The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is currently accepting applications for the Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (FVIP) Grant Program for Calendar Years 2026 and 2027. This initiative is funded by the Virginia General Assembly and supports the implementation of evidence-informed strategies to reduce firearm violence in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program encourages interventions like street outreach and hospital-based programs, and also addresses firearm suicide prevention and safe firearm removal from individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
This competitive grant opportunity exclusively targets nonprofit organizations that provide human services or criminal justice services. Applicants must not be excluded or debarred from doing business with the federal or state government. Programs must focus on at least one of two primary objectives: prevention strategies to deter at-risk individuals from entering cycles of violence, or intervention strategies aimed at those already impacted by violence to reduce the likelihood of repeat exposure. Proposals may request funding to implement new programs or enhance existing initiatives, provided that there is a clear demonstration of need, readiness, sustainability, and community collaboration.
Applicants may request between $25,000 and $250,000 per project, not exceeding 50% of their total operating expenditures from the 2024 fiscal year. The total funding pool for this opportunity is $2.5 million. There is no match requirement. All funds will be disbursed on a cost-reimbursement basis, and expenditures must fall within allowable categories, such as personnel, training, contracted services, and supplies. Certain costs are not permitted, including weaponry, construction, and indirect costs.
The application deadline is July 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., with awards expected to be announced at the Criminal Justice Services Board meeting on October 9, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the DCJS Online Grant Management System (OGMS), and registration in OGMS should occur at least two weeks prior to the deadline. A live informational webinar is scheduled for May 22, 2025, with a recorded version to be posted on the OGMS portal within one to two business days.
Evaluation of applications will be based on a 100-point scale considering factors such as budget accuracy, needs justification, project description, and goals and objectives. Required components include a project narrative, itemized budget, sustainability plan, letters of support, and several signed certification forms. Financial and performance reports will be due quarterly via OGMS. For assistance, applicants may contact Greg Hopkins at (804) 692-0977 or gregory.hopkins@dcjs.virginia.gov, and Jenna Foster at (804) 968-8146 or jenna.foster@dcjs.virginia.gov.
