OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Local Law Enforcement Grants for Enforcement of Cybercrimes Program

The Local Law Enforcement Grants for Enforcement of Cybercrimes Program is administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice. OVW is responsible for implementing grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), with a mission to prevent and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This funding opportunity focuses specifically on cybercrimes against individuals, reflecting the increasing role of digital technologies in facilitating harassment, intimidation, exploitation, and abuse. The purpose of this program is to support states, federally recognized tribal governments, and units of local government in strengthening their capacity to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. These crimes are defined broadly to include offenses involving the use of a computer to harass, threaten, stalk, extort, coerce, intimidate, or distribute non-consensual intimate images. Importantly, the use of a computer does not need to be a required element of the offense, as long as it plays a role in the criminal conduct. The program emphasizes improving justice system responses and enhancing protections for victims. Funding may be used across a wide range of activities aligned with statutory purposes. These include training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and emergency dispatch personnel on identifying and addressing cybercrimes; supporting investigative and enforcement operations; establishing specialized task forces; hiring victim assistance personnel; conducting public education campaigns; and acquiring technology and equipment necessary for forensic analysis. Funds may also support collaboration with federal agencies and facilitate interstate extradition processes. Applicants must ensure that all proposed activities are allowable and directly tied to program goals. Eligible applicants are limited to government entities, specifically state governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and units of local government such as counties, cities, or townships. Law enforcement agencies or prosecutors cannot apply directly but may participate through an eligible lead applicant. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. Applicants may submit multiple applications if each represents a distinct project and aligns with a single purpose area. The application process involves two required submission steps. First, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Second, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by September 3, 2026 at 4:59 PM Eastern Time. Required application components include a proposal narrative, budget and budget narrative, certification letter signed by the chief executive officer, and additional forms such as a pre-award risk assessment and confidentiality notice. Certain projects require a memorandum of understanding with victim service providers. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the purpose of the project, implementation plan, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The proposal narrative must clearly articulate project goals, activities, expected outcomes, and coordination among partners. OVW may prioritize projects that address public safety concerns such as human trafficking, support rural or underserved communities, or align with federal immigration law compliance considerations. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026. The anticipated total program funding is $6,750,000, with approximately 10 awards expected. Individual awards range from $350,000 to $750,000, with a performance period of 36 months beginning on October 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes early, including SAM.gov registration, to avoid delays. Questions about the program may be directed to OVW via email at ovw.cybercrimes@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-307-6026. This program is not explicitly stated as recurring, though it aligns with ongoing federal grant cycles under VAWA funding streams.

Align proposal clearly with stated evaluation criteria including measurable outcomes strong partnerships and victim safety focus