OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is administering the Fiscal Year 2025 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program. OVW was established in 1995 and implements grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It supports coordinated community responses that serve victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The STCJ Grant Program provides funding to assist Tribal governments in preparing for or exercising criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit designated “covered” crimes within Tribal jurisdiction. These covered crimes include offenses such as domestic violence, dating violence, child violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking, assault of Tribal justice personnel, obstruction of justice, and violation of protection orders. For FY 2025, the STCJ Grant Program offers a combined total of $9,000,000 in funding, including an anticipated $3,000,000 designated for Alaska Tribes, depending on the volume and quality of applications received. Each awarded grant will range between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000, with award durations of 24 to 60 months. The funding supports activities including strengthening Tribal justice systems, providing licensed defense counsel for indigent defendants, ensuring proper jury procedures, and affording victims rights similar to those found in federal statutes. Projects may also involve law enforcement, prosecution, court improvements, detention, treatment, victim services, and more. A detailed breakdown of allowable and unallowable costs is included in the NOFO. Eligible applicants are federally recognized Indian Tribal governments or consortia of Indian Tribes with jurisdiction over Indian country, including qualifying Alaska Tribes. Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating their legal authority to apply, such as Tribal resolutions or official letters from Tribal leadership. New applicants and those continuing projects from recently closed awards may apply, except those who received 60-month awards in FY 2023 or FY 2024. Only one application is allowed per organization for the same service area. Applications must be submitted through a two-step process: first via Grants.gov (SF-424) by June 24, 2025, and then the complete application in JustGrants by June 26, 2025. The application must include a proposal narrative, budget worksheet and narrative, documentation of authority to apply, summary data sheet, and other certifications. A proposal abstract is also required but not scored. Application narratives are scored on three main criteria: purpose (40 points), implementation (40 points), and personnel (10 points), for a total of 90 points. The review process includes both peer and programmatic review stages, and all funding decisions are final and subject to OVW approval. Applications that address specific priorities, such as combating human trafficking or enhancing victim services in remote or underserved areas, may receive priority consideration. All applicants must commit to specific post-award activities, including participation in technical assistance and training, data collection and reporting, and certification of readiness. Alaska Tribes must also receive a formal designation from the Attorney General before exercising STCJ. For questions, the OVW contact is available at [email protected] or 202-307-6026. Additional help is available through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants support teams. Applicants are encouraged to register early and complete the application process at least 48 hours before deadlines to avoid technical difficulties.