The Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting proposals for its OCVA Tribal Government Initiative Grant through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. This funding opportunity is designed to support programs operated by federally recognized Tribes in Washington State that provide services to individuals who have been victims of crime. The initiative seeks to address significant service gaps and enhance victim-centered responses across tribal communities.

The funding period runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on May 1, 2025. Priority will be given to proposals that serve areas currently lacking adequate victim services. Programs funded through this initiative will support the emotional, psychological, and physical recovery of crime victims, help them achieve stability, and assist them in navigating both civil and criminal justice systems.

This funding is made available through federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) victim assistance funds, with the goal of expanding and sustaining essential services for victims. The eligible applicants are the 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington State, as determined by the United States Secretary of the Interior.

A Q&A period will be held from April 1 to April 29, 2025, allowing prospective applicants to submit questions regarding the application and funding process. Additionally, an optional virtual bidder’s conference will take place on April 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PT. Interested applicants must email the RFP Coordinator, Matthew Flores, at Matthew.Flores@commerce.wa.gov by April 14, 2025, to receive the meeting link.

The announcement of apparently successful bidders is scheduled for May 30, 2025, with projects beginning July 1, 2025. Supporting documents, including the full application packet, are available via a linked Box folder. This initiative is part of the state’s broader commitment to equity and justice, particularly in tribal communities where culturally appropriate victim services are often lacking or underfunded.