The U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 Domestic Violence Mentor Court Technical Assistance Initiative. Established in 1995, OVW is responsible for administering grant programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its subsequent iterations. OVW leads national efforts to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by supporting coordinated community responses aimed at victim services and offender accountability.
This initiative is designed to recognize established domestic violence courts and utilize them as mentors to help developing courts improve their approaches to domestic violence cases. Mentor courts serve as national models and share their expertise through activities such as hosting site visits, facilitating peer connections, and advising on best practices. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of courts in handling domestic violence cases, ensuring victim safety and offender accountability.
The funding opportunity includes a total of $1,200,000, with up to 8 awards of $150,000 each over a 24-month project period. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements, implying substantial involvement by OVW in project planning and execution. Allowable expenses include costs related to site visits, training events, participation in judicial summits, and hosting open house events. Direct services and operational court activities are not allowable. Awards are limited to state, Tribal, territorial, or local courts with established specialized domestic violence dockets or that have previously received Mentor Court Initiative funding. Both new and continuation applicants may apply, with specific courts listed as eligible for continuation funding.
Applications must be submitted in a two-step process: the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by July 8, 2025, and the full application via JustGrants by July 10, 2025. A letter of intent is encouraged by May 21, 2025, but not required. Applications must include a detailed proposal narrative, budget documentation, letters of support, certifications, and other supporting documents. Formatting requirements and technical specifications are clearly defined and must be followed strictly.
Evaluation of applications will include peer and programmatic reviews, with points awarded across criteria such as purpose, proposed activities, implementation capacity, and budget. Special consideration will be given to projects that address human trafficking or aim to enhance services in underserved areas such as rural regions and Tribal lands. Notifications of award decisions are expected by October 1, 2025.
Key contacts for the application process include the OVW at OVW.DVMentorCourts@usdoj.gov and phone number 202-307-6026. Additional support is available through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants help desks. Successful applicants must also comply with all legal, financial, and civil rights requirements as outlined in the NOFO.
