OVC FY25 Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance: Supporting Survivor Engagement in Anti-Trafficking Programming

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), under the U.S. Department of Justice, is inviting applications for a new funding opportunity aimed at enhancing survivor engagement in anti-human trafficking programs. This initiative supports efforts to ensure meaningful participation by survivors of human trafficking in the design, delivery, and evaluation of victim services. This grant opportunity aligns with OVC’s mission to provide federal leadership and resources to support crime victims and promote justice across communities. It builds on existing anti-trafficking programs funded by OVC, offering targeted technical assistance and peer support to expand survivor involvement in ongoing and new programming efforts. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to help OVC-funded anti-trafficking grantees increase their capacity to partner with survivors in a meaningful and strategic way. Applicants are expected to propose approaches that build sustainable collaborations with survivors at the local, state, or regional level. The grantee will provide training and technical assistance on survivor engagement methods and support both new and continuing OVC trafficking victim service award recipients. These activities are intended to improve the quality and effectiveness of services delivered to survivors of human trafficking and strengthen overall program outcomes. Eligible uses of funds include designing and delivering technical assistance, developing peer support networks among grantees, and creating resources to enhance survivor engagement practices. A significant focus is placed on ensuring that survivors play a leadership role in informing program design and service provision. The program prohibits the use of funds for activities that promote or facilitate violations of federal immigration laws, or that advocate for the legalization or practice of prostitution, among other restrictions. Cost sharing or match is not required under this opportunity. Applicants must comply with relevant confidentiality and privacy laws, including those specified under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Applications must be submitted through a two-step electronic process: initial submission of the SF-424 through Grants.gov by February 24, 2026, followed by completion of the full application in JustGrants by March 3, 2026. Applicants must have an active registration in SAM.gov to apply and are encouraged to begin the registration process well in advance of the deadlines. The application must include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, abstract, project timeline, resumes of key personnel, and other required disclosures and assurances. The review process involves a basic minimum requirements check, followed by peer review based on criteria such as project design, organizational capacity, and alignment with OVC priorities. The maximum award is $1,200,000 for a performance period of 36 months beginning July 1, 2026. OVC anticipates making one award under this opportunity. Applications will be evaluated on responsiveness, technical merit, and how well they advance OVC’s goals, such as supporting American victims and improving service delivery to trafficking survivors. For further assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center or specific support desks for Grants.gov, JustGrants, or SAM.gov. A pre-application webinar will also be made available on the OVC website. This funding opportunity reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to addressing human trafficking and elevating the voices of survivors within anti-trafficking systems.

Emphasize survivor engagement strategies, include strong organizational capacity examples, clearly link activities to outcomes, align with OVC anti-trafficking priorities.