News & Features

June 2018

Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program

This year, for the first time, the 2018 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides for 3 percent of funds from the Crime Victims Fund to be used to support a broadly applicable tribal set-aside program for Indian tribes to improve services to crime victims.

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program solicitation. Under the solicitation, OVC will award eligible tribes, tribal consortia, and tribal designees grants to support a wide-range of services for victims of crime.

In developing the scope of activities allowable with this funding, OVC took into account input from tribal leaders and other stakeholders regarding needs for victim services in tribal communities.

OVC anticipates making up to $110 million available through this solicitation to support tribes to improve victim services.

This solicitation has a streamlined, two-phase application process for this unique program.

View FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program Frequently Asked Questions and Answers which help potential applicants with questions about eligibility, the application process, allowable expenses, and more.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application Phase 1 webinar on June 28, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Phase 1 applications are due by 9:00 p.m. e.t. on August 6, 2018.

Learn more about the tribal set-aside program and apply for the FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program solicitation.

(Posted June 22, 2018; updated June 29, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Vicarious Trauma Response Initiative: National Scope Training and Technical Assistance

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Vicarious Trauma Response Initiative: National Scope Training and Technical Assistance solicitation.

The successful applicant will create an accessible, tailored, and integrated technical assistance approach to address vicarious trauma. This project has two stages as outlined below.

Stage 1: Develop a program strategy and plan to directly support up to 15 project sites across the country to develop customized approaches to addressing vicarious trauma response plans that are uniquely tailored to each project site’s victim response efforts/teams.

Stage 2: Establish and carry out a national-scope training and technical assistance (TTA) initiative to build upon existing evidence-based resources and expertise, and weave these resources together with in-depth and tailored technical assistance, based on the unique needs and resources in various community sites. Further, the TTA provider will develop and deliver free and accessible support and technical assistance that results in a robust, established, and sustained response to vicarious trauma.

OVC expects to make one award of up to $600,000 for a 24-month period of performance, to begin on January 1, 2019, and end on December 31, 2020.

Apply by July 16, 2018.

(Posted June 14, 2018)

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Don’t Miss Out on OVC Funding Opportunities Closing in July

OVC is seeking applicants for multiple funding opportunities closing in July. Find information about these open solicitations below and click the links to learn more and apply.

FY 2018 Vicarious Trauma Response Initiative: National Scope Training and Technical Assistance
Due: July 16, 2018

FY 2018 Enhancing Access to Services Program
Due: July 16, 2018

FY 2018 Tribal Set-Aside Training and Technical Assistance Program
Due: July 18, 2018

View all open OVC funding opportunities on our current funding opportunities page.

Are you interested in receiving email notices when OVC releases new funding opportunities? Subscribe to receive News From OVC for updates on new funding opportunities and other OVC announcements.

(Posted June 13, 2018; Updated July 16, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Field-Generated Innovations in Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Field-Generated Innovations in Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking solicitation.

This solicitation seeks applications to develop or enhance promising practices, models, and programs, or apply them in innovative ways, to build the capacity of victim service providers to assist victims of human trafficking under the following two purpose areas:

Purpose Area 1: Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Funding under this purpose area will support the identification of promising practices and the delivery of evidence-based, trauma-informed clinical, mental health, and substance abuse services within a system of care, as clinically necessary, for victims of human trafficking.

Purpose Area 2: Addressing Barriers to Identifying and Assisting Labor Trafficking Victims
Funding under this purpose area will support implementation of innovative ideas to increase the identification of victims of labor trafficking and enhance service delivery to those victims.

OVC expects to make up to six awards (three per purpose area) of up to $600,000 each, with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $3.6 million. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 14, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A transcript of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 9, 2018.

(Posted June 8, 2018; updated June 22, 2018)

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FY 2018 Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking solicitation.

This solicitation has two categories, each with its own specific goals, activities, and objectives.

Category 1: Statewide or Tribal Jurisdictionwide Response
The first category seeks applications for up to three state or tribal jurisdictions to identify the state or tribe’s greatest barriers to identifying and assisting child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking and/or to investigating and prosecuting these cases, and to develop a statewide or tribal jurisdictionwide strategy to address these challenges.

Category 2: Children and Youth Technical Assistance Program
The applicant funded under Category 2 will provide training and technical assistance and resources to support OVC and all OVC grantees funded under the Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking program (Both those newly funded in FY 2018 under category 1 and the 6 previously funded grantees).

OVC expects to make up to three awards under Category 1 of up to $1.5 million with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $4.5 million. Under Category 2, OVC expects to make one award for up to $600,000. OVC expects to make the awards for a 3-year period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

Apply by July 9, 2018.

(Posted June 7, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking

OVC and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) are seeking applications for the FY 2018 Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking solicitation.

Through this solicitation, OVC and BJA will make awards to support law enforcement and victim service provider efforts within human trafficking task forces under the following purpose areas:

Purpose Area 1: Development of Human Trafficking Task Forces
Funding under this purpose area is intended to help task forces with critical first steps related to starting up a multidisciplinary task force.

Purpose Area 2: Increasing Human Trafficking Task Force Effectiveness
Eligible applicants are human trafficking task forces that were funded in FY 2015 under the OVC/BJA Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force Program - Purpose Area 1. FY 2018 Purpose Area 2 allows FY 2015 task forces to compete for funding to support continued task force activities and develop a plan for task force sustainability.

Purpose Area 3: Expanding Human Trafficking Task Force Effectiveness
Eligible applicants are human trafficking task forces that were funded in FY 2015 under the OVC/BJA Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force Program - Purpose Area 2. FY 2018 Purpose Area 3 allows FY 2015 task forces to compete for funding to expand their task force efforts, implement task force sustainability plans, and assist OVC and BJA in building capacity of other task forces in the field, by providing mentoring and peer support to newly established task forces.

OVC and BJA conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 18, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A transcript of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 5, 2018.

(Posted June 5, 2018; updated June 29, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Field-Generated Innovations in Addressing Elder Financial Exploitation

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Field-Generated Innovations in Addressing Elder Financial Exploitation solicitation.

OVC seeks applications which focus on elder financial exploitation through innovative collaborations between the financial industry and others to better detect and respond to victims.

These efforts should build the capacity of victim service providers and financial industry representatives to enhance fraud detection and provide trauma-informed, age-appropriate services and resources for victims.

Projects proposed under this program must be built on collaborative partnerships that are national in scope to develop or enhance promising practices, models, and programs and provide enhanced or improved services for these victims.

OVC expects to make up to six awards of up to $500,000 each, with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $3,000,000. OVC expects to make awards for a 24-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 13, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A transcript of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 5, 2018.

(Posted June 5, 2018; updated June 21, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Linking Systems of Care for Children and Youth Technical Assistance

OVC is seeking applications for the Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Linking Systems of Care for Children and Youth Technical Assistance solicitation.

This solicitation will fund one organization to provide comprehensive training and technical assistance (TTA) to support state-level demonstration projects funded under OVC’s Linking Systems of Care for Children and Youth (LSC) Demonstration Initiative.

The LSC approach seeks to ensure every child entering various systems is assessed for victimization; that children and their families are provided comprehensive and coordinated services to fully address their needs; and that practices and policies are established to sustain this approach long term.

The TTA provider selected through this solicitation will actively engage with the four existing demonstration sites and will offer a wide range of TTA through varied delivery modes to support the demonstration sites through the planning, where applicable, and implementation of the initiative.

OVC anticipates that it will make one award of up to $2 million for a 30-month period.

Apply by July 5, 2018.

(Posted June 5, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Initiative to Enhance Crime Victims’ Rights Enforcement and Victim Access to Legal Assistance

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Initiative to Enhance Crime Victims’ Rights Enforcement and Victim Access to Legal Assistance solicitation.

This initiative is intended to expand on federal, state, local, and tribal efforts to enforce crime victims’ rights. One managing training and technical assistance (TTA) provider will be selected under this initiative, which, in turn, will competitively select up to six subgrantee clinics.

OVC expects to make one award totaling $6.9 million to the managing TTA provider for a 3-year project period beginning on October 1, 2018. OVC expects to distribute these funds as follows:

1. (a) approximately $900,000 for the managing TTA provider; and
2. (b) approximately $6 million for six crime victims’ rights clinics ($1 million per site).

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 14, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A transcript of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 2, 2018.

(Posted June 1, 2018; updated June 26, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Tribal Set-Aside Training and Technical Assistance Program

Apply for the FY 2018 Tribal Set-Aside Training and Technical Assistance Program solicitation.

The primary goal of the cooperative agreement(s) awarded under the FY 2018 Tribal Set-Aside Training and Technical Assistance Program solicitation is to provide resources and training and technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal consortia that receive grant funds from OVC through the FY18 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program, to enhance their response to victims of crime, their families, and the community.

OVC estimates that it will make up to two awards, of up to $1.325 million each, for an estimated total of $2.65 million, for a 3-year period of performance, beginning on October 1, 2018. OVC anticipates funding organization(s) with experience providing expertise on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) victim issues and support and training and technical assistance to AI/AN communities.

Apply by July 18, 2018.

(Posted June 1, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Law Enforcement-Based Direct Victim Services and Technical Assistance Program

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Law Enforcement-Based Direct Victim Services and Technical Assistance Program solicitation in two purpose areas.

Purpose Area 1 – Law Enforcement-Based Direct Victim Services Program
Purpose Area 1 supports direct victim assistance service grants to state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in small, mid-sized, and large jurisdictions to hire staff to develop new, or enhance existing, law enforcement-based victim service programs and partnerships in high-crime areas to improve rights and services for victims.

OVC expects to make up to 40 awards under Purpose Area 1 across all jurisdictional categories (small, medium, large, and tribal) with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $21.51 million. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

Purpose Area 2 – Law Enforcement-Based Direct Victim Services Technical Assistance
Funding under Purpose Area 2 will support a technical assistance program to help build the capacity of the Purpose Area 1 sites to better serve all victims of crime.

OVC expects to make one cooperative agreement award under Purpose Area 2 to a successful applicant that can demonstrate experience providing technical assistance to victim-serving organizations. OVC expects to make an estimated total award up to $2.25 million, for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 13, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A transcript of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 2, 2018.

(Posted June 1, 2018; Updated June 20, 2018)

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Submit Your Nominations for the 2019 National Crime Victims' Service Awards

The prestigious National Crime Victims' Service Awards recognize extraordinary individuals, organizations, teams, and programs that demonstrate outstanding achievements in supporting victims and victim services.

Do you know an individual, organization, team, or program that you would like to see recognized? If so, submit your nominations for the 2019 National Crime Victims' Service Awards by August 1, 2018.

The recipients will be honored at the annual National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Sign up for the National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Mailing List for updates about the 2019 NCVRW observation, April 7–13, and the Awards Ceremony as they become available.

(Posted June 1, 2018)

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Participate in Calls about the Crime Victims Fund Tribal Set-Aside

OVC invites tribal leaders and representatives to discuss the administration of the Fiscal Year 2018 tribal set-aside to enhance services for tribal victim services.

The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018, (P.L. 115-141) for the U.S. Department of Justice created a 3 percent set-aside in the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) receipts allocated to OVC. OVC is responsible for administering grant award programs that are supported by the CVF, including the FY 2018 tribal set-aside.

Participate in a series of telephone calls about the set-aside that will be held between June 12, 2018 and June 14, 2018. For more information, visit OVC’s FY 2018 Tribal Set Aside page.

(Posted June 1, 2018)

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May 2018

Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Victim Assistance Fellowship Program: Translation and Dissemination of Statistical Data

OVC and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) are seeking applications for the FY 2018 Victim Assistance Fellowship Program: Translation and Dissemination of Statistical Data solicitation.

The individual awarded funding under this fellowship will enhance the efforts of OVC and BJS to improve the synthesis and translation of social science research and statistical findings to inform practice and policies in the victim services field.

The successful candidate must demonstrate substantial knowledge of data and research related to victimization and victim services, and have the skills to communicate orally and in writing with a broad audience of stakeholders. Preference will be given to applicants with a background in statistics or survey methodology.

OVC expects to make one award of up to $400,000 under this program. OVC expects to make the award for a 24-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC and BJS conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 7, 2018. During the webinar, OVC and BJS staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 9, 2018.

(Posted May 30, 2018; updated June 20, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Enhancing Access to Services Program

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Enhancing Access to Services Program solicitation.

Many victims of crime, and particularly those from limited English proficient (LEP), Deaf, and hard-of-hearing communities, may experience barriers that prevent them from accessing critical services.

This program will support community-based organizations in addressing the language access and service needs of victims of all types of crime and will promote innovation and collaboration in affected communities. This solicitation has two purpose areas:

Purpose Area 1
OVC will make up to 10 awards of up to $200,000 each to organizations for the provision of direct services to victims of crime in linguistically specific communities.

Purpose Area 2
OVC will make one award of up to $600,000 to one technical assistance provider who will support community-based service providers and allied professionals in meeting language access and service needs of crime victims.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 12, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 16, 2018.

(Posted May 30, 2018; updated June 21, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims solicitation.

The purpose of this solicitation is to address an urgent gap in crime victim services related to the opioid epidemic and to expand upon existing or establish new programs to provide services to children and youth who are victimized as a result of the opioid crisis.

This solicitation has two purpose areas:

Purpose Area 1 (Direct Services)
Applicants will develop and execute plans to support children and youth directly at the community or jurisdictional level. Applicants are expected to work with an OVC-designated national training and technical assistance provider to further enhance these efforts and contribute to the growing body of knowledge about these issues and underscore successful practices.

Purpose Area 2 (TTA)
Applicants will develop and activate plans to support the direct services applicants on a national scale to equip and support the community-based programs as they develop new initiatives or enhance existing efforts.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 6, 2018,. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 10, 2018.

(Posted May 30, 2018; updated June 14, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Advancing Hospital-Based Victim Services

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Advancing Hospital-Based Victim Services solicitation.

In an effort to expand the use of hospitals and other medical facilities as an entry point to increase support for victims of crime, improve their outcomes, and prevent chances for repeat victimization, this solicitation will fund applicants under two purpose areas:

Purpose Area 1: Demonstration Project
Up to eight demonstration sites will be selected to implement or expand hospital-based/affiliated programs to support crime victims using evidence-based models and practices with victim-centered approaches.

Purpose Area 2: TA Project
One entity will be selected to provide comprehensive TA to the demonstration sites and develop TA tools and resources to support the initiative.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 6, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 2, 2018.

(Posted May 30, 2018; updated June 18, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Building State Technology Capacity

Apply for the FY 2018 Building State Technology Capacity solicitation.

OVC seeks ambitious yet viable proposals from Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Formula State Administrating Agencies (SAAs) or outside organizations who partner with existing SAAs to—

• implement visionary statewide technology programs to enhance victims' access to services,
• foster innovation and efficiency in the provision of services,
• improve the quality of services, and
• improve the accessibility and responsiveness of victim service organizations.

OVC expects to make an unspecified number of awards of up to $750,000 with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $7 million. OVC expects to make awards for a 12–36 month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on June 5. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by July 2, 2018.

(Posted May 29, 2018; updated June 18, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Vision 21: Advancing the Use of Technology to Assist Victims of Crime

Apply for the FY 2018 Vision 21: Advancing the Use of Technology to Assist Victims of Crime solicitation.

This program will provide project funding to eligible nonprofit organizations that propose to develop, use, and strategize the use of technology in innovative ways to interact directly with crime victims and provide information, referral, crisis assistance, and longer term help.

Through this solicitation, OVC seeks to support organizations which demonstrate innovative strategies to create, expand, or enhance the use of technology initiatives on a national or nationally replicable scale to improve response, services, and access for victims of crime.

OVC expects to make up to 10 awards in the range of $500,000 to $2.25 million each, with an estimated total amount awarded up to $15 million. OVC expects to make awards for a 24 month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

Apply by June 25, 2018.

(Posted May 24, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 National Joint Training Conference for VOCA Victim Assistance and Victim Compensation Administrators (2019-2021)

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 National Joint Training Conference for VOCA Victim Assistance and Victim Compensation Administrators (2019-2021) solicitation.

The successful applicant will support the 2019 and 2021 VOCA National Training Conferences and the 2020 regional training conferences for State VOCA Victim Assistance and Compensation Administrators and their staff.

The conferences are intended to provide training and technical assistance and facilitate an opportunity for the presentation of state issues and practices through lectures, panels, workshops, and forums.

OVC expects to make one award of up to $600,000 total ($200,000 per year), for a 3-year period of performance, beginning October 1, 2018.

Apply by June 26, 2018.

(Posted May 22, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Discretionary Training and Technical Assistance Program for VOCA Victim Assistance Grantees

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Discretionary Training and Technical Assistance Program for VOCA Victim Assistance Grantees solicitation.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund VOCA Victim Assistance Program state administering agencies (SAAs) or outside organizations who partner with existing SAAs to provide training within the applicant’s state.

Activities funded through this program may include, but are not limited to—

• the establishment or enhancement of state victim assistance academies,
• statewide training initiatives,
• crime victim-related conferences,
• basic training for new programs, or
• scholarships to attend conferences and/or training for service providers and others who work with victims of crime.

OVC expects to make up to 30 awards of up to $1.5 million each, with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $12 million. The anticipated period of performance for these grants will be from the award date through September 30, 2021.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on May 22, 2018 During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by June 18, 2018.

(Posted May 17, 2018; Updated June 5, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Specialized Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Specialized Services for Victims of Human Trafficking solicitation.

The purpose of this program is to enhance the quality and quantity of specialized services available to assist victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended.

OVC is interested in supporting programs that focus on one or more of the priority areas listed below—

1. housing services,
2. economic and leadership empowerment and/or education services,
3. mental health services,
4. substance abuse services, and
5. legal services.

OVC expects to make up to 20 awards of up to $700,000, with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $14 million. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on May 31, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by June 27, 2018.

(Posted May 14, 2018; updated June 8, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Specialized Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance

OVC is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Specialized Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance solicitation.

Successful applicants will provide specialized training and technical assistance (TTA) to service providers and court personnel in three purpose areas.

Purpose Area 1: Comprehensive Legal Services
The overarching goal of this purpose area is to enhance the quality and quantity of legal services provided to victims of human trafficking by assisting legal and social service providers to protect their client’s legal rights, particularly victims’ rights, and the civil legal remedies and legal resources available to them.

Purpose Area 2: Trauma-Informed Responses and Services
The overall goal of this purpose area is for a technical assistance provider to assist trafficking victim service providers through a process of becoming trauma-informed.

Purpose Area 3: Increased Identification, Referrals, and Assistance of Human Trafficking in Court Settings
The purpose of this TTA program is to increase accurate identification of human trafficking victims in court settings, enhance victim referrals to appropriate service providers, and to decrease the re-victimization of trafficking victims who interact with the justice system.

OVC expects to make up to three awards (one per purpose area) of up to $900,000 each, with an estimated total amount awarded of up to $2.7 million. OVC expects to make awards for a 36-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on May 31, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by June 27, 2018.

(Posted May 14, 2018; updated June 8, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Comprehensive Services for Victims of All Forms of Human Trafficking

Through the FY 2018 Comprehensive Services for Victims of All Forms of Human Trafficking solicitation, OVC is seeking applicants to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to assist victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended.

OVC is interested in supporting programs that focus on one of three purpose areas.

Purpose Area 1: Comprehensive Services
Purpose Area 1 will provide funding to victim service providers with a demonstrated history of providing comprehensive services to victims of human trafficking.

Purpose Area 2: Comprehensive Services for Sustained Caseloads
Purpose Area 2 will provide funding to victim service providers with a demonstrated history of providing comprehensive services to a sustained caseload of a large number of victims of human trafficking.

Purpose Area 3: Capacity Building
Purpose Area 3 is designed to strengthen the capacity of victim service providers who have experience serving victims of human trafficking and/or related populations (e.g., victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual assault, and/or runaway and homeless youth, etc.) but who currently have a limited capacity to implement the comprehensive services model due to limited staff and/or partnerships to fully meet the needs of human trafficking victims.

OVC conducted an optional, pre-application webinar on May 24, 2018. During the webinar, OVC staff reviewed the solicitation requirements and conducted a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. A recording of this webinar is now available.

Apply by June 25, 2018.

(Posted May 10, 2018, updated June 5, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 2019 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Community Awareness Projects

Every April since the first National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) was observed in 1981, OVC has supported local communities throughout the nation in their NCVRW observances. Victim service providers conduct rallies, candlelight vigils, and a host of other events during this week to promote awareness of victims' rights and needs.

The successful applicant for the FY 2018 2019 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Community Awareness Projects solicitation will provide financial and technical assistance to approximately 90 communities nationwide to conduct public education and awareness activities on crime victims' rights and services in their jurisdictions during the 2019 NCVRW observance.

OVC expects to make one award of up to $600,000, for a 12-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

Apply by June 18, 2018.

(Posted May 3, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 2019 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide

OVC is seeking applicants for the FY 2018 2019 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide cooperative agreement.

The successful applicant will support the development of a comprehensive Resource Guide for use by the victim services field when planning for local National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) events across the nation in April 2019, and throughout the year. Furthermore, the successful applicant will develop and produce a complementary theme video to use in 2019 and begin preparations for the 2020 NCVRW theme narrative.

OVC anticipates making one award of up to $400,000. OVC expects to make the award for an 18-month period of performance, to begin on October 1, 2018.

Learn more and apply for FY 2018 2019 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide grant.

Apply by May 30, 2018.

(Posted May 1, 2018)

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April 2018

Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 American Indian/Alaska Native Training and Technical Assistance Program

Through the FY 2018 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Training and Technical Assistance Program solicitation, OVC seeks to provide resources and coordination to increase AI/AN tribal communities' ability to provide comprehensive and culturally appropriate services to crime victims, their families, and the community.

OVC anticipates making up to two awards of up to $1.5 million each for an estimated total of $3 million for a 3-year project period. Successful applicants will assist OVC in supporting the TTA needs of AI/AN communities that receive grant funds from OVC.

Learn more and apply for the FY 2018 American Indian/Alaska Native Training and Technical Assistance Program funding opportunity.

Apply by May 31, 2018.

(Posted April 17, 2018)

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Watch the 2018 National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony Online

Each year, OVC recognizes individuals, programs, teams, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services. The award recipients are selected from public nominations in 11 categories for their vision, action, and leadership in improving the lives of victims in the aftermath of crime. The honorees are recognized at the National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony, which will be held April 13 at 2:00 p.m. e.t.

Watch the Facebook Live Stream of the Ceremony. To view the ceremony on Facebook, simply “Like” the OVC Facebook page and login to your account prior to the start of the ceremony. We recommend that you check your Facebook settings, to ensure that you receive notifications for Live events.

Learn more about the awardees in the OVC Gallery.

(Posted April 9, 2018)

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March 2018

Creating a Vicarious Trauma-Informed Organization: Strategies for Success Webinar

As part of OVC's commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), OVC will host a webinar on April 11, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. e.t., that focuses on evidence-based strategies for your organization to address vicarious trauma.

Due to their continuous exposure to victims of trauma and violence, vicarious trauma is an occupational challenge for people working and volunteering in the fields of victim services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, and other allied professions.

This webinar will provide a starting point for an organizational response to vicarious trauma by highlighting the compelling need for it.

Released in April 2017, OVC's Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (VTT) is an evidence-informed resource for organizations that work with people who have experienced trauma. This training will show how organizations can use VTT to become trauma informed and support an organization's plan to address trauma.

Learn more and register for the NCVRW Creating a Vicarious Trauma-Informed Organization: Strategies for Success webinar.

(Posted March 22, 2018)

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Register for the NCVRW: Maximizing the Impact of Your Campaign Webinar

Every year in April, OVC helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW).

On March 15, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. e.t., join experts Anne Seymour, NCVRW Community Awareness Projects consultant, and Tara Ballesteros, National Center for Victims of Crime, for the National Crime Victims' Rights Week: Maximizing the Impact of Your Campaign webinar on how to raise awareness about victims' rights and services during NCVRW and beyond.

Topics to be discussed during the webinar include—

• a history and overview of NCVRW, and the importance of community outreach;
• ways to use the resources and artwork from the NCVRW Resource Guide;
• how to organize a planning committee, establish goals, and create a timetable;
• how to create impactful messaging on traditional and social media; and
• an overview of this year's theme “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.”

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions prior to the conclusion of the event.

Register today for the webinar.

(Posted March 7, 2018)

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February 2018

2018 National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony

Every year OVC honors the individuals, teams, programs and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting crime victims and victim services.

Join OVC at the 2018 National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony in recognizing these individuals and organizations.

When: 2:00–3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on April 13, 2018
Where: National Archives—William G. McGowan Theater
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC  20408
Attendee Entrance: Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Street, NW.

Learn more about the ceremony and register to attend.

(Posted February 28, 2018)

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January 2018

2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide Artwork Now Available

We are pleased to present the 2018 NCVRW Resource Guide theme artwork, theme poster, awareness posters, and web artwork. This artwork is designed to help your organization promote NCVRW and this year's NCVRW theme—Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims. Use these materials to join the nationwide effort to raise awareness about victims' rights and services.

Available in both English and Spanish, view and download the 2018 NCVRW artwork today.

Join the NCVRW mailing list to be notified when the complete Resource Guide is available.

(Posted January 19, 2018)

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Resources for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Human trafficking is a tragic human rights issue and horrendous crime that impacts communities throughout our Nation. With increased awareness, improved services, and effective prosecutions, we can work together to fight this crime and support survivors throughout their recovery. Every January, we commemorate National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month to renew our commitment to identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. In an effort to help communities prepare for local events throughout January, we highlight the following OVC resources—

(Posted January 11, 2018)

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Funding Opportunity: FY 2018 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking applicants for its Fiscal Year 2018 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS). CTAS provides comprehensive funding to American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and tribal consortia to support public safety, victim services, and crime prevention.

CTAS applicants have the flexibility to submit a single application and select from any or all of the nine purpose areas, including two administered by OVC:

• Comprehensive Tribal Victim Assistance Program (CTVA): CTVA supports tribal program response to victims of crime, their families, and communities and provides funding to support trauma-informed, culturally competent holistic victim services.
  
• Children's Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities Program (CJA): CJA supports the investigation and prosecution of child abuse, especially child sexual abuse and comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to child abuse victims and their families in ways that are trauma-informed and culturally competent.

To learn more about this funding opportunity, visit the CTAS solicitation website. This site provides FAQs, templates, and other materials that will help guide you through the application process.

Additionally, view the OVC 2018 CTAS FAQs which help guide you through the application process and create a stronger application.

Apply by 9:00 p.m. e.t. on March 20, 2018.

(Posted January 3, 2018)

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