Description of the program

The Office of Justice Programs administers Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). VAWA funding is used for developing and strengthening effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women, including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking through partnerships between law enforcement/prosecution and direct service agencies. It is also used for Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs), bringing together victim service providers, law enforcement, forensic examiners, and others responding to sexual violence victims to provide a coordinated community response to sexual assault. 

Who is eligible to apply

Nonprofit agencies, Tribal Nations, and local units of government including cities, counties, or townships are eligible to apply. Eligibility varies based on the specific grant program.

Next funding opportunity, next grant period

VAWA grants have separate Request for Proposals based around specific projects, such as VAWA SART or VAWA Special Projects. 

• The next opportunity to apply for VAWA Special Projects is expected to be Spring 2026.
• The next opportunity to apply for Tribal Special Projects is expected to be Spring 2026.
• The next opportunity to apply for VAWA SART is expected to be Winter 2025.

Past RFPs

• 2023 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 24-Month Special Project Grants 2024-2025 Grants – Summer 2023 RFP
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) S.T.O.P. Special Projects for Tribal Governments 2022-2024 Grants – Summer 2022 RFP 

Resources

• VAWA SART Program Standards
• VAWA SART Technical Assistance Program Standards
• VAWA Special Projects – Examples of Past Projects

Plans and Reports

VAWA
OVW allocates VAWA funding to each state and territory to address violence against women. The two formula programs are Services Training Officers Prosecutors Formula Grant Program (STOP) and Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP). In Minnesota, half of the VAWA STOP funds are dedicated to developing and strengthening effective law enforcement and prosecution responses and strategies to combat violent crimes against women. 

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) requires a coordinated state plan on how the state uses federal funding related to crime victim services. You can find the current plan below.

• VAWA Implementation Plan

Current grantees, current grant period

VAWA SART: The current grant period for VAWA SART grants is January 1, 2023-March 31, 2026.

1. Hope Center
2. HOPE Coalition
3. Isanti County Attorney's Office
4. New Horizons Crisis Center
5. Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault
6. Sexual Violence Center
7. Saint Paul/Ramsey County Department of Public Health, Sexual Offense Services
8. Support Within Reach
9. Winona County Attorney's Office
10. Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (Technical assistance provider for SART)

VAWA Special Projects: The current grant period is TBD.

VAWA Courts: The current grant period for VAWA Courts is January 1, 2023-March 31, 2026.

1. Minnesota Judicial Branch

VAWA Statewide Medical Forensic Policy Program: The current grant period for VAWA Statewide Medical Forensic Policy Program is January 1, 2023-March 31, 2026.

1. Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Contact

Victoria Riechers, VAWA Program Coordinator, victoria.riechers@state.mn.us