OVC FY 2026 Technology to Support Services for Victims of Crime

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, administers federal funding to support programs that assist victims of crime and improve public safety outcomes. This funding opportunity, titled Technology to Support Services for Victims of Crime, is designed to strengthen the technological capacity of victim service organizations nationwide. OVC plays a central role in advancing justice system innovation and victim-centered services, and this program reflects a broader federal effort to modernize service delivery and improve accessibility through technology-driven solutions. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that create, expand, or enhance the use of technology in victim service organizations. The program emphasizes improving interactions with crime victims, increasing service quality, and ensuring that services are accessible and responsive to diverse populations. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative technological tools or infrastructure that enhance service delivery, including systems that improve communication, streamline service coordination, and support victim safety and confidentiality. Funding is intended for substantive technological development rather than simple equipment purchases or procurement of existing commercial tools. Projects that only acquire off-the-shelf solutions or duplicate existing services are not eligible. Allowable costs include staffing for technology development, cloud infrastructure, user testing, pilot implementation, and limited equipment essential to development. Unallowable uses include law enforcement investigations, prosecution activities, direct cash payments to victims, and unrelated research activities. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this program. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes government entities at the state, local, and tribal levels; institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; and public housing authorities. Only one application may be submitted per applicant, although partnerships and subrecipient arrangements are permitted. Projects must align with federal priorities such as combating violent crime, supporting victims of trafficking, and improving services for vulnerable populations. The application process requires a two-step submission. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov, followed by a full application submission through JustGrants. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, financial documentation, and supporting materials such as resumes and disclosures. The proposal narrative must address the need for the project, goals and objectives, implementation plan, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including project design, capabilities, and alignment with program goals. The application timeline includes a Grants.gov submission deadline of June 23, 2026, and a JustGrants deadline of June 29, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced by September 30, 2026, with a project period of 36 months beginning October 1, 2026. Successful applicants will be required to submit performance reports and demonstrate progress toward program objectives. OVC staff will maintain substantial involvement in funded projects through cooperative agreements, ensuring oversight and alignment with federal priorities.

Align proposal clearly with program goals demonstrate strong technical capacity and provide detailed implementation plan focusing on technology innovation