Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Program

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Grant Program, administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), provides critical funding for community-based programs that address family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. As a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, OCJS is responsible for managing both state and federal criminal justice funding and has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to oversee the FY 2026 FVPSA allocation. The purpose of this grant is to fund the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of shelters and supportive services for adult and youth victims of family violence and their dependents. Additionally, the program supports prevention efforts and services targeting underserved populations and racial or ethnic minority communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, private organizations whose primary focus is providing shelter or services such as counseling, advocacy, and self-help to victims of family violence. Each project must also demonstrate a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders like victim service providers, law enforcement, courts, child services, hospitals, and community organizations. Projects are required to provide a 20% match of the total project cost through either cash or in-kind contributions. FVPSA funds may be used for various purposes, including immediate shelter, safety planning, counseling, peer support, culturally appropriate services, legal and medical advocacy, job training, housing assistance, and services for children exposed to violence. However, restrictions apply, and funds may not be used for vehicle purchases, construction, direct payments to survivors, or refreshments for meetings. The application process includes submitting a full proposal through the OCJS online grants management system by December 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. A voluntary bidder training webinar will be held on November 12, 2025, to assist applicants. Required components include a problem statement, project description, sustainability plan, collaboration board letters, baseline data, performance objectives, a danger/lethality assessment tool, and a performance indicator survey. Applicants must also upload an external audit or financial report and acknowledge the use of a general ledger. Each application is subject to a three-tiered review: internal compliance review, peer and subject matter expert review, and final decision by the OCJS Executive Director, approved by the Department of Public Safety Director. Funded applicants must complete all pre-award requirements and attend a mandatory orientation. Projects will operate from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and submit quarterly reports to request reimbursements. Confidentiality and voluntary service standards must be rigorously maintained, and client data cannot be shared without proper consent. The program is recurring annually, and future cycles are anticipated around the same timeline. For questions, applicants may contact Katie Fenwick at KLFenwick@dps.ohio.gov or call OCJS at 614-466-7782 or 888-448-4842. More information, including contacts for regional grant coordinators, is available on the OCJS website.

Ensure narrative sections directly align with evaluation criteria; attach all required documents; clarify collaboration roles and match source.