OVC FY25 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, is accepting applications for the "Services for Victims of Human Trafficking" grant opportunity. This federal funding initiative seeks to develop, expand, and strengthen victim service programs for individuals affected by all forms of human trafficking across the United States and its territories. The funding supports both comprehensive and specialized services and is targeted at organizations serving adults or a combination of adults and minors. The OVC, committed to upholding the rule of law, enhancing public safety, and ensuring victims' rights, plays a critical role in supporting initiatives that provide justice and assistance to victims of crime, including those impacted by human trafficking. This funding opportunity is structured into two categories. Category 1 focuses on developing capacity in victim service organizations that have limited or no prior experience in serving human trafficking victims or receiving federal funding for such efforts. These awards, anticipated at up to $440,000, allow grantees to use the first year to build organizational capacity and the final two years to implement direct services. Category 2 is for organizations with a proven track record of serving trafficking victims and provides up to $950,000 to enhance the availability of services, whether comprehensive or specialized. Organizations in this category are expected to serve victims directly or through subawards and are encouraged to form partnerships to provide a robust network of support. The allowable activities under this program include a wide array of victim services such as advocacy, legal assistance, emotional and mental health support, shelter, transportation, job training, and more. However, there are clear restrictions, including prohibitions on using funds to support legal services for undocumented immigrants (except under certain legal allowances), to promote or support prostitution, or to provide direct cash assistance to victims. Organizations are required to have or develop confidentiality policies aligned with the Violence Against Women Act, and all personnel providing services must be trained and appropriately licensed. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and institutions of higher education. Applicants must meet cost-sharing requirements with a 25 percent match, which can be in cash or in-kind contributions. The matching amount is based on total project costs, not just the federal share. For example, a $150,000 federal award would require a $50,000 match for a total project cost of $200,000. Entities with overlapping active OVC anti-trafficking awards must clearly distinguish the proposed project from ongoing efforts, such as by expanding to new geographies or services. Applications must be submitted in two steps. First, the SF-424 form must be submitted through Grants.gov by March 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Second, the full application, including narratives, budget details, and all required attachments, must be submitted through JustGrants by March 18, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required components include a proposal narrative, abstract, timeline, budget detail, MOUs or letters of intent (if applicable), and other financial and compliance documentation. The grant period is expected to begin on July 1, 2026, and run for 36 months. Applications will be reviewed based on technical merit and alignment with program goals, with criteria including the statement of need, project design, organizational capacity, and budget. Priority consideration will be given to projects that support law enforcement, combat violent crime, or serve children, American victims, or survivors of trafficking and sexual assault. Notifications of award status, including reviewer feedback, will be sent after the decision-making process. Applicants should note that these awards are contingent upon the availability of federal funds and that OJP may conduct future evaluations of funded programs.

Clearly differentiate new projects from existing OVC grants; prioritize compliance with confidentiality standards; build strong community partnerships.