Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The FY 2026 FAV Initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, provides flexible financial assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The program funds eligible Tribal governments and victim service organizations to directly support survivor-defined needs for safety, stability, and recovery. Awards are capped at $150,000 for a 24-month project period with no matching requirement.
Programme Overview
The Financial Assistance for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking (FAV Initiative) is administered by the Office on Violence Against Women.
It is designed to:
- Provide direct financial assistance to survivors
- Increase survivor safety and stability
- Support self-identified needs such as housing, transportation, or recovery-related costs
- Strengthen victim-centered service delivery systems
The programme prioritizes flexible, survivor-driven funding rather than restrictive service categories.
Purpose and Key Concept
The core principle of the initiative is flexible survivor-defined assistance, meaning:
- Survivors determine their own needs
- Funds are used to directly support those needs
- Assistance is tailored rather than standardized
Covered survivor groups include:
- Domestic violence survivors
- Dating violence survivors
- Sexual assault survivors
- Stalking survivors
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Federally recognized Tribal governments
- Victim service providers
- Tribal nonprofit organizations
- Faith-based organizations meeting eligibility criteria
Additional eligibility conditions:
- Organizations must provide direct assistance to victims (not pass-through funding entities)
- Nonprofits using offshore tax-avoidance accounts are not eligible
- Existing FAV grantees may apply if their current grants end by September 30, 2026
Restrictions:
- Applicants cannot simply re-grant funds to other entities
- Only direct survivor assistance is permitted
Funding Structure and Limits
Key funding details:
- Maximum award: $150,000 per application
- Project period: 24 months
- No matching or cost-sharing requirement
- Funds must be used exclusively for direct survivor assistance
Allowable uses include:
- Emergency financial support
- Housing-related costs
- Transportation assistance
- Safety-related expenses
- Other survivor-identified needs
Application Rules and Submission Requirements
Application Process
- Submit proposal through OVW application system
- Include a detailed budget narrative
- Use the official Sample Budget Narrative format
- Clearly define how funds support survivor needs
Budget Requirements
Applicants must:
- Provide itemized project costs
- Include clear calculation methods
- Link every expense to program activities
- Justify all expenditures in detail
Multiple Applications Rule
- Multiple applications allowed if projects are in different service areas
- If duplicates are submitted, only the most recent version is reviewed
How the Programme Works
Step-by-step process:
- Identify eligible victim service needs in the target community
- Design a direct assistance programme for survivors
- Prepare detailed narrative and budget documentation
- Submit application through OVW
- Undergo eligibility and competitive peer review
- Receive funding decision based on evaluation criteria
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Compliance with eligibility rules
- Clarity of survivor-centered financial assistance model
- Strength of budget justification
- Alignment with OVW priorities
- Capacity to deliver direct services effectively
Why This Programme Matters
The FAV Initiative is important because it:
- Provides immediate financial relief to survivors
- Reduces barriers to safety and recovery
- Supports survivor autonomy in decision-making
- Strengthens Tribal and community-based service systems
- Expands trauma-informed financial assistance models
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing indirect funding instead of direct survivor assistance
- Submitting incomplete budget narratives
- Exceeding the $150,000 funding cap
- Ignoring eligibility restrictions (especially pass-through funding rules)
- Failing to justify expenses with clear calculations
- Missing application deadlines or submitting duplicate versions incorrectly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAV Initiative?
It is a U.S. federal grant programme providing flexible financial assistance to survivors of violence.
Who manages the programme?
It is managed by the Office on Violence Against Women under the U.S. Department of Justice.
What is the maximum funding available?
Each project may receive up to $150,000 for a 24-month period.
Is matching funding required?
No, cost sharing or matching contributions are not required.
Who can apply?
Tribal governments, victim service providers, Tribal nonprofits, and eligible faith-based organizations.
What can the funds be used for?
Funds must directly support survivor-identified needs such as safety, housing, and recovery expenses.
Can organizations submit multiple applications?
Yes, but only for distinct projects in different service areas.
Conclusion
The FY 2026 FAV Initiative is a targeted federal funding programme designed to provide direct, flexible financial support to survivors of violence. By prioritizing survivor-defined needs and removing financial barriers, it strengthens safety, recovery, and long-term stability for vulnerable individuals and communities.
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For more information, visit Grants.gov.
