The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is soliciting applications for the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026 Victims Services Grant Program (VSGP) Continuation Awards. The VSGP is supported by a combination of federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds and Virginia state general funds, with the goal of continuing critical victim services programs across the state. The program aims to enhance the capacity of local governments and non-profit organizations that are currently providing direct services to crime victims through the existing VSGP competitive grant awarded in SFY2025.

The purpose of the VSGP is to ensure that crime victims in Virginia receive direct services that address their emotional, psychological, and physical needs, help them stabilize after victimization, understand and participate in the criminal justice process, and restore a sense of safety and security. Services eligible for funding include victim advocacy, crisis intervention, counseling, shelter provision, legal accompaniment, and safety planning. These services are provided to victims of both state and federal crimes, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to law enforcement.

For SFY2026, DCJS anticipates that $4,134,113 will be available, comprised of $2,500,000 in state general funds and $1,634,113 in VOCA federal funds. The funding amount for each eligible agency has been predetermined, and applicants may apply for a continuation of their SFY2025 award. All recipients must provide a 20% match, which can consist of cash or in-kind contributions. Funds are disbursed on a quarterly reimbursement basis for actual expenditures incurred, and only allowable expenses within the approved budget will be reimbursed.

Eligible applicants are local government entities and non-profit organizations that received SFY2025 VSGP competitive funding. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate effective service delivery, financial support from non-VOCA sources, and compliance with federal and state grant management requirements. Applicants must have an active federal System for Award Management (SAM) registration, a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, and be in good standing with all relevant state and federal agencies.

Applications must be submitted through the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS) by March 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted. To assist with the application process, DCJS will provide a technical assistance webinar on February 28, 2025, which will also be recorded and made available online. Applications must include specific goals, objectives, and a detailed budget that aligns with the predetermined award amount. DCJS will review all applications for completeness and compliance, and final award determinations will be made by the Criminal Justice Services Board on May 8, 2025.

For questions and technical assistance, applicants can contact Anya Shaffer at anya.shaffer@dcjs.virginia.gov or 804-786-2059. Applicants are also encouraged to review detailed guidance documents, participate in the technical assistance webinar, and ensure that all required forms and certifications are properly submitted in OGMS.