OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

The Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking 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 the overarching goal of improving the criminal justice response to violence and enhancing services for victims. This funding opportunity is designed to address the critical housing instability faced by individuals fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by providing both housing and supportive services. The primary purpose of this program is to fund transitional housing and related support services for victims who are homeless or require housing assistance due to violence. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach, requiring applicants to provide both housing assistance and voluntary support services. Transitional housing is defined as temporary housing assistance for up to 24 months, with the possibility of a six-month extension for individuals who demonstrate a good-faith effort to secure permanent housing. This structure reflects the program’s intent to stabilize survivors while supporting their transition to long-term independence. Funding may be used for a range of allowable activities, including operating expenses for transitional housing units, short-term housing assistance such as rent and utilities, and relocation-related costs like security deposits. In addition, funds support services that help survivors secure permanent housing, obtain employment, and integrate into the community. These services may include job training, counseling, childcare, transportation, and case management. All support services must be voluntary and cannot be a condition for receiving housing assistance, reinforcing a survivor-centered approach. Eligibility for this program is broad but specific to entities with demonstrated experience addressing VAWA-related crimes. Eligible applicants include state governments, local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and tribal organizations. Government applicants must partner with a victim service provider unless they already have an internal victim services division. All applicants must demonstrate a documented history of effective work in domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The application process requires submission through two systems. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by July 14, 2026, followed by a full application submission in JustGrants by July 16, 2026. Required components include a proposal narrative, budget, standard applicant information, and various certifications and supporting documents. The proposal narrative must address the project’s purpose, implementation plan, and staffing, and is evaluated based on clearly defined criteria including project design, outcomes, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process that considers alignment with program goals, feasibility, and potential impact. OVW may prioritize projects that address underserved communities, including rural and tribal areas, and those that integrate responses to human trafficking. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026, with a performance period of 48 months beginning October 1, 2026. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, reducing barriers to entry for eligible applicants. For assistance, applicants may contact the Office on Violence Against Women via email at OVW.TransitionalHousing@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-307-6026. Additional technical support is available through Grants.gov and JustGrants help desks. This funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in housing stability and support services for survivors of violence, aiming to promote safety, recovery, and long-term independence.

Ensure strong alignment with program goals, clearly define housing and support services, demonstrate experience serving victims, and prioritize underserved communities such as rural or tribal areas