OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program (TSASP). This program supports efforts to establish, maintain, and expand sexual assault services for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors. The TSASP is grounded in the authority of 34 U.S.C. § 12511(e) and administered under the broader framework of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), originally enacted in 1994 and expanded in subsequent years to improve community and federal responses to violence against women. The TSASP is designed to support Indian Tribes, Tribal consortia, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit Tribal organizations that provide victim services on Tribal lands and in Alaska Native villages. These funds must be used to operate sexual assault programs or projects, including services such as crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, information and referral, culturally specific outreach, and the development of materials. While the funding can be used for direct services to victims, it cannot be used for prevention programs, general community engagement, or to support law enforcement or criminal justice system functions. The total funding available under this solicitation is approximately $8,224,117, with an anticipated 13 awards expected. Each award may be up to $600,000 for a 36-month project period, beginning on or around October 1, 2025. No cost sharing or matching funds are required. Award recipients must attend OVW-sponsored training and technical assistance and may use up to three percent of the grant for internal assessments such as community listening sessions, but not for research activities or systemic advocacy. Direct payments to assist victims with urgent needs such as housing or safety-related expenses are permitted and encouraged when vendor payments are not feasible. Eligibility is strictly limited. Applicants must be Indian Tribal governments, Tribal organizations (including consortia), or nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is serving American Indian or Alaska Native survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. Organizations must include staff with a demonstrated history of assisting such populations. Nonprofits must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications from ineligible entities or those missing required certification letters will not be considered. A letter of support from each Tribe served is required if applying as a Tribal nonprofit organization. The application process includes two steps. Applicants must submit Standard Form SF-424 through Grants.gov by September 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, followed by submission of the full application in JustGrants by September 25, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. Required materials include the proposal narrative, summary data sheet, budget documentation, and various signed certification letters such as the Letter of Nonsupplanting and Confidentiality Notice Form. Nonprofit applicants must provide IRS determination letters, and those intending to offer legal services must provide a Legal Assistance Certification. Evaluation involves a peer review and a programmatic review, assessing factors like alignment with program goals, victim safety, and past performance. Applications that align with stated OVW priorities—such as enhancing law enforcement response in remote areas or addressing sex trafficking in connection with other violence—may receive priority consideration. OVW anticipates issuing award decisions by November 30, 2025. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and compliance with administrative and legal requirements outlined by OVW.

Use OVW-provided templates, register in systems early, and consult Application Checklist before submission