance. However, the program imposes strict limitations on unallowable costs, including construction, vehicle purchases, and direct cash assistance to victims. Funds may be used for vouchers or similar non-cash supports when necessary. Additionally, all funded activities must comply with federal civil rights laws and must not interfere with federal immigration enforcement. Eligibility varies by funding category. Category 1 applicants are limited to Urban Indian Organizations and specific Alaska-based entities that provide health services to American Indian and Alaska Native populations in designated urban areas. Category 2 expands eligibility to include federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations. Applicants may only apply to one category. For Category 1, applicants must demonstrate formal collaboration with one or more federally recognized tribes through documented letters of support. The application process involves a two-step submission. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by submission of the full application package in JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget documentation, standard applicant information forms, and additional materials such as resumes and letters of support where applicable. The proposal narrative must address the identified need, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on these criteria, with weighted scoring assigned to each section. Key deadlines include the Grants.gov submission deadline of July 23, 2026, and the JustGrants submission deadline of July 30, 2026. The funding opportunity was released on May 28, 2026, and award notifications are anticipated by September 30, 2026. Funded projects are expected to begin on October 1, 2026, with a performance period of 36 months. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. The Office for Victims of Crime maintains oversight through cooperative agreements, allowing for substantial federal involvement in project implementation. Recipients are required to submit regular performance reports demonstrating progress toward program goals. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours. This program represents a targeted federal investment in improving outcomes for trafficking victims within underserved urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Align proposal clearly with program goals and objectives; demonstrate strong tribal collaboration for Category 1; provide detailed implementation plan and measurable outcomes; ensure compliance with all federal requirements and allowable cost rules