Financial Assistance Grants for Victims of Violence in United States
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The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), has announced a new funding opportunity that is open exclusively to invited applicants.
Established in 1995, OVW has played a central role in implementing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation, leading national efforts to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The grants under this program aim to strengthen community responses, ensuring that survivors receive vital support while holding offenders accountable.
The focus of this opportunity is to provide survivors with flexible financial assistance to meet self-identified needs. This approach recognizes the importance of survivor choice and agency in determining the type of support most valuable to their safety and recovery. Applicants are encouraged to integrate this survivor-centered philosophy into their project designs, offering resources that directly respond to the individual circumstances of those affected.
OVW has also outlined priority areas that invited applicants are urged to consider. These include efforts to combat human trafficking and transnational crime, especially where such crimes intersect with domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. In addition, projects that expand victim services—particularly housing solutions—and strengthen law enforcement responses in rural, remote, and Tribal communities are strongly encouraged. These areas often face significant gaps in resources, making targeted support crucial.
A total of $3.9 million is expected to be distributed under this program, with individual awards of up to $300,000. Each grant will cover a 24-month period, allowing organizations sufficient time to implement meaningful projects and establish sustainable outcomes for survivors.
Eligible entities include a select group of organizations that have been invited to apply, ranging from local domestic violence intervention services to Tribal nations and family support centers. In addition, faith-based organizations that meet eligibility requirements are welcome to apply. This invitation-only structure ensures that funding reaches organizations with proven capacity and a strong track record of serving survivors.
Through this initiative, OVW continues to build on its mission of fostering safety, justice, and healing for survivors of violence, while empowering communities to create effective, coordinated responses.
