The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is accepting applications for the 2025 Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program, which provides financial support for domestic violence shelters and emergency services. This funding is part of a broader initiative to prevent and address neglect, abuse, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, while also supporting the rehabilitation and reunification of families. The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) is the primary recipient of the federal SSBG award and allocates funds to ICJI to assist residential domestic violence programs in providing emergency shelter services to survivors and their dependents.

The SSBG funds are intended to support the operation of domestic violence shelters by covering essential costs such as shelter facilities, food, clothing, and transportation for survivors. This grant is reimbursement-based, meaning recipients must provide documentation of expenses and proof of payment before receiving funds. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $35,000, with an estimated 25-35 awards to be distributed. Funding is allocated specifically for emergency shelter operations, and recipients are required to maintain best practices in service delivery, including trauma-informed care and confidentiality protections.

Eligible applicants include local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations, tribal entities, and voluntary associations, with a documented history of providing services to survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence. Applicants must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and be in good standing with the Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development, and Secretary of State.

Funded programs must comply with various federal and state regulations, including maintaining confidentiality, adhering to equal treatment regulations, and ensuring accessibility for all survivors. Organizations must conduct biennial background checks for employees and volunteers who work directly with survivors. Applicants must also submit supporting documentation, including a sustainability plan, a project timeline, and at least one letter of endorsement demonstrating community support.

Applications must be submitted through the IntelliGrants system by February 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and funded projects must be operational within 60 days of the start date. Grant recipients must submit financial and programmatic reports to ICJI, and all expenses must be documented and reimbursed by January 30, 2026. Programs that fail to comply with reporting and monitoring requirements may be ineligible for future funding.

ICJI will evaluate applications based on eligibility, alignment with funding priorities, financial accountability, and program impact. The grant review process is competitive, with awards given to programs demonstrating the greatest need and effectiveness in providing emergency shelter services. ICJI will monitor grantees through desk reviews and site visits to ensure compliance with funding requirements. For technical assistance, applicants can contact the ICJI Helpdesk at CJIHelpDesk@cji.in.gov.