OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthenscommunity safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. With this solicitation, OVC seeks to support VOCA Victim Compensation programs across the Nation that provide crucial financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of crime victims each year. VOCA Victim Compensation formula funds shall be used by states and territories for awards of compensation benefits to eligible crime victims. OVC encourages states and territories to use VOCA funding within program parameters to affirmatively advance equity, civil rights, justice, and equal opportunity. In line with these goals, OVC particularly encourages states and territories to include American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in program planning and funding. State and territory victim compensation programs, funded by VOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant awards, supplement state/territory efforts to offset victims financial burdens resulting from crime. Compensation is vital to victims who face enormous financial setbacks from medical fees, lost income, dependent care, funeral expenses, relocation expenses, and other costs. OVC will award each eligible state and territory victim compensation program an annual grant equal to 75 percent of the amount the program awarded in state-funded victim compensation payments during the fiscal year 2 years prior to the present fiscal year, other than amounts awarded for property damage.
