OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Invitation to Apply Administrative Funding Adjustment 1

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), under the U.S. Department of Justice, serves as a pivotal federal agency dedicated to developing and supporting programs that address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Since its inception in 1995, OVW has administered funding programs authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its subsequent legislative expansions. The agency supports comprehensive community-based strategies to protect victims and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Through initiatives that integrate law enforcement, victim services, and legal systems, OVW works toward a coordinated response to gender-based violence. This particular funding opportunity—titled “Invitation to Apply Administrative Funding Adjustment 1”—is highly specialized and not open for general competition. It is designed for a limited number of previously identified applicants who have received a formal invitation from OVW. These invitees are being asked to apply for administrative funding adjustments, known as AFAs, in order to assume responsibility for prior grant awards that require continuation. The invitation is extended only where OVW has determined that the invited applicant is best positioned to continue the work originally funded through a previous award. The scope and goals of the award will remain consistent with the original grant, and only administrative and funding adjustments will be made. The funding instrument is a discretionary grant, and the program falls under several assistance listings, including support for culturally and linguistically specific services, legal aid for victims, rural violence prevention, transitional housing for victims, and tribal government initiatives. Approximately six awards are expected to be made, with award amounts ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, and a total estimated program funding of $3.8 million. Importantly, there is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Applications must adhere to the original NOFO guidelines under which the previous awards were made unless stated otherwise in the invitation. Submission requirements follow the standard federal application procedures via Grants.gov. The closing date for applications is March 5, 2026, with the opportunity having been posted just two days earlier on March 3, 2026. Given the tight submission window and the targeted audience, the process is streamlined for those already familiar with the original grant terms. No additional pre-application stages such as letters of intent or concept papers are required. Evaluation will be based primarily on the applicant's ability to continue the objectives of the prior award, their track record with similar grants, and alignment with the original project scope. The adjusted awards will take into consideration the amount of funding previously spent and the time remaining to complete the work. The performance period will be determined accordingly and is not expected to replicate the full term of the original grant. For assistance with the application or for clarification on the invitation, applicants can contact OVW at [email protected] or by phone at 202-307-6026. No public webinar or question-and-answer session is indicated. Since this is not a recurring or annual open call, there is no established cycle for reapplication. The opportunity is strictly for those invited by OVW to carry forward a pre-existing grant effort.