Victims of Crime Act Grant Program

The Victims of Crime Act Grant Program is administered at the state level by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, which serves as the State Administering Agency responsible for distributing federal victim assistance funds. The program originates from the federal Victims of Crime Act enacted in 1984, which established the Crime Victims Fund within the U.S. Treasury. This fund is financed through fines and penalties imposed on individuals convicted of federal crimes and is distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute manages these funds to support services for victims across the state. The purpose of this grant program is to provide high quality services that directly improve the health and well being of individuals impacted by crime. A crime victim is defined broadly as any individual who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm as a result of criminal activity. The program prioritizes direct services that respond to immediate and long term victim needs, including emotional support, stabilization services, assistance navigating the criminal justice system, and measures that restore safety and security. The funding is specifically restricted to activities that directly benefit victims and cannot be used for unrelated administrative or indirect purposes beyond defined limits. Eligible applicants include state agencies, units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and faith based organizations. However, eligibility is contingent upon meeting several prequalification requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity ID, maintaining active registration in the System for Award Management, demonstrating good standing with relevant state agencies, and enrollment in E Verify. Organizations must also demonstrate a track record of effective victim services or provide evidence that at least 25 percent of their funding originates from non VOCA sources. Additional requirements include the use of volunteers unless waived, coordination with community partners, provision of victim compensation assistance, and ensuring that services are delivered at no cost to victims. The program outlines a comprehensive list of allowable activities focused on direct victim services. These include legal assistance related to victimization, mental health counseling, crisis intervention, emergency housing and relocation support, transportation, peer support, and advocacy services. Funds may also support participation in criminal justice proceedings, childcare during proceedings, and emergency medical or safety related expenses. Administrative costs are permitted but capped at 10 percent of the total award. Certain costs and activities are explicitly prohibited, including construction, fundraising, lobbying, and activities that do not directly relate to victim services. Applications must be submitted through the designated grant management system and include all required attachments and documentation demonstrating eligibility, compliance, and program design. While a webinar and technical assistance resources are provided, these are not mandatory components of the application process. Selected subrecipients must adhere to strict reporting requirements, including submission of a Subgrant Award Report within 90 days of the award start date and ongoing quarterly performance reports through the federal reporting platform. The award period for this funding cycle spans from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028. Funded projects are required to begin on October 1, 2026 and must be operational within 60 days or risk termination of funding. All expenditures must be completed by the end of the performance period, with final financial reporting due within 30 days thereafter. The program operates on a recurring basis, with periodic funding opportunities released by the state agency, although specific future application dates are not explicitly stated. Technical assistance is available through the agency helpdesk for applicants during the submission process.