Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Program

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) Grant Program is a federally funded initiative administered in Ohio by the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. This program is authorized under the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 and continues to provide essential financial support for emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence. The program also extends support to their dependents, children exposed to violence, and underserved or minority populations. The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, designated by the Governor, is responsible for administering FY 2026 FVPSA funds and overseeing a competitive, structured three-tiered review process for proposals. The purpose of the FVPSA grant is to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of effective community-based projects. These may include the operation of shelters or the provision of counseling, advocacy, and self-help services. Eligible applicants encompass units of local government (cities, counties, townships, or villages), state agencies, state-supported universities, and nonprofit or faith-based organizations. Importantly, projects operated by courts, law enforcement, or mental health boards must partner with eligible fiduciary agents. To apply, each project must form a collaborative group comprising diverse community stakeholders such as service providers, courts, and community organizations. Two core program areas eligible for funding are "Core Shelter Services" and "Prevention and Related Assistance." FVPSA funds may be used for a variety of activities, including but not limited to, immediate shelter services, supportive counseling, legal and medical advocacy, prevention efforts, services for children, culturally and linguistically appropriate assistance, and support for victims who are also human trafficking survivors. Services under FVPSA must remain voluntary, and grantees are prohibited from conditioning emergency shelter or services on participation in any specific program. FVPSA grantees must implement strict client confidentiality protocols and ensure that shelter locations and client records remain protected. The application window for the 2026 FVPSA grant cycle opens well before the final submission deadline of December 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to attend an optional Bidders Training webinar on November 12, 2025, and may seek technical assistance by contacting Katie Fenwick at [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the new OCJS Grants Management System. Required components include a detailed narrative (problem statement, project plan, sustainability strategy, objectives, timeline, organization capacity, collaboration board), budget documentation, and supporting attachments such as collaboration board letters, external audits, and survey tools. All awards are for a 12-month period, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Cost-sharing requirements are based on the project type. New projects require a 35% local cash or in-kind match, while continuation projects require a 20% match. Match contributions may include local or private funds, in-kind donations, and volunteer services. The average award in the previous cycle was around $65,000, although there is no stated maximum cap; instead, applicants are expected to request amounts that are reasonable and justifiable. Grantees are reimbursed quarterly and must submit subgrant reports and performance data on specified deadlines throughout the project year. Evaluation of proposals includes compliance checks, peer reviews, and final approval by OCJS and the Department of Public Safety. Applicants must demonstrate how their project aligns with FVPSA goals, provide baseline and outcome metrics, and use approved performance tools to assess survivor feedback. Funded projects must adhere to all state and federal regulations, including accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency. The FVPSA program’s structured approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively to reduce family violence and support the safety and healing of survivors and their communities.

Ensure all attachments (audit, board letters, tools) are uploaded; follow narrative structure exactly; attend optional bidders webinar for insights.