Social Services Block Grant Program

The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program is administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) using funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program aims to support emergency shelter operations for survivors of domestic violence and their dependents. Funding through SSBG is focused exclusively on maintaining residential domestic violence programs across Indiana, offering a critical supplement to existing federal (Family Violence Prevention and Services Act) and state (Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment) grant initiatives. The funding structure allows for enhanced flexibility in shelter operations, freeing up other resources to support broader services such as counseling, advocacy, and outreach. Eligible applicants include local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations, such as faith-based institutions, tribal entities, and community-based nonprofits. These organizations must demonstrate a history of effective service in domestic violence prevention and survivor support. All funded programs must operate residential shelter services and adhere to federal standards related to confidentiality, accessibility, and trauma-informed care. Compliance with FVPSA and DVPT programmatic and financial regulations is mandatory. The allowable use of funds is focused on direct operational costs of emergency shelter programs. This includes expenses related to shelter nights, food, transportation, and clothing, with reimbursements based on a per-client, per-night unit rate capped at $100. Funds are distributed as reimbursements upon verification of expenditures. Programs must demonstrate that services are operational no later than 60 days after the start of the award period, and all expenditures must be incurred and paid by the end of the performance period. Any unpaid expenses 30 days after the period ends will not be reimbursed. Applications must be submitted via the IntelliGrants portal by February 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Only entities registered in the system can access the application. Required application materials include a detailed sustainability plan, a project timeline, and at least one community letter of endorsement. ICJI advises applicants to submit their applications at least 48 hours prior to the deadline to avoid technical issues, and does not accept late or incomplete submissions. Applications will be evaluated on completeness, eligibility, alignment with program goals, allowable costs, and compliance with applicable federal and state laws. Risk assessments, debt delinquency checks, and debarment status are also reviewed. Successful applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and possess a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI). ICJI will monitor funded projects via desk reviews, site visits, and report audits. Timely, accurate reporting is mandatory. The grant performance period runs from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The program is recurring annually, with future funding opportunities expected. Failure to meet operational or reporting requirements may result in grant termination or ineligibility for future ICJI-administered funding opportunities.

Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid technical rejection; maintain on-time reporting to retain future eligibility; follow all confidentiality and trauma-informed practice standards