The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), has announced a funding opportunity under the title "OVC FY25 Increasing Availability of Medical Forensic Examinations for Victims of Sexual Assault." This grant seeks to address the urgent need for more accessible and trauma-informed medical forensic services for survivors of sexual violence. The initiative aims to reduce the gap in access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE), especially in underserved areas where victims may otherwise face long delays or be forced to travel significant distances for care.
The program will fund projects that establish or expand SANE/SAFE programs, hire and retain qualified personnel, and enhance collaboration among law enforcement, healthcare providers, and victim advocacy organizations. The grant also emphasizes addressing burnout and vicarious trauma experienced by SANE providers, ensuring they can continue serving survivors effectively. Innovative service delivery models such as telehealth and mobile units are encouraged to improve access to medical forensic services.
Up to $3,500,000 in total funding is available under this opportunity, with anticipated individual awards of up to $500,000 and a performance period of 36 months starting October 1, 2025. The expected number of awards is up to 7. The funding is subject to availability and statutory constraints under the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2024. Matching funds are not required for applicants, and the opportunity is available to a wide range of eligible applicants including state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education.
To apply, interested applicants must complete a two-step process: first, submit an SF-424 through Grants.gov by August 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and then complete the full application in JustGrants by September 8, 2025 at 8:59 p.m. ET. The application must include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, curriculum vitae or resumes for key personnel, and required certifications and disclosures. Applicants are also required to provide data on how the project will meet the stated goals and objectives, including performance measure reporting through the OVC Performance Measurement Tool.
Award notifications are expected by September 30, 2025. Support for applicants is available through various technical helpdesks, including Grants.gov, JustGrants, and SAM.gov. A pre-recorded informational video is also available through OVC’s Funding Webinars page, and any questions can be directed to askovc@ncjrs.gov.
Eligible applicants include state governments, local and tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Only one application per entity is permitted, though entities may be included as subrecipients on multiple applications. No physical modification of buildings is allowed under the grant, and costs for suspect examinations are explicitly disallowed. Performance will be evaluated through deliverables and regular reporting as outlined in the post-award requirements.
Submit early and ensure project director has medical or advocacy background in sexual assault response.
