Sexual Assault Services Program Grant

The Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) is a federally funded initiative administered in Virginia by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. This program originates from the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 and is overseen at the federal level by the Office on Violence Against Women within the U.S. Department of Justice. SASP represents the first federal funding stream dedicated exclusively to providing direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services serves as the state administering agency and coordinates the distribution of funds in alignment with statewide needs and priorities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of rape crisis centers and other nonprofit or tribal organizations that provide direct services to victims of sexual assault. The program is designed to ensure that survivors, regardless of age, have access to crisis intervention, advocacy, and comprehensive support services. Eligible activities include operating 24 hour crisis hotlines, providing accompaniment during medical or legal proceedings, delivering counseling and support groups, offering referrals, and conducting outreach to underserved communities. Funds may also support culturally specific services and the development of educational materials related to sexual assault response. SASP funding is intended to supplement, not replace, existing resources dedicated to sexual assault services. The grant operates on a cost reimbursement basis, meaning recipients are reimbursed for actual expenditures incurred during the grant period. Allowable expenses include personnel salaries and fringe benefits for staff delivering victim services, operational supplies, outreach efforts, and direct assistance to victims such as housing support, transportation, childcare, and emergency needs. However, funds may not be used for construction, vehicle purchases, lobbying, or other prohibited activities. All services provided under the grant must be free of charge to victims and maintain strict confidentiality standards. Eligibility for this program is limited to current SASP award recipients that meet federal and state requirements. These organizations must be nonprofit, nongovernmental, or tribal entities that provide core services to sexual assault victims. Applicants must maintain active registration in the federal System for Award Management, possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier, and remain in good standing with state and federal agencies. Additionally, organizations must comply with nondiscrimination requirements and demonstrate the ability to collect and report required data on services provided. The application process is conducted through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Online Grant Management System. Applicants must submit a continuation application that aligns closely with their currently funded project and does not significantly deviate in scope or funding level. Required components include a project description, budget forms, certifications, and supporting documentation such as job descriptions and proof of compliance with federal requirements. Applications undergo review by agency staff to confirm eligibility, compliance, and alignment with program objectives, followed by final approval by the Criminal Justice Services Board. The application deadline for the 2026 funding cycle is October 16, 2025 at noon. Awards are expected to be determined in early December 2025, with the grant period running from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. This funding cycle represents the final continuation year for grants originally awarded in 2024, and future funding will transition to a competitive process beginning in 2027. Recipients are required to submit quarterly financial and programmatic reports, as well as an annual report detailing outcomes, services provided, and challenges encountered. Technical assistance is available throughout the application process, and applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff for guidance. The grant coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for questions related to eligibility, allowable costs, and submission requirements. Overall, the SASP program plays a critical role in strengthening the network of services available to sexual assault survivors across Virginia by ensuring sustained funding for direct, victim-centered support.

Ensure project aligns closely with prior SASP-funded activities; avoid proposing significant changes; strictly follow allowable cost rules and ensure all reporting and compliance requirements are met