OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), administers the Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program. OVW, established in 1995 following the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), provides leadership and financial support to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The ICJR program is authorized under 34 U.S.C. §§ 10461 – 10465 and aims to support a coordinated community response by law enforcement, courts, and service providers to ensure victim safety and hold offenders accountable. The purpose of the ICJR Program is to enhance the capacity of state, local, and Tribal governments and courts to address violence against women as serious violations of criminal law. The program funds projects that implement offender accountability programs, improve the tracking and classification of domestic violence cases, centralize enforcement efforts, and support legal advocacy and victim services. Certain purpose areas are restricted to victim service providers and coalitions, including the development of victim support centers and sexual assault examiner programs. Projects may also include components addressing HIV testing protocols, high-risk team development, and the reduction of domestic violence homicides. Eligibility is limited to states and territories, units of local government, Indian Tribal governments, courts, domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions, and victim service providers. Faith-based organizations may also apply if they meet eligibility criteria. Specific partnerships are mandatory depending on applicant type. For example, state and local governments must partner with victim service providers and relevant governmental entities, while service providers must partner with a government entity. Eligible nonprofits must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status and meet certification requirements including Certifications of Eligibility, Prosecution Certification, Minor Certification, and possibly an HIV Certification. Applicants are required to submit multiple documents including the SF-424 via Grants.gov by June 16, 2025, and a full application in JustGrants by June 18, 2025. Applications must include a proposal abstract, narrative, budget worksheet, job descriptions, service area map, MOUs or LOCs, and a series of certifications. The Proposal Narrative should address community needs, project goals, and implementation strategies. Reviewers will score applications based on this narrative, budget alignment, and partnership documentation. Applications that address statutory priority areas or dedicate at least 45% of activities to sexual assault may receive additional consideration or funding. Evaluation of applications includes peer and programmatic reviews, considering past performance and risk factors. Successful applicants must comply with OVW administrative, legal, and civil rights requirements. Awards are expected to be announced by October 1, 2025, and projects must begin on October 1, 2025. Funded activities span 36 months. Grantees must participate in OVW training, collect performance data, and comply with reporting obligations. Special considerations apply for costs related to food, conferences, and indirect costs, which require prior approval or adherence to specific guidelines. For further information, applicants can contact OVW at 202-307-6026 or via email at OVW.ICJR@usdoj.gov. Technical support is available through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants support centers. OVW strongly encourages applicants to begin registration and submission processes early and to consult the Application Companion Guide and related resources to ensure compliance and completeness.