The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), established in 1995, provides leadership in addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through grants administered under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and related legislation, OVW funds collaborative, victim-centered initiatives that enhance services and promote offender accountability. The OVW Transitional Housing Assistance Grant Program is part of this broader mission, focusing specifically on transitional housing solutions for survivors of these forms of violence.
This grant program supports projects that offer 6 to 24 months of transitional housing and associated support services to victims who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Support may include help locating permanent housing, employment support, transportation, childcare, and case management. The program is intended to assist those for whom emergency shelter or other immediate services are unavailable or inadequate. A minimum engagement of six months and a maximum of 24 months is required, with the possibility of a six-month extension for victims actively pursuing permanent housing.
Eligible applicants include state, territorial, tribal, and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations with a documented history of serving victims of domestic violence and related crimes. Applications must include a partner that qualifies as a victim service provider, with demonstrated experience and a primary purpose of working with victims. Faith-based organizations are eligible if they meet all relevant criteria. Prohibited applicants include those without a history of specific, targeted victim services, such as law enforcement agencies and general homelessness organizations. One application per organization per service area is allowed.
The total expected funding for the 2025 cycle is $40 million, with up to 80 anticipated awards. Applicants proposing support services only may receive up to $400,000, while those including housing services can request up to $500,000. Cost sharing is not required. Key dates include a funding opportunity release around May 9, 2025, a letter of intent deadline on May 22, 2025, a Grants.gov submission deadline on June 9, 2025, and a JustGrants submission deadline on June 11, 2025. Award decisions are expected by October 1, 2025.
Applications must avoid activities that compromise victim safety or impose unnecessary requirements, such as mandatory case management, clinical evaluations, or background checks. Funding may not be used for research, prevention programs, or activities that conflict with current federal policies. Recipients must commit to participating in OVW-sponsored training and evaluations, collecting performance data, and following strict guidelines on victim confidentiality and voluntary services. Preference is given to proposals targeting underserved populations and addressing issues in rural or tribal communities, or focused on victims of non-intimate partner sexual assault.
