OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Crime

The Office for Victims of Crime, within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, administers federal funding to support services for victims of crime across the United States. This funding opportunity is designed to advance the Department of Justice’s mission to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that victims receive meaningful support. The program reflects a national commitment to strengthening victim services infrastructure and expanding access to critical resources for individuals impacted by crime. This funding opportunity supports the development, expansion, and enhancement of direct victim service programs. Applicants are invited to propose projects that deliver services to a broad range of crime victims, including children and youth, victims of elder abuse, and individuals affected by fraud, exploitation, and other crimes. The program emphasizes direct service delivery, requiring that all funded activities clearly address the needs of victims. Notably, projects focused on human trafficking are excluded, as they are supported under separate funding streams. Allowable uses of funds include a wide spectrum of services designed to meet victims’ immediate and long-term needs. These may include emergency assistance, case management, shelter and housing, medical and dental care, mental health treatment, legal services, transportation, childcare, employment assistance, and advocacy. Funds may also support staffing, technology, facility-related costs, and coordinated service delivery models such as multidisciplinary teams. However, certain activities are explicitly prohibited, including law enforcement investigations, criminal defense services, cash payments to victims, and activities that violate federal law or civil rights protections. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing state, local, and tribal governments; educational institutions; public housing authorities; and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Applicants may submit multiple proposals under specific conditions, such as serving different populations or geographic areas. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, lowering the barrier to entry for eligible organizations seeking to expand victim services. 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 through JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, standard applicant information, and supporting documentation such as resumes and financial disclosures. The proposal narrative must address the need for services, project goals and objectives, implementation strategy, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on these criteria, with specific weighting assigned to each section. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a Grants.gov submission deadline in late June, followed by a JustGrants deadline several days later. Awards are anticipated to be announced by the end of September, with a project period of 36 months beginning in early October. Performance reporting is required throughout the award period to measure progress toward program goals. Applicants may contact the OJP Response Center or relevant help desks for assistance during the application process.

Align proposal with stated goals and priorities emphasize detailed implementation plan and demonstrate organizational capacity to deliver services