The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program, administered by the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS), provides funding to organizations that offer direct services and support to victims of crime. The program is designed to address both immediate and long-term needs of crime victims through trauma-informed assistance, outreach, and advocacy services. The grant is awarded for a three-year period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance victim services, focusing on innovation, accessibility, and cultural competency. Special priority is given to proposals that:

Expand services to underserved populations, including older adults, young men of color, victims of hate crimes, individuals with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Improve mental health support, housing services, and access to justice for victims.
Strengthen multi-agency collaboration to close gaps in service.
Promote victim identification efforts and proactive engagement.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal entities operating victim assistance programs in New York State. Organizations must provide services at no charge, demonstrate financial sustainability beyond VOCA funding, and actively utilize volunteers in service delivery.

The total funding available under this solicitation is $379.5 million for the three-year period. Each awarded applicant will receive a consistent level of funding for each year without escalation. At least 10% of total federal VOCA funding must be allocated to each of the following priority categories:

Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of Sexual Assault
Victims of Child Abuse
Underserved Victims of Crime (BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with language barriers, and victims in rural areas)
Additionally, $2 million annually is set aside for Indigenous coalitions, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and organizations serving Indigenous communities.

The application deadline is March 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System (SFS)—email, fax, and mail submissions will not be accepted. The anticipated award announcement is June 30, 2025, with funded projects starting October 1, 2025.

Applicants must complete a detailed programmatic narrative, budget proposal, and required forms. Programs must meet match requirements of 20-25%, unless waived by OVS. Funding is awarded on a quarterly reimbursement basis, with an optional 25% advance payment at the start of each award year.

For assistance, applicants can contact:

Kathleen Joslin at kathleen.joslin@ovs.ny.gov or (518) 457-2828
Victoria Melillo at victoria.melillo@ovs.ny.gov or (518) 485-0967