OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program (Rural Grant Program)

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, administers grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to support efforts that prevent and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program is designed specifically to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, where geographic isolation, limited access to services, and resource constraints can significantly impact victim safety and justice outcomes. This funding opportunity supports a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to improving services and responses for victims across rural areas in the United States and its territories. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance safety and justice for child, youth, and adult victims in rural communities. Funds are intended to support a wide range of activities, including victim services such as advocacy, legal assistance, shelter, and counseling, as well as improvements to investigation, prosecution, adjudication, and supervision of offenders. The program emphasizes collaboration among victim service providers, law enforcement, courts, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to ensure comprehensive and effective responses. Additionally, it seeks to expand nonprofit victim services, improve access to sexual assault forensic examinations, and increase awareness and prevention efforts in underserved rural areas. Funding under this program must be used for allowable purposes defined by statute, including establishing and expanding victim services, enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration, improving forensic examination programs, and developing strategies to prevent violence. Applicants are expected to propose projects that directly address the needs of rural populations, including those in remote or geographically isolated areas. Certain statutory funding priorities apply, including requirements that a significant portion of funds address sexual assault and that a majority of funding be directed toward designated rural states and territories. Projects that focus heavily on sexual assault response or meet federal priority areas may receive additional consideration. Eligibility for the program is broad and includes state governments, local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, and public housing authorities. Applicants must demonstrate that proposed services will benefit rural communities, typically through submission of a Rural Eligibility Checklist unless exempt. Faith-based organizations that meet eligibility requirements may also apply. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity, and applicants are limited to submitting one application. The application process involves two required submission steps. First, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. Second, applicants must submit the full application package through JustGrants, which includes required components such as a proposal narrative, budget, abstract, risk assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation like memoranda of understanding and eligibility certifications. The proposal narrative must follow strict formatting guidelines and address key sections including project purpose, activities, and implementation team. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as project purpose, implementation strategy, personnel qualifications, and budget justification. The application timeline includes a Grants.gov submission deadline followed by a JustGrants submission deadline a few days later. For this cycle, applications must be submitted in Grants.gov by late July, with the full application due shortly thereafter in JustGrants. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of September, with a project performance period of approximately 36 months beginning in early October. OVW evaluates applications through a discretionary review process that considers responsiveness, alignment with program goals, and risk factors. Applicants can seek assistance via the OVW program email or phone line for guidance on requirements and submission procedures.

Prioritize strong collaboration across agencies; clearly demonstrate rural service impact; align proposal with victim safety outcomes and measurable goals