OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is offering funding opportunities under the Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program. The OVW, established in 1995, administers grant programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), promoting justice system responses that enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The ICJR Program specifically aids state, local, Tribal governments, and courts to improve how criminal justice systems address these crimes as serious legal violations while enhancing victim autonomy and safety. This NOFO outlines the eligibility criteria, key dates, and submission requirements for prospective applicants. Eligible entities include states and territories, units of local government, Indian Tribal governments, courts, domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions, and victim service providers. Faith-based organizations and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status may apply if they meet eligibility standards. Applicants must include certification letters and establish formal partnerships relevant to their organization type, often in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Letters of Commitment (LOC). The total funding available under this NOFO is approximately $23,000,000, with anticipated awards ranging between $500,000 and $1,000,000. The expected award duration is 36 months. Applications will be accepted through Grants.gov until June 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and final submissions are due in JustGrants by June 18, 2025, at 8:59 PM ET. Applicants are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent by May 23, 2025. Notification of awards is expected by October 1, 2025. The ICJR Program funds initiatives that address a broad range of purpose areas, from developing legal advocacy services to enhancing law enforcement protocols and training. Emphasis is placed on projects that tackle sexual assault, with a 25 percent statutory funding set-aside dedicated to these initiatives. Applicants proposing to dedicate at least 45 percent of their activities to sexual assault response may be eligible for up to $200,000 in additional funding. Projects must avoid unallowable activities, such as general prevention work, media campaigns, and construction, and must align strictly with OVW’s guidelines to enhance victim support and ensure offender accountability. Applications must address specific statutory priorities, such as establishing centralized handling of cases and ensuring cross-jurisdiction enforcement of protection orders. Special consideration is also given to applicants that meet federal immigration compliance requirements or serve rural and underserved populations. Required elements include a proposal narrative, budget documentation, and certifications, among others listed in the NOFO’s application checklist. Assistance is available from OVW and federal partners through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants. Contact for OVW-related inquiries can be made at 202-307-6026 or OVW.ICJR@usdoj.gov. Additional resources including the Application Companion Guide and JustGrants training modules are accessible through the OVW website.