Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund Grant Program for Forensic and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Projects

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services administers the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund Grant Program for Forensic and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Projects. This program is funded through state general funds appropriated in the Commonwealth of Virginia budget and is authorized under Code of Virginia section 9.1-116.1. The funding supports initiatives that strengthen the response to sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, and family abuse, with this specific opportunity focused exclusively on forensic and sexual assault nurse examiner services. This funding opportunity supports purpose area three of the broader VSDVVF program, which provides funding to sexual assault service providers and hospitals to support the salaries and equipment necessary for sexual assault forensic examiners, sexual assault nurse examiners, pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, and other forensic nurse examiners serving eligible victims. Priority consideration is given to projects that serve rural or underserved areas of the Commonwealth, particularly for new competitive applicants seeking to expand or establish forensic examination services. Both continuation applicants and new competitive applicants are eligible under this solicitation. Continuation applicants must be current SFY 2026 VSDVVF forensic or sexual assault nurse examiner grantees in good standing, meaning that all required financial and progress reports are submitted and no compliance issues exist. New applicants may include sexual assault service providers and hospitals that do not currently receive VSDVVF funding but seek to establish or enhance forensic examination services. All applicants must demonstrate the capacity to provide direct services to eligible victims and ensure that proposed projects align with program goals. The grant award period is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with all funds to be expended within a 12 month period. Continuation applicants may request funding up to their predetermined maximum award amounts listed in Attachment A, while new competitive applicants may request up to 95,000 dollars for the one year award period. Funds are disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis for actual expenditures. Matching funds are not required for this program. Allowable costs are limited to those directly related to providing forensic examination services to victims. These include personnel costs such as salaries and fringe benefits for forensic nurse examiners and related staff, as well as equipment necessary to conduct examinations, such as cameras, evidence collection tools, and specialized forensic technology. Costs related to administration, coordination, consultants, travel, supplies, and indirect costs are not allowable under this funding opportunity. Funds may not be used to support services for perpetrators or to supplant existing funding sources. Applications must be submitted through the On-line Grants Management System under funding opportunity number 566892 by April 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm Eastern Time. Applicants must complete required components including the face sheet, project narrative, goals and objectives, budget grid, itemized budget forms, certifications, and required attachments such as evaluation tools and authorization documentation if applicable. Applicants must define project need, describe implementation strategies, establish three goals with measurable objectives, and provide detailed budget justifications. Applications are reviewed by DCJS staff to ensure eligibility, allowability of costs, alignment with program purpose, and completeness. Competitive applications are scored based on criteria including project narrative, goals and objectives, budget justification, and certifications, with additional consideration given to geographic need and service to underserved populations. The Criminal Justice Services Board is expected to make final award determinations in June 2026. Recipients are required to submit quarterly financial and progress reports throughout the grant period. Contact for the program includes Tierra Williams at the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for application and technical assistance.

Prioritize clear demonstration of need and service gaps especially in rural or underserved areas. Ensure budget only includes allowable personnel and equipment costs. Provide strong justification and basis of computation for all budget items. Align goals and objectives directly with forensic service delivery outcomes.