Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Grant Program

The Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as part of the federal STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program authorized under the Violence Against Women Act. The program is designed to support a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to improving the criminal justice system’s response to violent crimes against women, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women and distributed at the state level to enhance law enforcement, prosecution, court systems, and victim services. The primary purpose of the VSTOP program is to strengthen community capacity to address violent crimes against women through targeted investments in training, policy development, victim advocacy, and interagency coordination. Eligible projects must align with one or more federally defined purpose areas, such as improving investigative and prosecutorial practices, expanding victim services, enhancing data systems, supporting multidisciplinary collaborations, and addressing underserved populations. The program emphasizes both maintaining core services and implementing new or innovative approaches that improve victim safety and offender accountability. Funding for this opportunity is limited to continuation applicants that previously received VSTOP funding in the prior cycle. The total anticipated funding for the program is approximately 3772954 dollars for a 12 month grant period covering January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Award amounts are predetermined for each applicant and must not exceed specified maximum allocations. Funding is contingent upon federal appropriations, program performance, and compliance with grant requirements. Funds may be used for personnel, training, equipment, supplies, and other direct project costs, but cannot be used for construction, direct payments to victims, lobbying, or other prohibited expenses. Cost sharing requirements depend on the funding category. Nonprofit organizations under the victim services category are exempt from matching requirements, while courts, law enforcement, prosecution, and discretionary applicants must provide a 25 percent match, meaning federal funds may cover no more than 75 percent of total project costs. Matching contributions may be cash or in kind but must comply with federal guidelines and cannot originate from other federal sources. Detailed documentation of match contributions is required. Eligibility is restricted to organizations currently receiving VSTOP funding in good standing, including compliance with reporting requirements and federal registration systems such as SAM and a valid Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants must also meet civil rights compliance standards, maintain confidentiality of victim information, and adhere to all federal and state grant conditions. New applicants are not eligible for this funding cycle, making this a noncompetitive continuation opportunity. Applications must be submitted through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Online Grants Management System. The submission deadline is October 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, and late applications are not accepted. Applicants must complete required components including a project narrative, goals and objectives, budget forms, certifications, and supporting documentation. Applications are reviewed for completeness, compliance, alignment with funding priorities, and adherence to budget and programmatic guidelines. Award decisions are expected to be finalized by the Criminal Justice Services Board in early December 2025. Funded projects must begin implementation promptly and comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly financial reports and biannual programmatic reports. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle tied to federal funding allocations, although future funding availability remains subject to federal appropriations and policy changes.

Ensure strict alignment with VSTOP purpose areas; maintain compliance with reporting and budget rules; submit complete OGMS application before deadline; verify match requirements where applicable