Human Trafficking Services and Outreach Grant

The Human Trafficking Services and Outreach grant is administered by the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA), which operates within the Washington State Department of Commerce. OCVA was established to advocate for crime victims and to support community-based programs that provide services and resources to individuals affected by crime. Through this funding opportunity, OCVA distributes a combination of federal Victims of Crime Act funds and state supplemental funding to strengthen victim services infrastructure across Washington State. The program reflects a broader commitment to improving access to services for underserved populations and ensuring equitable support for victims of labor and sex trafficking. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund direct support services and outreach activities for individuals who have experienced human trafficking, including both labor and sex trafficking, as well as individuals who are at risk of trafficking. The program emphasizes person-centered, trauma-informed approaches and prioritizes culturally responsive service delivery. Applicants are expected to design programs that increase access to services, raise awareness in vulnerable communities, and build organizational capacity to deliver effective outreach. Special emphasis is placed on serving underserved populations that are disproportionately affected by trafficking due to systemic inequities. Funding supports a wide range of allowable activities designed to meet the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of survivors. These include crisis intervention, case management, mental health counseling, transportation, emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as food and shelter, and assistance navigating legal and social services systems. Programs may also fund outreach efforts, public awareness campaigns, and culturally relevant healing activities. However, funds cannot be used for certain activities such as capital expenses, lobbying, most medical costs, or religious programming. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, and recipients must comply with federal cost principles and reporting requirements. Eligible applicants include public agencies, nonprofit organizations, federally recognized tribes, and tribal organizations. Applicants must demonstrate at least four years of experience providing trauma-informed services to trafficking survivors and individuals at risk, as well as experience serving underserved populations. Additionally, applicants must show financial support from other sources, as this funding is intended to supplement rather than fully fund operations. Grantees are also required to meet various compliance standards, including confidentiality protections, background checks, and data reporting obligations. The application process requires submission of a proposal via email, including required attachments such as a budget and program narrative. Proposals are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria including organizational capacity, service delivery strategy, and alignment of the budget with proposed activities. Reviewers also consider geographic distribution, service gaps, and past performance when making funding decisions. Applicants must achieve a minimum score threshold to be considered for funding. The application period opened on April 8, 2026, and proposals are due by May 13, 2026 at noon Pacific Time. A question-and-answer period runs through early May, and a bidder’s conference was held on April 22, 2026 to provide additional guidance to applicants. Following submission, proposals are evaluated in mid-May, with award announcements expected in early June 2026. Funded projects are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, and may continue for up to three years, subject to annual funding availability and performance compliance. This grant opportunity is part of a recurring funding initiative managed by OCVA, with periodic solicitations issued to support ongoing victim services programs. The funding structure allows for annual renewals within a multi-year performance period, contingent upon satisfactory progress and continued availability of funds. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the program’s priorities, particularly the focus on underserved populations and trauma-informed care, to improve their competitiveness in the selection process.

Align proposal with trauma informed services and underserved population focus ensure budget justification matches proposed services demonstrate organizational experience clearly