The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Formula Grant Program. This program, established under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), is designed to support local communities, including Indian tribal governments and Alaska Native villages, in developing and strengthening effective responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The funding is awarded to states and U.S. territories to implement strategic and coordinated efforts in combating gender-based violence.
The total funding available for FY 2025 is approximately $171,206,049 with an anticipated 56 awards ranging from $617,851 to $16,188,360 each. These awards have a 24-month project period starting July 1, 2025. A required cost match of 25 percent is mandatory for recipients, except for victim service provider subgrants which may be exempt if they meet certain IRS status requirements. Funds are allocated based on a combination of base awards and state/territory population data.
Eligible applicants include the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Only designated state offices, as outlined under 28 C.F.R. § 90.11, are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with statutory eligibility requirements through a signed certification and narrative description. Applications deemed incomplete or submitted by ineligible entities may be delayed or excluded from funding consideration.
Applications must be submitted in two parts: first, the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by June 24, 2025, 11:59 PM ET; and second, the complete application package via JustGrants by June 26, 2025, 8:59 PM ET. Additional submissions such as the Pre-Award Risk Assessment, Summary Data Sheet, Implementation Plan Update or No Amendments Letter, certifications, and narrative compliance documentation are required.
Evaluation will not involve peer review due to its formula nature, but OVW will conduct a comprehensive programmatic review. Special incentives, such as the SASBR and RSCCA add-ons, offer additional funds to qualifying states with appropriate laws in place by June 13, 2025. Questions and support can be directed to OVW via email (OVW.STOP@usdoj.gov) or by phone at 202-307-6026. OVW strongly encourages early registration and submission to avoid technical delays.
