Grants for Domestic Violence Programs

Can small grassroots organizations apply for federal grants?

Yes, but federal grants have significant administrative requirements that can be challenging for small organizations. Many small organizations start with state VOCA or FVPSA sub-grants administered by state agencies or domestic violence coalitions. These typically have simpler applications, smaller budgets ($25,000-$100,000), less reporting burden, and more technical assistance.

Alternative for Small Organizations: Fiscal sponsorship - Partner with established 501(c)(3) organization with federal grant experience to serve as fiscal sponsor. They handle financial management, compliance, reporting; you deliver services. Foundation grants often better fit for very small organizations (budgets under $250,000) - local community foundations, women's funds, corporate giving programs have less complex applications.

Do grants provide direct financial assistance to survivors?

Indirectly, yes - Grants fund organizations to provide free services to survivors (shelter, legal help, counseling, etc.), but most federal grants do not allow direct cash payments to individuals. However, Emergency Financial Assistance is allowable under VOCA and some OVW grants for specific needs: rent/utilities to prevent homelessness, relocation costs for safety, emergency transportation, medical expenses not covered by insurance, childcare during court/counseling appointments.

Typical Limits: Emergency assistance usually capped at $1,500-$2,500 per victim, must be directly related to victimization, requires documentation of need, cannot duplicate other benefits. Some states allow more flexible emergency assistance under TANF or state domestic violence funds.

For survivors seeking direct cash assistance: Contact local DV shelter/agency for emergency funds, apply for TANF (cash assistance for families), Crime Victims Compensation through state (covers medical bills, lost wages, counseling, relocation), Emergency Assistance programs through state social services.

What are the most common grant restrictions?

Confidentiality Requirements (VAWA): Victim identifying information cannot be disclosed without informed, written consent. This overrides typical reporting requirements, subpoenas (in most cases), and mandatory reporting in some situations. Programs must have strict policies protecting victim privacy.

Service Restrictions: Cannot require victims to participate in services (e.g., counseling, parenting classes) as condition for receiving other services (e.g., shelter, legal help), cannot require police reporting or protective orders, cannot charge fees for services, cannot proselytize or require religious participation.

Administrative Limits: Indirect costs typically capped at 10%, limited food costs (only during training), no construction/renovation (except specific facility grants), no vehicles (except specific equipment grants), limited out-of-state travel, consultant fees require justification.

Match Requirements: Many OVW grants require 25% match (cash or in-kind) after first year. VOCA grants typically no match required. Match can include: volunteer time, donated space, other grant funds (if allowed), local government contributions.

How long does it take to get funded?

Federal OVW Grants Timeline:

• Solicitation Opens: January-March (varies by program, typically 6-8 week application window)
• Application Due: February-April
• Peer Review: May-July (applications scored by domestic violence experts)
• Federal Review: August-September (OVW staff review, budget negotiations)
• Award Announcements: September-December
• Funding Available: October-January (following federal fiscal year start)

Total Timeline: 9-12 months from application to receiving funds. Most OVW grants are 3-year awards; funding released annually after performance reports approved.

State VOCA/FVPSA Grants: Faster turnaround - 60-90 days from application to award. Many states have 2 funding cycles annually (fall and spring applications). Awards typically 12 months; must reapply annually.

Can faith-based organizations receive funding?

Yes, faith-based organizations are eligible and encouraged to apply. However, federal grants cannot fund "inherently religious activities" - religious instruction, worship, proselytizing. Services funded by grant must be secular and available to all regardless of faith.

Allowable: Faith-based organization provides domestic violence services in separate program from religious activities, services provided without religious content, clients not required to participate in religious activities, organization does not discriminate based on religion in who receives services.

Best Practice: Separate secular DV services (grant-funded) from faith-based activities (funded by donations, church budget). Many successful faith-based DV programs operate as separate 501(c)(3) entities affiliated with church/religious organization. This provides clearer separation and simplifies grant management.

What training is required for staff?

Mandatory Training Topics:

• Domestic Violence Dynamics: Power and control, cycle of violence, lethality assessment, safety planning, why victims stay/return
• Trauma-Informed Care: Impact of trauma, re-traumatization prevention, trauma-informed organizational practices
• Confidentiality & VAWA Requirements: Legal obligations, information sharing protocols, exceptions to confidentiality
• Cultural Competence: Serving diverse populations, implicit bias, language access, disability accommodations
• Vicarious Trauma & Self-Care: Recognizing signs, organizational support, wellness strategies

Frequency: Initial training for new staff (40+ hours recommended), annual refresher training (16-24 hours), ongoing professional development, specialized training for specific roles (legal advocates, children's counselors, housing specialists).

Resources: National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, state domestic violence coalitions, Office on Violence Against Women Training and Technical Assistance programs provide free/low-cost training. Many grants include funding for staff training and conference attendance.