2026 Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program

The 2026 Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). This initiative reflects the state’s continued investment in combating human trafficking through support for organizations providing direct services to victims. As the lead justice planning and assistance office in Ohio, OCJS administers millions in federal and state funds annually, supports training and best practice development, and evaluates criminal justice programs. The office also manages the Governor’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, aligning this funding opportunity with statewide anti-trafficking priorities. This grant aims to expand and strengthen the availability and accessibility of supportive services for survivors of sex and labor trafficking across Ohio. It specifically supports programming that fosters recovery, safety, healing, and long-term stability for victims. OCJS is particularly interested in evidence-based and survivor-informed practices. Organizations are encouraged to center survivor voices through compensated participation and integration of client feedback. The funding supports both the development of new programs and the expansion or enhancement of existing services, with a focus on trauma-responsive, culturally appropriate care. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and community-based organizations that primarily serve human trafficking survivors or plan to expand services to this population. Local government entities, such as juvenile courts implementing safe harbor initiatives, are also eligible. To apply, organizations must register with OCJS’s Online Grants Management System and submit a completed proposal by 5 p.m. EST on August 11, 2025. New applicants should allow ample time for registration. A bidder’s training webinar will be held on July 24, 2025, and applicants who do not attend must watch the recording to be eligible. The grant offers two funding tiers: up to $50,000 for smaller projects or existing programs (Category 1), and up to $150,000 for expanded services, added staff, or new programming (Category 2). Allowable expenses include direct financial assistance to survivors, transportation, rent, shelter services, clinical and legal support, culturally specific services, and workforce development. Client assistance can be included in both categories but is only eligible as a stand-alone focus under Category 1. Reimbursement for eligible expenses can begin as early as July 1, 2025, although the grant period officially runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026. There is no matching requirement. Applications will undergo a three-tiered review process involving compliance checks, expert peer review, and final approval by the ODPS Director. Grantees are required to submit quarterly subgrant and performance reports, including Stability Assessment data to evaluate survivor outcomes over time. A detailed proposal narrative is required, covering problem statements, program models, survivor inclusion, staff qualifications, objectives, timelines, and sustainability plans. Additional required documentation includes MOUs, audits, budget narratives, and confirmation of using a general ledger. For assistance, applicants may contact their OCJS Regional Grants Coordinator via 614-466-7782 or visit the OCJS website. Technical assistance is available throughout the application process. All applications must be in "APPLICATION SUBMITTED" status by the deadline to be considered for review. OCJS anticipates additional funding in FY27 and will release updated guidance in spring 2026 for organizations interested in reapplying.

Applicants are strongly advised to register for the online grants system at least two weeks before the deadline, submit early, and watch the bidder’s training webinar recording if they cannot attend live