Applications due: by May 12, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

This program supports organizations that demonstrate innovative strategies to create, expand, or enhance the use of technology on a national scale (or regional projects that can be replicated nationally) to improve responses, services, and access for victims of crime.

Funding under this initiative may support technology development and maintenance; the staff required to operate, update, and maintain the proposed platform or service; training and technical assistance on the purpose and use of the technology (including outreach and publicity activities); and staff engaged in coalition-building activities regarding the use of technology.

Deliverables include:

• direct service provision to crime victims, using trauma-informed approaches that protect the safety and confidentiality of victims;
• culturally and linguistically appropriate community outreach events and materials;
• resources for service providers and criminal justice stakeholders; and
• a final report describing project activities, promising practices, challenges encountered, and solutions to address those challenges in order to improve outcomes for crime victims.

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: Advancing the Use of Technology to Assist Victims of Crime

Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime

Funding Opportunity Number: OVC-2020-18094

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Express Language for Legal Aid: No, there isn’t express language for legal aid. However, legal aid is eligible to apply

Target Population: Victims of crime

Expected Number of Awards: 3

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:  No

Estimated Total Program Funding: $4,500,000

Award Ceiling: $1,500,000

Award Floor: $0

Other important information: OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. eastern time. Participation in the webinar is optional. OVC staff will review the solicitation requirements and conduct a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. You may register for the webinar at https://www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html.

Current Closing Date for Applications: by May 12, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible Applicants: Public agencies, institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian tribes, for-profit and nonprofit organizations

For more information

Link to Full Announcement: Link to Grants.gov listing. Link to announcement from DOJ OVC

Contact Information: For assistance with any requirements of this solicitation, contact the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Response Center: toll free at 800–851–3420; via TTY at 301–240–6310 (hearing impaired only); email to grants@ncjrs.gov; fax to 301–240–5830; or web chat.The NCJRS Response Center operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., ET on the solicitation closing date.

Categories: Department of Justice, Domestic Violence, Family, Government Organizations, Native American Tribes or Tribal Organizations, Non-profit Organizations, Victims of Crime