OVC FY 25 Services for Victims of Crime

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), operating under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has announced the “OVC FY25 Services for Victims of Crime” funding opportunity. This grant initiative is part of OVC’s ongoing mission to provide high-quality victim services and strengthen support systems for crime victims across the United States and its territories. The OVC aims to uphold public safety, protect civil rights, and directly support law enforcement and crime victims, particularly American children and those affected by violent crime, trafficking, and exploitation. This funding opportunity is designed to support a broad array of direct services to victims of various crimes, excluding human trafficking, for which separate funding opportunities exist. This funding initiative is organized into three distinct categories: services for child and youth victims (Category 1), services for elder victims of abuse, fraud, and exploitation (Category 2), and services for other crime victims (Category 3). Each category has an anticipated award ceiling of up to $500,000. The total amount allocated for this grant program is $15.9 million, and approximately 45 awards are expected—up to 15 for each category. Applicants must choose only one category to apply to and may not submit multiple applications. Victim services eligible under this opportunity include but are not limited to emergency assistance, shelter and housing, legal services, medical and dental care, mental health and substance use treatment, transportation, child care, victim advocacy, and employment or educational support. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state, county, and local governments; tribal governments (both federally recognized and others); independent school districts; institutions of higher education (public and private); public and Indian housing authorities; and nonprofit organizations with or without IRS 501(c)(3) status. For-profit entities are not eligible. Applicants proposing anti-human trafficking projects are ineligible, as OVC funds such programs separately. Subrecipient partnerships are allowed, but the lead applicant must submit the application and assume primary administrative responsibility. Applications must follow a two-step submission process: the SF-424 form must be submitted in Grants.gov by August 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by August 20, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. The anticipated period of performance is 36 months beginning October 1, 2025. Applicants must register or renew their SAM.gov account prior to submission and ensure timely registration with both Grants.gov and JustGrants. OVC provides multiple technical support options, including contact points for SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants, as well as recorded pre-application webinars. Applications will be evaluated based on responsiveness to the NOFO scope, the clarity and feasibility of the proposed project design, and the applicant’s capacity and past performance. The merit review will weigh project design and implementation (40%), and applicant capabilities (40%) most heavily, with lesser weight given to the problem statement and goals. Performance measures and semi-annual reporting are required post-award. While there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, proposed budgets must be justified and appropriate for the applicant’s capacity. Additional guidance is available in the OJP Application Resource Guide and through recorded webinars. All applicants are encouraged to review the grant’s specific conditions, civil rights compliance standards, and reporting requirements outlined in the NOFO. Contact information for program-related inquiries is provided as OVCServicesNOFO@usdoj.gov and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET service hours, Monday through Friday. Applicants are also reminded that the grant opportunity is subject to federal funding availability and legal compliance standards.

Submit early, register with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants in advance; clearly tie activities to goals and performance measures.