Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), housed within the U.S. Department of Justice, administers the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Grant Program as part of its ongoing commitment to assist victims of crime. This program is funded through a set-aside from the Crime Victims Fund, which was established by law to support direct services for crime victims across the United States. The Fiscal Year 2025 program continues this initiative, with funding designated specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Through this formula-based funding approach, OVC seeks to expand the capacity of Tribal governments and organizations to provide critical support services for victims of crime within their communities. The purpose of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) Formula Program is to ensure that Tribal communities have the resources necessary to develop, enhance, and sustain victim service programs that address the diverse needs of crime victims. This program emphasizes flexibility, allowing Tribes to determine their unique service priorities based on local needs and conditions. The ultimate goal is to create or strengthen victim service systems that are culturally relevant and responsive to the specific challenges faced in Tribal communities. Funds may be used for a wide variety of victim services, including but not limited to crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community outreach. The scope of funding under this opportunity is broad but is limited to entities that qualify under program rules. Eligible applicants are federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Regional Corporations, and their designees that submitted Population Certifications by January 17, 2024. OVC uses these certifications to allocate funding amounts through a discretionary administrative formula. This ensures that funding reflects population sizes and needs while maintaining equitable distribution among Tribal communities. Only those entities that completed the required certification process are eligible to apply in this cycle. Applications are currently being accepted for this opportunity. The solicitation was first posted on January 17, 2025, and the application period has been extended to close on September 28, 2025. There are no pre-application deadlines such as Letters of Intent or concept papers required for eligibility. Applicants must submit their full applications by the stated deadline through JustGrants, the Department of Justice’s grant management system. Support for registration, submission, or technical difficulties is available through the JustGrants Service Desk, which operates seven days a week with extended hours on weekdays. The estimated total program funding for Fiscal Year 2025 is $85,292,563, with an anticipated 315 awards to be made. The maximum award for an individual applicant is set at $650,000, though actual award sizes will depend on the formula allocation. There is no minimum award requirement, and no cost-sharing or matching contribution is required. This funding is intended to cover direct program expenses and service delivery costs as determined by the applying Tribe or organization. Funding restrictions follow federal guidelines but otherwise allow Tribes to prioritize needs in ways that best serve their communities. Evaluation of applications will be conducted based on eligibility compliance and the submission of required materials. Because this is a formula-based program, awards are not competitively scored but rather distributed according to the established population-based allocation formula. The process ensures that all eligible entities receive their share of set-aside funding without competition. Successful applicants will then administer programs consistent with the purpose of the TVSSA Program. For further information, applicants may contact the Office for Victims of Crime at ovctribalsetaside@ojp.usdoj.gov. Technical support related to the application system is provided by the JustGrants Service Desk at 833-872-5175 or by email at JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov. Applicants should note that applications must be submitted by the September 28, 2025 deadline, and award notifications will follow after review and processing by the Department of Justice.