Request for application (RFA) 25-10031 Local Training and Education Program for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (DV)

The Local Training and Education Program for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is a funding initiative launched by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) through its Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB). This program reflects California’s long-standing commitment to addressing domestic violence (DV) as a public health issue. With origins dating back to 1995, the CDPH has maintained a primary prevention framework that emphasizes addressing the root causes of intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, and sexual violence through policy, environmental change, and community engagement. The state’s penal code—Section 1203.097—provides the statutory authority for the program and guides its strategic direction and resource allocation. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to implement local-level community organizing and public health policy strategies aimed at increasing awareness of DV and empowering community-led initiatives. This request for applications (RFA #25-10031) is intended to fund a single project that demonstrates capacity to enact systems-level change. The funded entity will be responsible for developing and executing activities that foster environments conducive to the prevention of first-time DV victimization and perpetration. By working on environmental and policy fronts rather than providing direct services, the program seeks to shift community norms and institutional practices that perpetuate violence. Funding will be provided for a four-year contract term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030, with a maximum annual award of $292,800, totaling $1,171,200 over the full term. The program is state-funded, contingent on annual appropriations through California’s State Budget Act. While there are no indications of required cost sharing or matching, applicants must demonstrate strong community collaboration, a history of implementing violence prevention strategies, and a readiness to engage in a comprehensive approach based on the Close to Home (C2H) model. This model emphasizes participatory decision-making and the empowerment of community members—including youth and organizational leaders—to assess, plan, and act on local prevention efforts. Eligible applicants are required to submit a mandatory, non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) by January 30, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. PST. This LOI must be submitted on organizational letterhead via email to the CDPH’s DVP program inbox. Although the LOI does not obligate submission of a full application, failure to submit it will result in disqualification from further consideration. Final applications must be submitted electronically by February 19, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. PST, and late submissions will not be reviewed. All communications—including questions about the RFA—must be directed to the official program email, and responses will be posted publicly by the stated timeline. The performance period begins on July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2030. The program does not appear to operate on a recurring annual cycle, and future rounds of funding are not guaranteed beyond the current term. The selected grantee will work closely with CDPH and IVPB to ensure that activities align with the C2H strategy and broader public health goals of violence prevention. Award decisions are expected to be based on a competitive review process, although no specific evaluation criteria or scoring methodology was provided in the solicitation. For all inquiries, the designated point of contact is the CDPH Domestic Violence Prevention Program, accessible via email at [email protected] or by phone at (916) 552-9800. These contact points will serve as the primary channels for pre-submission support, clarifications, and administrative communications throughout the application process.