NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), housed within the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women.” This funding opportunity seeks to advance understanding of the causes, responses to, and prevention of violence against women (VAW), including related forms such as domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking, teen dating violence, and sex trafficking. The FY25 grant program supports rigorous research and evaluation projects, both qualitative and quantitative, that explore system responses, victimization impacts, perpetrator accountability, and effective interventions. The overarching goal is to reduce gender-based violence and improve justice system practices and outcomes. The NIJ is particularly interested in studies that offer insight into case processing, the use of risk assessment tools, prosecutorial decision-making, law enforcement training, and victim services. Highlighted priority topics include intimate partner homicide, stalking, suspicious deaths associated with IPV, and the development or evaluation of technologies to support victims or enhance investigations. The NIJ emphasizes the need for longitudinal studies, implementation science components, evaluations of trauma-informed practices, and replication studies that reinforce evidence-based approaches. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities: state, local, and tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including small businesses; and federal agencies. Applicants may submit multiple proposals as long as each targets a distinct project. Partnerships are allowed, but only one organization may serve as the lead applicant. The funder has clarified that the award may account for up to 100% of the project cost, and cost sharing is optional but must be detailed and committed if proposed. The funding ceiling is tied to project needs but may go as high as the full program amount of $3.7 million, with 4 to 5 awards expected. Projects must be completed within a five-year (60-month) period, with a start date anticipated on January 1, 2027. Required deliverables include scholarly products, performance measures, interim and final research reports, and archived datasets. All applicants must submit their SF-424 form via Grants.gov by May 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET) and complete their full application through JustGrants by May 18, 2026 (8:59 p.m. ET). A Letter of Intent is encouraged by April 20, 2026, but not mandatory. Applications must include a proposal abstract, detailed narrative, budget, resumes of key personnel, data management plans, human subjects protection documentation, and a privacy certificate. The review process involves both a basic minimum requirements check and merit review based on technical criteria such as problem statement, design, team capability, potential impact, and budget justification. Additional programmatic and financial reviews follow, and NIJ staff may request clarifications. Awards are expected to be announced post-review, with applicants notified whether or not they are selected.

Emphasize methodological rigor, include Gold Standard Science compliance, and ensure clear evaluation metrics.