The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is offering funding under the fiscal year 2025 Children and Youth Program. OVW was established in 1995 and is responsible for implementing grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These grants are designed to support efforts addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, particularly through coordinated community responses. The Children and Youth Program aims to develop or enhance community-based strategies for prevention, intervention, treatment, and response services for children and youth aged 0 to 24 who have experienced or been exposed to these crimes, including sex trafficking.
This funding opportunity, titled "OVW FY 2025 Children and Youth Program," offers a total of approximately $9.5 million, with an anticipated 19 awards of up to $500,000 each. Funded projects are expected to span 36 months. Applications will be available beginning on or around May 15, 2025. The deadline to submit applications through Grants.gov is June 30, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET, with a final submission deadline through JustGrants on July 2, 2025, by 8:59 PM ET. OVW anticipates notifying applicants of funding decisions by October 1, 2025. An optional pre-application information session will be available on the OVW website starting May 22, 2025.
Eligible applicants include units of local government, Indian Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, Tribal nonprofit organizations, schools (public, charter, Tribal, or nationally accredited private middle or high schools), victim service providers, nonprofit nongovernmental entities, and faith-based organizations that meet program requirements. Institutions of higher education are specifically excluded from eligibility. In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, applicants must form partnerships based on the Purpose Area their proposal addresses and provide specific certifications. All applicants must ensure that services remain local in scope and are supported by a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) team.
Applications must address one of three designated Purpose Areas: 1) services and training for children aged 0–10 exposed to violence, 2) services for youth aged 11–24 impacted by violence, or 3) school-based services for middle and high school students. Required program activities include participation in OVW technical assistance, performance data collection, a planning phase during the initial months, and regular CCR team meetings. Projects must include direct victim services, prevention education, professional training, and potentially support services for families or caregivers.
There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements. However, only one application per organization for the same service area will be considered. Applications must include a detailed proposal narrative, budget narrative and worksheet, a Memorandum of Understanding, and meet strict formatting and submission requirements. Unallowable activities include lobbying, construction, research, and services for perpetrators, among others. The application also requires a strong alignment with OVW’s stated program priorities and the exclusion of any activities that may jeopardize victim safety or conflict with federal law or Executive Orders.
For questions or assistance, applicants can contact OVW at OVW.ChildrenYouth@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-307-6026. Additional support is available through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants, with dedicated help lines and email contacts provided.
