OVC FY26 Invited to Apply Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation and/or Assistance - Tennessee

The Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation and or Assistance is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime within the U.S. Department of Justice. The Office for Victims of Crime is responsible for enhancing the nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and providing leadership in policies and practices that promote justice and healing. This specific funding opportunity is part of a broader federal effort to respond to incidents of mass violence and terrorism through targeted financial and programmatic support. Funding for this opportunity is derived from the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is designated to support jurisdictions facing extraordinary victim service demands that exceed their existing resources. The primary purpose of this grant opportunity is to provide supplemental assistance to victims of mass violence or domestic terrorism incidents. The program is designed to increase access to victim services, improve compensation mechanisms, and strengthen outcomes for individuals impacted by large-scale criminal events. The funding supports four major categories of intervention: crisis response, consequence management, criminal justice support, and direct victim compensation. These categories may be combined into a single application or funded separately depending on the needs of the affected jurisdiction and the determination of the Office for Victims of Crime. Funding under this program is intended for jurisdictions that are unable to meet victim service needs using their existing resources while also maintaining services for victims of other crimes. The Office for Victims of Crime typically activates this funding in response to incidents characterized by unpredictability, indiscriminate targeting, or unique criminal circumstances that significantly strain local systems. The program is not intended to support routine or more predictable forms of violence, such as ongoing gang-related or domestic violence incidents, which are expected to be addressed through existing Victims of Crime Act funding streams. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted and is limited to invited applicants only. The funding opportunity is not competitive and does not accept open applications. The Office for Victims of Crime directly identifies and contacts eligible entities, typically state-level or jurisdictional agencies responsible for victim compensation or assistance, following a qualifying incident. Because of this structure, there are no general eligibility categories that apply broadly, and participation is contingent upon formal invitation. The application process is streamlined and coordinated directly between the Office for Victims of Crime and the invited applicant. While specific application components are not detailed in the public notice, applicants can expect to provide documentation demonstrating the scope of the incident, the unmet needs of victims, and proposed use of funds across eligible service categories. Evaluation is based on the extent to which the proposed activities address victim needs and align with the program’s objectives of enhancing access, services, and outcomes. The funding opportunity was posted in late July and has a closing date at the end of the same month, indicating a rapid response timeline consistent with emergency assistance programs. The total available funding for this specific award is just over one million dollars, with a single expected award. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding. Assistance and inquiries related to the opportunity are handled through the Office of Justice Programs Response Center, which provides both phone and email support during standard business hours.