Maryland Victims of Crime Fund (MVOC)

The Maryland Victims of Crime (MVOC) program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) to support advocacy and assistance services for victims of crime throughout the state of Maryland. The program was established through legislative action in 1991, which created a dedicated funding source to advance the rights of crime victims and implement both the Maryland Declaration of Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment and federal guidelines concerning the treatment of crime victims and witnesses. For the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 cycle, MVOC funding continues this mission by providing financial support to eligible organizations that deliver direct services, develop new victim-focused programs, or enhance existing offerings to better serve victims and witnesses of crime. The purpose of the MVOC fund is to improve and expand victim services, ensuring comprehensive support across a wide range of needs. Funded projects may include but are not limited to legal assistance, crisis intervention, counseling, and shelter services. The program also supports initiatives aimed at underserved populations and emerging victimization trends, including those related to non-fatal shootings, elder abuse, and adult survivors of sex or labor trafficking. MVOC funding is intended to enhance victim-centered programming without supplanting existing resources and must align with state and federal victim assistance priorities. The SFY 2027 MVOC program anticipates distributing approximately $524,836 across 8 to 10 awards, with individual grants expected to range between $50,000 and $75,000. These funds are subject to final approval during the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session and will be awarded for a 12-month period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, with quarterly reporting requirements for both fiscal and programmatic performance. Eligible costs include personnel, contractual services, operating expenses, equipment, travel, and select other expenses. Unallowable costs include meals (with some exceptions), construction, lobbying, and religious activities, among others. Eligibility for MVOC grants is limited to Maryland-based state and local government agencies, local and state law enforcement, and nonprofit/non-governmental victim services organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations. Faith-based applicants may retain their religious identity but must ensure that grant-funded activities remain secular in nature. All applicants must also comply with federal requirements such as registration with SAM.gov and submission of a UEI number. Nonprofit applicants must provide proof of 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status and submit organizational documentation including a current W-9 and an Equal Employment Opportunity form. The application process for SFY 2027 MVOC funding is fully online and conducted through the Grants Management System (GMS). Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026. A recorded training webinar and application guide are available on the funder’s website. A technical assistance session will be held via Google Meet on February 19, 2026. Interested applicants must request GMS access by February 26, 2026. Applications must adhere to word limits across ten narrative components and include budget justifications, certifications, and various supporting documents. Late or incomplete submissions may be disqualified. Applications will be evaluated based on several weighted criteria including problem statement and need justification (20%), project design (20%), goals and objectives (20%), budget and sustainability (25%), organizational information (10%), and key personnel (5%). Priority consideration will be given to programs serving survivors of non-fatal shootings, trafficking victims, and elder abuse victims. Grant notifications are expected in June 2026, with award start dates beginning July 1, 2026. The MVOC is a recurring, annual funding program and future cycles are anticipated. Applicants should review the full Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and GMS instructions carefully to ensure compliance.

Strict word limits must be followed; all checklist items must be uploaded or application may be disqualified.