OVC FY25 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), through its Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), has released the fiscal year 2025 notice of funding opportunity for the VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program. This grant initiative aims to support state and territorial governments in their efforts to provide direct services to victims of crime. Authorized under 34 U.S.C. § 20103(a), the program is funded by the Crime Victims Fund and operates under guidelines established by federal law and the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. It reflects OJP's broader mission to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, support law enforcement, and enhance victim services nationwide. The FY 2025 VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program makes $1,267,586,252 available for formula-based distribution to states and territories. Each state and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible for a base amount of $500,000. The territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are each allocated $200,000. Additional allocations are calculated based on population size using U.S. Census Bureau data. The maximum award ceiling for individual recipients is specified in the VOCA Formula Allocation Chart, and the period of performance for all awards is anticipated to be 48 months starting October 1, 2024. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity are limited to state governments and equivalent entities in U.S. territories. Subrecipients of these formula grants may include local community-based organizations and public agencies that offer direct services to victims, such as crisis counseling, legal advocacy, therapy, shelter, and information referrals. While the grant does not require cost sharing or matching at the state level, subrecipients are generally required to meet matching requirements under 28 C.F.R. 94.118. States are given discretion over subaward selections, but all recipients must comply with program rules and regulations, including 28 C.F.R. part 94, subpart B, and applicable federal financial guidance. Application to this opportunity follows a two-step submission process. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by August 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The second step involves submitting the complete application package through JustGrants by August 20, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required materials include a proposal narrative outlining program goals and FY 2025 plans, a statement on the use of administrative funds, monitoring and strategic planning documentation, a civil rights compliance report, and a completed Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire. If applicable, documentation for indirect costs and consultant rates must also be submitted. Evaluation of applications includes both a technical and risk review process. OJP assesses whether applications meet required criteria, including reasonableness, clarity, and alignment with the funding goals. Risk assessments consider past performance, financial integrity, and possible debarment status in SAM.gov. Award notifications are expected by September 30, 2025, with award acceptance required within 45 days of notification. Technical assistance for application procedures is available through multiple support centers, including JustGrants, Grants.gov, and SAM.gov help desks. Additionally, a pre-recorded informational webinar is available on OVC’s Funding Webinars page. Applicants encountering unforeseen technical issues affecting their ability to submit on time may apply for a waiver through the OJP Response Center. Contact for questions and support includes the OJP Response Center at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov or by phone at 800-851-3420.

Submit early, register with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, JustGrants, and use DOJ training.