DOJ – Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations (2020)

By NLADA on November 25, 2019 • ( 0 )

Applications are due February 12, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to OVW.underserved@usdoj.gov by January 23, 2019. This letter confirms that the applicant has registered with SAM and Grants.gov.

This program is designed to support the development and implementation of outreach strategies targeted at adult or youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in underserved populations and to provide victim services to those victims. Applicants are encouraged to address stalking and propose projects in rural communities. Legal services are limited in what they can do — see “Express Language for Legal Aid” below for more information.

The term “underserved populations” means populations who face barriers in accessing and using victim services, and includes populations underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic populations, and populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage status, or age). 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(39).

Helpful resources

NLADA recently presented at the MIE Fundraising Conference on how civil legal aid serves victims of crime. Access the PowerPoint here.
The Justice in Government Project at American University has curated research briefs on how civil legal aid assists domestic violence survivors, elder abuse survivors and children. You can access these briefs here.
Want help making your case? The Justice Index scores and ranks states on their adoption of best practices for ensuring access to justice. Find how well your state is doing here.

Grant information

Funding Title: Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations

Agency Name: Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women

Funding Opportunity Number: OVW-2020-17674

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Express Language for Legal Aid: Legal aid organizations are eligible to apply, however, any legal service outside of the limited context of protection order proceedings is considered an out-of-scope activity. This means that for legal aid to be successful, they can propose activities like training law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and other court personnel on interpersonal violence or work to implement outreach, education, prevention, and intervention strategies. You can read more about the purpose areas on page 2.

Target Population: Adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in underserved populations.

Expected Number of Awards: 10

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Estimated Total Program Funding: $34,000,000

Award ceiling: $4,500,000

Award floor: $450,000

Eligible applicants: 1. Population specific organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in providing population specific services in the relevant underserved communities, or population specific organizations working in partnership with a victim service provider or domestic violence or sexual assault coalition. 2. Victim service providers offering population specific services for a specific underserved population. 3. Victim service providers working in partnership with a national, State, tribal, or local organization that has demonstrated experience and expertise in providing population specific services in the relevant underserved population.

Current Closing Date for Applications: Applications are due February 12, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to OVW.underserved@usdoj.gov by January 23, 2019. This letter confirms that the applicant has registered with SAM and Grants.gov.