OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Formula Programs Training and Technical Assistance Initiative

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, administers grant programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation. It leads national efforts to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (collectively referred to as VAWA crimes) by supporting community responses that center victim services and offender accountability. The OVW is offering funding through the Formula Programs Training and Technical Assistance Initiative. This initiative provides targeted support to State Administering Agencies (SAAs), who are responsible for managing formula grants under the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) and the Services* Training* Officers* Prosecutors (STOP) Formula Grant Program. These formula funds support communities, including Tribal and rural areas, in strengthening responses to gender-based violence. The purpose of the Formula TA Initiative is to enhance SAA capacity to implement specific statutory requirements of the STOP Formula Program. Applicants may seek funding under one of two designated purpose areas. The first supports SAAs in meeting the 10% set-aside requirement for community-based programs, with a budget cap of $600,000. The second assists with implementing the 20% set-aside for meaningfully addressing sexual assault, capped at $700,000. Successful grantees will provide national-level training and technical assistance to SAAs through guidance, resource development, and capacity building. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with the capacity to provide technical assistance nationally. This includes national, Tribal, or statewide nonprofits. All applicants must demonstrate experience assisting SAAs in program planning, administration, and management of STOP and SASP funds. They must also provide evidence of capacity to support SAAs in activities such as outreach to community-based organizations, addressing the needs of sexual assault victims, and ensuring compliance with programmatic and statutory requirements. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. Applicants must submit a full application through Grants.gov and JustGrants. The SF-424 form must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET, followed by the full application in JustGrants by March 5, 2026, at 5:59 PM ET. Required documents include a Project Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and Letters of Support. Additional documents may include a Summary Data Sheet, Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, and required disclosures. Applications must comply with formatting guidelines including font size, margins, and page limits. Applications will be reviewed in a multi-step process beginning with a responsiveness review, followed by peer and programmatic reviews. Proposals will be assessed on understanding of SAA roles, proposed technical assistance approach, expected outcomes, staff qualifications, and adherence to OVW’s stated priorities. Point deductions may apply for past performance issues or inclusion of unallowable activities. Final award decisions will be made by the OVW Director, considering factors such as geographic diversity, alignment with OVW priorities, and availability of funds. Award notifications are expected after June 1, 2026. Selected applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with a performance period of 24 months. Recipients must participate in OVW-sponsored training, collect performance data, and submit regular reports. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements, meaning OVW will be substantially involved in project oversight, including participation in meetings and review of deliverables. This NOFO emphasizes adherence to federal laws and executive orders, including those related to victim safety, nondiscrimination, and allowable use of federal funds.

Avoid unallowable activities; ensure MOU is signed and current; align budget with narrative