In the United States, domestic violence and sexual assault impact hundreds of people every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone experiences physical abuse from their intimate partner in the United States every three seconds. More than 80 million Americans have also experienced psychological aggression posed by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can be emotionally and physically destructive – but fortunately, many organizations provide essential services to protect and empower victims. Forms of intimate partner violence can displace people from their homes, leading to increased rates of homelessness across the country. Finding healing in the midst of what can be an isolating, frightening time is a massive challenge that usually requires a delicate balance of access to physical resources and emotional support from loved ones and trained professionals.
Victim services programs often rely on federal and state funding, and donor support. According to the Grants.gov website, hundreds of grants for domestic violence and victim services are currently available in the United States.
In this guide, we round up the top 19 domestic violence and victim services grants and funding opportunities in 2023:
- Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program
- Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program
- Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program
- Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Program
- Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program
- Legal Assistance for Victims Program
- Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations
- Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking Against Children and Youth Program
- Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program
- Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program
- Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program
- Sexual Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program
- State and Territorial Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program
- Stop Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program
- Support Families in the Justice System Program
- Training and Services to End Violence Against Individuals With Disabilities and Deaf People Program
- Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims Violence Against Women Act Resources For Multifamily Assisted Housing
- Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program
- Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Formula Grant
And if you serve individuals experiencing homelessness, you may be eligible for even more funding opportunities.
In addition to grants, here are some other immediate resources to help victims of abuse and violence:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
- Lifeline Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988
- NationalRehabHotline.org
2023 Domestic Violence and Victim Services Grants
1. Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Entities, Tribes, Tribal Nonprofit Organizations, Local Governments
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.888
Grant Description: The Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program fund organizations that educate boys and men about their role in preventing violence against women. The program seeks proposals for initiatives that engage and empower boys and men to influence others to address and prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Program Eligibility: Local governments, nonprofits, nongovernmental entities, tribes, and tribal nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for this program. The solicitation is anticipated to be posted on Dec. 8, 2022. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.consolyouth@usdoj.gov.
2. Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Organizations
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.016
Grant Description: The Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Culturally Specific Services Program) support victims while affirming their diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds. The program aims to advocate for survivors while recognizing unique barriers that victims may face when accessing victim services. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $12.9 million in funding to support 40 awarded initiatives.
Program Eligibility: Nonprofits that provide culturally specific victim services to American Indians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Blacks, and Hispanics. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.cultural@usdoj.gov.
3. Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: States, Nonprofits, Local Governments, Tribal Organizations, Nongovernmental Victim Services Organizations
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.528
Grant Description: The Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program supports victim services organizations that assist elderly women who have been abused. The program reinforces training and services to address cases of neglect, elder abuse, exploitation, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking of people over the age of 50.
Program Eligibility: States, local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits, and nongovernmental victim services organizations are eligible to apply for this grant. The solicitation for 2023 funding is expected to be posted on Dec. 8, 2022. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.elder@usdoj.gov.
4. Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Program (FVPSA)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Family and Youth Services Bureau
Who Can Apply: States, Territories, Tribes
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 93.592
Grant Description: Funding from the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Program (FVPSA) supports hundreds of domestic violence programs to ensure crisis services are accessible to victims. FVPSA helps provide emergency shelter, supportive services, advocate hotlines, technical assistance, and training. In 2022, the FVPSA Program allocated $78.1 million in funding to nearly 700 award recipients.
Program Eligibility: States, territories, and tribes are eligible to apply for this program. Applications for 2023 funding are due on March 31, 2023.
5. Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program (ICJR)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: States, Territories, Local Governments, Tribal Governments, Courts, Victim Services Providers, State and Tribal Coalitions, Government Rape Crisis Centers
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.59
Grant Description: Domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking are serious violations of criminal law. The Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program encourages collaborations among organizations to promote victim safety while holding offenders accountable. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $29.4 million in funding to 39 awardees.
Program Eligibility: States, territories, local governments, tribal governments, courts, victim services providers, state and tribal coalitions, and rape crisis centers are eligible to apply for this funding. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.icjr@usdoj.gov.
6. Legal Assistance for Victims Program (LAV)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, Higher Education Institutions, Tribal Organizations and Governments, Territorial Organizations, Non-governmental Publicly Funded Organizations
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.524
Grant Description: The Legal Assistance for Victims Program (LAV) supports victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by covering costs associated with legal matters. Legal services covered by this program include divorce, child custody, immigration, housing matters, and child support cases. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $35.6 million in funding to 59 awardees.
Program Eligibility: Nonprofits, higher education institutions, tribal organizations and governments, territorial organizations, and non-governmental publicly funded organizations are eligible to apply for this program. Applications for 2023 funding are due on Dec. 21, 2022. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.lav@usdoj.gov.
7. Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Organizations
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.889
Grant Description: The Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations (Underserved Program) helps nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations establish new outreach strategies and victim services for underserved populations. This program’s funds are intended to enhance outreach and service delivery for underserved youth and adult victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $5 million in funding to support 11 awarded initiatives.
Program Eligibility: Nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations are eligible to apply for this grant. The solicitation for 2023 funding is expected to be posted on Nov. 14, 2022. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov.
8. Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking Against Children and Youth Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Entities, Tribes, Tribal Nonprofit Organizations, Local Governments
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.888
Grant Description: The Grants to Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking Against Children and Youth Program support programs that deliver services and training to children under age 10 who have been exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program also strives to create safer communities and school environments by improving prevention, intervention, treatment, and response initiatives for youth, adolescents, and young adults.
Program Eligibility: Local governments, nonprofits, nongovernmental entities, tribes, and tribal nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for this program. The solicitation is anticipated to be posted on Dec. 8, 2022. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.consolyouth@usdoj.gov.
9. Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: Higher Education Institutions
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.525
Grant Description: The Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program) is designed to enhance victim safety and service delivery while supporting efforts to penalize offenders. The program also supports initiatives to develop trauma-informed victim services, investigate and respond to cases, and prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campuses. Higher education institutions are encouraged to develop coordinated response protocols involving campus law enforcement, health providers, victim services providers, student representatives, administrators and leadership, campus housing officials, and board members. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $10.6 million in funding to 36 higher education institutions.
Program Eligibility: Higher education institutions are eligible to apply for this funding. Applications for the Campus Program are due on Jan. 31, 2023. In 2023, the OVW is also soliciting proposals due February 26, 2023, from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities to support culturally specific initiatives. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.campus@usdoj.gov.
10. Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Rural Program)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: States, Local Governments, Courts, Tribes, Territories, Nonprofits
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.021
Grant Description: The Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Rural Program) encourages law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services organizations, health professionals, and community organizations to collaborate on ways to support victims living in rural areas. The program funds a wide range of projects, including cooperative efforts, treatment, victim advocacy, legal services, counseling, training, and sexual assault response initiatives. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $33.4 million in funding to 44 awardees.
Program Eligibility: States, tribes, territories, local governments, and nonprofits are eligible to apply for Rural Program funding. Applications for this program are due on January 31, 2023. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.rural@usdoj.gov.
11. Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.023
Grant Description: The Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program) helps nonprofits deliver culturally-relevant and informed sexual assault services to victims from minority communities. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $5.4 million in funding to 19 awardees.
Program Eligibility: Nonprofits that serve Native American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black, or Hispanic populations are eligible to apply for SAS Culturally Specific Program funding. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.sasp@usdoj.gov.
12. Sexual Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (SASP)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: States, Territories
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.017
Grant Description: The Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP) helps states and territories strengthen victim services programs. It’s the first federal program of its kind, designed to provide direct assistance to victims of sexual assault. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $35.7 million in funding to 56 states and territories.
Program Eligibility: States and territories can apply for SASP formula grants. Rape crisis centers, nonprofits, tribal programs, and nongovernmental organizations that support victims of sexual assault can apply for SASP funds via their state or territory. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.sasp@usdoj.gov.
13. State and Territorial Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: States, Territories
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.556
Grant Description: The State and Territorial Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program helps coordinate victim services programs across federal, state, and local entities to holistically address violence against women. Statewide sexual assault coalitions supported by this formula grant program are designed to streamline rape and crisis center operations via funding, training, technical assistance, communications, and policy advocacy. Domestic violence coalitions support women’s shelters and other victim services providers. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $14.8 million in funding. Some state coalitions funded via this program provide emergency relief funds for survivors to cover costs for housing, essential needs, counseling, food, medical care, childcare, transportation, and relocation.
Program Eligibility: States and territories can apply for State and Territorial Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.stop@usdoj.gov.
14. Stop Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (STOP)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: States, Territories
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.558
Grant Description: The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program helps communities prevent and address violent crimes against women by strengthening law enforcement and prosecution responses. The formula grant funds also support victim services for women who have been targeted by those committing violent crimes. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $140.4 million in funding to 56 states and territories.
Program Eligibility: States and territories are eligible to apply for STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. Each grant recipient is required to allocate the funds accordingly: 30% to victim services, 25% to law enforcement, 25% to prosecutors, 15% for discretionary distribution, and 5% to state and local courts. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.stop@usdoj.gov.
15. Support Families in the Justice System Program (Justice for Families Program)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: States, Local Governments, Courts, Tribal Governments, Nonprofits, Legal Services Providers, Victim Services Organizations
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.021
Grant Description: The Grants to Support Families in the Justice System Program (Justice for Families Program) aims to improve civil and criminal justice system responses when handling family-based cases of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The grants support court-related programs, safe child exchange and supervised visitation initiatives, specialized training for court personnel, civil legal services, and resources for juvenile courts. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $14.1 million in funding to 26 awardees.
Program Eligibility: States, local governments, courts, tribal governments, nonprofits, legal services, and victim services providers are eligible to apply for the Justice for Families Program. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.jff@usdoj.gov.
16. Training and Services to End Violence Against Individuals With Disabilities and Deaf People Program (Disability Grant Program)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: States, Local Governments, Tribal Governments, Victim Services Providers, Nongovernmental Organizations Serving Individuals With Disabilities
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.529
Grant Description: The Training and Services to End Violence Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program (Disability Grant Program) is designed to address and prevent sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking against victims with disabilities and hearing impairment. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $4.1 million in funding to 10 awardees.
Program Eligibility: States, local governments, tribal governments, victim services providers, and nongovernmental organizations serving individuals with disabilities are eligible to apply for this program. Applications for 2023 funding are due on January 5, 2023. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.disabilities@usdoj.gov.
17. Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims Violence Against Women Act Resources For Multifamily Assisted Housing (Transitional Housing Program)
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Who Can Apply: States, Local Governments, Tribal Governments, Domestic Violence Coalitions, Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Organizations
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.736
Grant Description: The Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking, part of the Transitional Housing Program, help victims who are homeless or need transitional housing. The Transitional Housing Program funds a wide range of services, including transitional housing, counseling, childcare, job training, education, and transportation. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $35.6 million in funding to 72 awardees.
Program Eligibility: States, local governments, tribal governments, domestic violence coalitions, nonprofits, and nongovernmental organizations are eligible to apply for this program. Applications for 2023 funding are due on December 20, 2022. For questions about this program, please contact ovw.transitionalhousing@usdoj.gov.
18. Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women
Who Can Apply: States, Territories
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.557
Grant Description: The Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program helps nonprofits and nongovernmental tribal organizations assemble and operate domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. These coalitions are designed to provide supportive services, education, and technical assistance to tribes in an effort to enhance responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women allocated $6.3 million in funding to support this program.
Program Eligibility: Tribal coalitions are eligible to apply for the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program. For questions about this program, contact ovw.tribalcoalitions@usdoj.gov.
19. Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime
Who Can Apply: States, Territories
CFDA Federal Grant Number: 16.575
Grant Description: The Victims of Crime Act Victims Assistance Formula Grant Program (VOCA) delivers victim assistance, support, and services as they move through the criminal justice system. The program funds states and territories, which directly support victim assistance programs. In 2022, the VOCA Program allocated $13.6 million in funding.
Program Eligibility: States and territories are eligible to apply for this program. Applications for 2023 funding are anticipated to be due in June 2023.
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