OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is currently accepting applications for its FY 2025 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SAS Formula Program). This program was established under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12511. It supports direct intervention and assistance services for victims of sexual assault through funding to state and territorial governments. OVW was founded in 1995 and provides national leadership on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, with a focus on victim services and offender accountability. The SAS Formula Program is designed to enhance the availability and quality of services provided by rape crisis centers and other nonprofit, nongovernmental, or tribal organizations to victims of sexual assault. Services supported under this program include 24-hour hotlines, crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, support services, referrals, and community-based culturally specific services. Direct payments to victims are also allowed when tied to the sexual assault experience, such as costs for housing, transportation, childcare, or personal security enhancements. This opportunity will distribute approximately $52,042,135 across 56 awards. Each eligible jurisdiction—including U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories—will receive funding amounts ranging from $256,557 to $2,065,486 based on population, with minimum allocations guaranteed by statute. Awards are for a 24-month period beginning August 1, 2025. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions. States may also apply for additional funds under the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act (RSCCA) if they meet legal criteria and submit documentation by June 13, 2025. Eligible applicants are limited to state and territorial governments. Each jurisdiction's designated state office is the only eligible applicant. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by June 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and then completed in JustGrants by June 12, 2025, at 8:59 PM ET. OVW expects to notify applicants of their award status by October 1, 2025. Program implementation must demonstrate meaningful involvement from state sexual assault coalitions and representatives of underserved communities, including tribes. States must also describe their processes for equitable distribution of subawards, including between urban and rural areas, and how they will continue to involve stakeholders during implementation. OVW prohibits use of funds for activities that compromise victim safety or recovery, engage in unrelated criminal justice work, or promote ideologically driven programs not authorized by law. Applications must include specific components such as the SF-424 form, a proposal narrative, a summary data sheet, certifications, and assurances. Detailed formatting guidelines and submission procedures are included in the NOFO and must be followed precisely to avoid delays or disqualification. OVW provides technical assistance through its website, program managers, and several support services.