Applications due: March 06, 2023 11:59 PM ET

The goal of the Disability Grant Program (CFDA# 16.529) is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that improves the response to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable. Specifically, the purpose of the program is to provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and abuse by caregivers against individuals with disabilities and Deaf people and to enhance direct services to such individuals. Disability
Grant Program funds are used to establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; identify needs within the grantee’s organization and/or service area; and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future work.

The Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 revised the definition of victim services to include legal services. Applicants may now request grant funds to provide legal services if appropriate. New grantees may plan for providing accessible legal services if it fits with the collaborative team composition and services they offer. Legal services will be allowed for continuation grantees, but a project cannot focus solely on direct legal services. Additionally, such services must be linked to the activities identified in the strategic plan developed from the initial, or Page 6 of 41 O-OVW-2023-171472 subsequent, Disability Grant Program award(s). VAWA 2022 also expanded the scope of the program to include “caregiver abuse.” Applicants may now propose to address this form of abuse.

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.
• The National Legal Aid Resource Development Technical Assistance Project click here for more information

 Grant information

Funding Title: OVW Fiscal Year 2023 Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program

Agency Name: DOJ – Office on Violence Against Women

Funding Opportunity Number: O-OVW-2023-171472

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

Express Language for Legal Aid: No, but legal services

Target Population: Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking

Expected Number of Awards: 12

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,359,567

Award Ceiling: $500,000

Award Floor: $0

Current Closing Date for Applications: March 06, 2023 11:59 PM ET

Eligible Applicants:

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
State governments
City or township governments
County governments
Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

For more information

Link to Full Announcement: Link to full solicitation

Categories: Department of Justice, Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Non-profit Organizations