DOJ – Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force To Combat Human Trafficking (2021)

By NLADA on May 11, 2021

Applications due: by June 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET

The purpose of the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking program is to develop, expand, or strengthen a multidisciplinary approach to fight human trafficking. This collaborative approach must include victim and social service providers, law enforcement and prosecution personnel (local, state, and federal), and a range of other governmental and non-governmental
partners that work together to provide a diverse set of appropriate services for trafficking victims; train law enforcement and other stakeholders how to identify victims of trafficking in persons and related offenses; and provide justice for victims through the investigation and prosecution of their traffickers. This solicitation requires two separate but coordinated applications; one application from an eligible lead law enforcement agency, and one from an eligible lead victim service organization. These two applications should be developed collaboratively and submitted as a pair.
Category 1: Development of Human Trafficking Task Forces: Task forces that have newly formed (formally operational less than 3 years) or have never received funding under the OJP Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force Program are eligible to apply. Funding under Category 1 will help task forces with critical first steps related to starting up a multidisciplinary task force and establishing a strong foundation of task force leadership structure, clear roles and responsibilities, and internal processes and protocols. Successful applicants will dedicate the first 12–18 months of funding to formalize task force structure, develop operational procedures, access
professional development and training opportunities, deliver training to key stakeholders, and conduct a community assessment to identify potential areas of the community where sex and labor trafficking may be occurring. Category 2: Existing Human Trafficking Task Forces: Task forces that have been formally operational for a minimum of 3 years and can demonstrate strong task force leadership and structure and have a history of identifying trafficking victims and prosecuting traffickers. Task forces that have previously received OJP Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force Program funding for a grant that ends on or before September 30, 2021, are eligible to apply. Funding under Category Area 2 allows task forces to expand their task force operations and partnerships, implement task force sustainability plans, and assist OJP in building the capacity of other task forces in the field.

Helpful resources

The Justice in Government Project at American University has curated research briefs on how civil legal aid helps vulnerable populations. You can access the briefs here.
NLADA recently presented at the MIE Fundraising Conference on how civil legal aid serves victims of crime. Access the PowerPoint 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: Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (TVAP)

Agency Name: DOJ – Office For Victims of Crime

Funding Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2021-96004

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

Express Language for Legal Aid: Yes

Target Population: Human Trafficking

Expected Number of Awards: Yes

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: 30

Estimated Total Program Funding: $22,500,000

Award Ceiling: $750,000

Award Floor: $0

Current Closing Date for Applications: by June 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible Applicants: County governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), City or township governments, State governments,
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education