OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Expanding Legal Services Initiative - Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program

The document titled OVW FY25 ELSI NOFO outlines the application process and requirements for the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) grant under the Enhancing Legal Services for Victims Initiative (ELSI) for fiscal year 2025. This grant aims to improve access to legal services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by supporting projects that enhance the capacity and effectiveness of legal assistance programs. The initiative prioritizes addressing systemic barriers and increasing survivors' access to comprehensive, trauma-informed legal representation. Funding will support organizations in developing or expanding legal services, fostering partnerships with other service providers, and addressing specific legal needs of underserved or marginalized populations. The primary purpose of the ELSI grant is to strengthen the provision of civil legal assistance to survivors, ensuring they can navigate complex legal systems and secure safety, housing, and economic stability. The objectives include enhancing the quality and availability of survivor-centered legal services, building sustainable collaborations among legal service providers and community-based organizations, and addressing specific gaps in legal services for vulnerable populations. Projects funded under this initiative should prioritize culturally specific and trauma-informed approaches to service delivery. Funding can be used for a variety of legal assistance activities, including legal representation in family law, protection orders, housing and eviction matters, immigration, and other civil legal issues arising from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Funds may also support training for legal professionals, capacity-building activities, and the development of resources to improve legal service delivery. Indirect costs and administrative expenses may be included, provided they align with OVW guidelines and are appropriately justified in the budget proposal. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, legal service providers, tribal organizations, and institutions of higher education. Partnerships with culturally specific organizations or other community-based groups are encouraged. The initiative prioritizes applications from organizations serving underserved or marginalized communities, including rural areas, tribal populations, and communities of color. Applicants must demonstrate experience in providing trauma-informed and survivor-centered legal services. The application process requires applicants to submit a detailed proposal, including a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, and supporting documentation. Key components of the proposal include a clear description of the project goals, objectives, and activities; evidence of the organization's capacity to implement the project; and a sustainability plan. Applicants must address how their project will meet the needs of survivors and reduce barriers to accessing legal services. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the strength and clarity of the project narrative, alignment with program goals, experience and capacity of the applicant organization, feasibility of the budget, and the extent to which the proposal addresses the needs of underserved populations. Reviewers will also assess the potential impact of the project and the applicant's ability to measure and report outcomes effectively. The timeline for the application process includes a submission deadline, review period, and award announcements. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all submission requirements and adhere to deadlines specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Specific dates for deadlines and funding decisions are provided in the NOFO.