Victims Services Grant Program

The Victims Services Grant Program (VSGP), administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), is a critical funding initiative supporting direct services for victims of crime across the Commonwealth. For State Fiscal Year 2026, DCJS is offering continuation grants to current recipients of SFY2025 VSGP competitive funding. This grant program leverages both federal and state resources to enhance the capacity of local governments and nonprofit organizations to deliver essential services such as crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, and criminal justice system advocacy. Funding stems from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, and augmented by Virginia state general funds. VOCA's funding stream is derived from criminal fines and penalties rather than taxpayer dollars, ensuring a unique sustainability model for victim support. The primary aim of the VSGP is to facilitate the provision of direct services that respond to victims’ emotional, physical, and psychological needs, assist them in stabilizing their lives, and help them engage with the criminal justice system. Examples of supported services include hospital and court accompaniment, personal advocacy, hotline services, housing assistance, and emotional support. Funds must be used exclusively for services benefiting victims of crime and cannot be allocated toward activities like prevention, lobbying, or prosecution. Certain categories of expenses, such as capital improvements, vehicle purchases, and promotional giveaways, are explicitly prohibited. The SFY2026 continuation grants are set for a 12-month performance period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with no option for extensions. DCJS anticipates approximately $4.13 million in available funding, sourced from $1.63 million in federal VOCA dollars and $2.5 million in state general funds. Each eligible agency has been assigned a predetermined award ceiling based on their prior year’s grant, as listed in Attachment A of the guidelines. Agencies must match 20% of the total project budget, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions. A waiver for the match requirement may be requested post-award based on financial hardship or extenuating circumstances, although waivers are not guaranteed. Eligible applicants are limited to organizations currently funded under the SFY2025 VSGP competition. They must demonstrate a successful record of providing victim services, be in good standing with other state or federal agencies, and maintain active SAM registration and a UEI number. Furthermore, applicants must comply with various federal and state grant conditions, including civil rights regulations, the VOCA Rule, and data reporting via the Office for Victims of Crime’s Performance Measurement Tool. All services must be delivered free of charge to victims, without regard to law enforcement reporting status. Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and must be submitted via the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS). A funding webinar was offered on February 28, 2025, and a recording is available through OGMS. Each application must include a face sheet, budget forms, project-specific goals and objectives, and multiple certifications and assurances. Grant recipients will be notified following approval by the Criminal Justice Services Board, which is scheduled to meet on May 8, 2025. Quarterly reporting is required for both financials and programmatic progress, and all reimbursements are made on a cost-incurred basis. This grant is anticipated to recur annually. Projects that remain in good standing may receive an equivalent award in SFY2027, subject to fund availability. The program strongly emphasizes sustainability and encourages grantees to develop long-term plans to maintain victim services beyond the grant period due to potential fluctuations in federal VOCA funding.