The 2025 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Culturally Specific Set-Aside Community Based Victim Service Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). This funding opportunity originates from the United States Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women. OCJS has been designated to manage this funding by Governor Mike DeWine and implements it under the statutory authority of the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The grant specifically supports community-based, culturally relevant victim services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, with an emphasis on racially and ethnically diverse communities.
The program mandates that at least 30% of STOP VAWA funds be allocated to victim services, with at least 10% directed to culturally specific community-based organizations. Culturally specific services are defined as those tailored to racial and ethnic minority groups, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Blacks, and Hispanics. Eligible applicants are nonprofit, nongovernmental, or tribal organizations whose primary focus is the provision of culturally specific services, particularly those related to domestic and sexual violence. Applicants may either be organizations already providing these services or those that partner with expert providers in the field. Notably, the grant excludes larger organizations that only include a culturally specific division rather than being wholly dedicated to culturally specific services.
Funding awards are capped at $60,000 per project and cover a 12-month project period running from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Only projects with clearly defined collaborations with law enforcement, prosecution, courts, or relevant agencies will be considered. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, and subrecipients are expected to submit quarterly financial and programmatic reports via OCJS’s online grants management system. Additional requirements include registration with SAM.gov, adherence to confidentiality rules under VAWA, submission of background check protocols for staff interacting with minors, and compliance with nondiscrimination laws.
The application process includes multiple evaluation tiers: internal compliance reviews, peer and expert reviews, and final review by the OCJS Executive Director. Bidders are encouraged to attend a voluntary training webinar on July 29, 2025. All applications must be submitted online by 5:00 PM EST on August 14, 2025. Required documentation includes a detailed project narrative, budget forms, collaboration board commitment letters, and external audits or financial reports dated within the past 24 months.
Applications must clearly demonstrate the need for services with data, identify underserved populations, and align with Ohio’s STOP VAWA Implementation Plan for 2022–2025. Proposed projects must describe service delivery models, implementation plans, anticipated outcomes, and sustainability strategies. Project objectives should include measurable performance indicators and methods for data collection and analysis. Collaboration Board letters from involved community stakeholders are also mandatory to confirm their roles and commitment to the project.
For assistance, applicants can contact VAWA Planner Katie Fenwick at KLfenwick@dps.ohio.gov or call 614-644-1259. Technical support is also available through OCJS at 614-466-7782 or 888-448-4842. All supporting resources, including implementation plans and budget guides, are available via the OCJS website. Award notifications will follow the review process, and successful applicants must complete all pre-award conditions before funds are disbursed.
Applicants are cautioned against using AI-generated content. Ensure all board letters are from FY 2025 and on organizational letterhead.
