The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has released the Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Hiring and Training Program. This new program, authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 40723, supports efforts to increase access to pediatric and adult/adolescent sexual assault forensic exams through the funding of salaries for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) or Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs), as well as clinical educators and instructors. The program prioritizes trauma-informed care and adherence to national standards in forensic examinations.
This opportunity is open to a range of eligible applicants including state, tribal, and local governments, sexual assault examination programs, health care facilities, state or territorial sexual assault coalitions, and qualified community-based nonprofit organizations. Faith-based organizations are eligible, provided they meet program criteria. Applicants may propose projects that provide SANE/SAFE services, training, simulation lab access, and telehealth delivery of forensic exams. Funding may support salaries, training, certification fees, exam equipment, and related project costs.
Applicants may request up to $500,000 for projects addressing one program purpose area, or up to $750,000 for projects addressing both. A total of approximately $18.1 million is available, with up to 36 grants expected to be awarded. The grant duration is 36 months, beginning October 1, 2025. There is no matching or cost-sharing requirement. Applicants must submit their SF-424 form by June 24, 2025, and complete their JustGrants submission by June 26, 2025. A Letter of Intent is encouraged by May 27, 2025.
Special statutory consideration will be given to applicants proposing SANE/SAFE services in high-volume forensic trauma areas, underserved communities (rural, tribal, or areas with health professional shortages), or those using telehealth or mobile units. Applicants must submit documentation such as a Partnership Certification Letter or a Memorandum of Exemption to qualify for such consideration.
Applications must include a detailed proposal narrative, budget narrative and worksheet, Summary Data Sheet, and other supporting documentation. OVW will evaluate applications on the basis of their purpose alignment, project implementation strategy, personnel qualifications, and adherence to budget guidelines. Activities such as lobbying, real estate purchase, or awareness campaigns without measurable impact are not allowed. Applications that include unallowable activities may be removed from consideration.
Applicants are also required to adhere to various federal compliance requirements, including registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants, and must complete mandatory certifications such as confidentiality acknowledgments, nonsupplanting letters, and executive compensation disclosures. Training and technical assistance participation, a one-year planning phase, and performance reporting are among the post-award requirements.
