OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is offering funding under the FY 2025 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program (Rural Program). Established in 1995, the OVW implements programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to provide leadership on issues surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The Rural Program aims to enhance the safety of victims in rural areas and support community-based, coordinated responses involving law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and victim service providers. This funding opportunity supports projects that address and prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in rural communities. Eligible applicants include states and territories, Indian Tribes, local governments, and public or private nonprofit entities, including faith-based and tribal nonprofit organizations. Specific program activities may include advocacy, legal assistance, counseling, forensic exams, and efforts to build new infrastructure such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services in rural areas through the Rural SANE Initiative. Notably, projects must demonstrate service to rural areas as defined by federal statute unless submitted by a federally recognized Indian Tribe, which is inherently considered rural. Applicants are required to submit certifications and documentation validating eligibility and rural area service, and include at least one victim service provider as a project partner. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is required to evidence this partnership. Applications may be for new or continuation projects, but only one application per organization will be considered. Awards will range from $500,000 to $950,000 over a 36-month project period, with up to four Rural SANE Initiative projects funded at the $500,000 level. There is no cost-sharing requirement. Applications are due via Grants.gov by July 8, 2025, and via JustGrants by July 10, 2025. A pre-application information session will be posted on the OVW website on May 16, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced by October 1, 2025. The program places a high priority on serving rural states, with 75 percent of funds allocated to entities within them, and at least 35 percent of total funding directed toward projects that primarily address sexual assault. Eligible projects must devote at least 70 percent of activities and budget to core service and response areas, and must align with one or more of five statutory strategies detailed in 34 U.S.C. § 12341(b)(1)-(5), such as implementing coordinated responses, expanding forensic and advocacy services, or focusing on remote areas. Projects focusing exclusively on community outreach or education without tangible service delivery are not eligible. Grant funds cannot be used for lobbying, construction, real estate purchases, or certain legal services. Technical assistance and data reporting are required components of funded projects.