Trauma Recovery Center Grant Fiscal Year 25/26

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) is offering grants under the Trauma Recovery Center (TRC) program to provide trauma-informed services to victims of crime. Authorized by Government Code sections 13963.1 and 13963.2, the TRC grant program is designed to reimburse expenditures for services, enabling centers to address the needs of crime victims who may otherwise face barriers to care. TRCs will operate using an evidence-informed Integrated Trauma Recovery Services (ITRS) model and are required to meet a range of criteria to ensure comprehensive, accessible, and multidisciplinary support for victims. The program seeks to serve diverse populations, including those who may be homeless, mentally ill, or members of immigrant and refugee groups, as well as victims of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Services must include outreach, evidence-based mental health and substance abuse treatment, case management, and assistance with practical needs like safe housing and navigating legal systems. Funding aims to improve victims' quality of life, reduce trauma-related disabilities, and promote post-traumatic growth. Eligible applicants include organizations capable of meeting the statutory requirements and providing services directly or virtually when necessary. The program does not require matching funds but recommends securing additional financial support due to variability in annual funding. Grants will cover a two-year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, and are funded through a combination of state and special funds, totaling $2,000,000 annually with additional contributions from the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act and potentially the General Fund. At least 75% of the grant funds must be allocated to personnel services, with a minimum of 60% directed toward clinical staff providing direct client services. Applications must include a title page, narrative responses to six questions, a budget worksheet and narrative, organizational charts, a time-task plan, and up to three letters of recommendation. Narrative responses are limited to two pages each, formatted in Arial 11-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF (excluding the budget worksheet in Excel) by email to Grants@victims.ca.gov by 2:00 p.m. PST on January 24, 2025. Failure to adhere to submission and formatting requirements will result in disqualification. Evaluation of applications includes a 100-point scoring system, with points distributed across narrative responses, budget components, and supplementary materials like letters of recommendation. Applications must demonstrate organizational readiness to begin services within 30 days of award, clarity in planning, and alignment with statutory goals. Invoices for reimbursement will be processed monthly and must include detailed documentation of expenses. Key dates for the application process include a webinar on December 13, 2024, the deadline for questions on January 3, 2025, and tentative award approvals on March 20, 2025. Selected applicants will undergo post-award contract negotiations and data reporting to ensure compliance with grant terms. Data collection is a critical aspect, with monthly submissions required to document service provision and outcomes, aligning with federal and state reporting standards.