STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program

The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program is administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and funded through the federal Office on Violence Against Women. This program is part of a broader federal initiative under the Violence Against Women Act designed to enhance coordinated responses to crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The Division of Criminal Justice Services serves as the primary state agency responsible for distributing these funds and ensuring that supported programs improve public safety and strengthen the criminal justice system across New York State. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support communities in developing and strengthening effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies while also expanding and improving services for victims and survivors. The program emphasizes collaboration among criminal justice agencies, victim service providers, and community organizations. It also prioritizes culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered approaches, particularly for underserved populations including communities of color, tribal communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Funding under this opportunity is substantial, with approximately 7.85 million dollars expected to support around 120 projects statewide. Individual award amounts are capped depending on project type, with most local projects limited to 75,000 dollars annually and statewide initiatives capped at 130,000 dollars. The program operates on a one-year contract cycle, though there is an intention to fund successful applicants for up to five consecutive years through annual renewals, subject to available funding. Importantly, there is no matching requirement for applicants due to state-level support covering federal cost-sharing obligations. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as nonprofit organizations, government agencies, tribal organizations, hospitals, and certified service providers. Specific eligibility requirements apply depending on the category, such as certification or licensing for victim service providers and SAFE programs. Applicants must also be registered and prequalified in the New York Statewide Financial System prior to submission. Additional compliance requirements include policies on sexual harassment prevention and suitability determinations for staff interacting with minors. The application process is conducted entirely through the Statewide Financial System, where applicants must complete detailed programmatic questions, submit a comprehensive budget, and upload required documentation. Evaluation occurs in multiple tiers, including eligibility screening, scoring based on program design and organizational capacity, and final selection based on state priorities and federal allocation requirements. Applicants are required to demonstrate need, describe proposed services, outline collaboration efforts, and provide a clear implementation plan. Key dates for this funding cycle include a question submission deadline in mid-June 2026 and a final application deadline of July 29, 2026 at noon Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected in early October 2026, with contracts anticipated to begin on January 1, 2027. Ongoing reporting requirements include quarterly progress and fiscal reports, as well as annual program-specific data collection aligned with federal performance measures. This program is expected to recur annually as part of ongoing federal funding cycles, providing a consistent opportunity for organizations to secure support for violence prevention and victim services initiatives.

Emphasize collaboration with law enforcement and victim services; demonstrate clear service gaps with data; prioritize underserved populations; align with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices