Sexual Assault Services

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness is offering continuation funding for the Sexual Assault Services Program (SA2026) for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026. Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Justice, with up to $1,082,778 available for distribution to as many as nine awardees. Eligible agencies may request a maximum award of $150,000 and not less than $30,000. This program supports activities such as planning, organizing, and conducting initiatives aimed at providing services to survivors of sexual assault, including training, community engagement, and direct services. Funds may be used for personnel, staff training, travel, supplies, and equipment costing at least $1,000 per unit. All costs must comply with ODH policies, the OGAPP manual, and relevant federal, state, and local regulations. A list of unallowable costs includes political activities, lobbying, entertainment, certain travel, and the purchase of land or buildings. Applicants must be a not-for-profit organization, a county agency, or a city agency that is in good standing with ODH, has no outstanding debts, and is not certified to the Attorney General’s office. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Grants Management Information System Portal (GMISP) by 4:00 p.m. on September 2, 2025. Late, faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Required elements include a program progress report, a program narrative outlining changes to the current workplan, SMART objectives, an updated workplan, a program budget, and other specified attachments. Organizations must also complete civil rights documentation, assurances, federal reporting requirements, and maintain current liability coverage and nonprofit status documentation, if applicable. The program emphasizes addressing health disparities and integrating social determinants of health into service planning and delivery. Applicants should identify priority populations, geographic focus areas, and specific measurable targets for reducing disparities. Community feedback should inform all program changes. Deliverables focus on training, community engagement, and direct services, with status reports on achievements, major findings, and barriers encountered. Human trafficking victims are included as a priority population for services, and applicants demonstrating capacity to serve them may receive priority consideration. Monthly and quarterly program and expenditure reports are required through GMISP, with specific due dates for each reporting period from February 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027. A final expenditure report is due February 5, 2027, with any unused funds to be returned. Failure to submit complete and timely reports may result in delays or jeopardize future payments. For questions, applicants may contact Corina Klies, Public Health Consultant, via email at corina.klies@odh.ohio.gov. Detailed guidance, including formatting requirements and allowable uses of funds, is available in the competitive solicitation on the ODH website.

Review Evidence of Strategies to Reduce Disparities checklist; ensure community feedback informs changes; adhere strictly to formatting and submission rules