The U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), established in 1995, is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Enhancing Investigation and Prosecution (EIP) Initiative. This initiative is funded through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its subsequent authorizations. OVW supports comprehensive community responses that aim to provide services for victims and hold perpetrators accountable, focusing on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The primary objective of the EIP Initiative is to improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to investigate and prosecute crimes of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This is achieved by enhancing agency responses and fostering community trust, while also promoting victim safety and autonomy. Projects may involve hiring specialized personnel, improving data systems, developing trauma-informed policies, and providing training. At least 25 percent of funds must be allocated to addressing sexual assault if applicants wish to be considered for special statutory funding.
Eligible applicants include tribal, state, territorial, county, and local law enforcement and prosecution agencies. Tribal governments, states, or local governments may apply on behalf of entities that lack the authority to apply independently. Required partnerships with victim service providers must be documented via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or a Letter of Commitment (LOC) for tribal applicants. Only one application is permitted per organization for the same service area. There is no matching requirement.
Applications are due in two parts: the SF-424 must be submitted to Grants.gov by July 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and the complete application must be submitted through JustGrants by July 10, 2025, at 8:59 PM ET. A Letter of Intent is optional and may be submitted by June 12, 2025. Award notifications are expected by October 1, 2025.
Required application components include a Proposal Narrative, Budget Worksheet and Narrative, MOU or LOC, certifications, and additional forms. The Proposal Narrative will be scored based on clarity and relevance, with up to 75 points allocated for sections on purpose, implementation plan, and key personnel. Budgets may not exceed $500,000 for single-focus projects (law enforcement or prosecution) and $750,000 for dual-focus projects. The project period is 36 months, beginning October 1, 2025.
For support, applicants can contact OVW at OVW.ICJR@usdoj.gov or 202-307-6026. Technical assistance is available via SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants support channels.
