The Victim Witness Grant Program (VWGP) for State Fiscal Year 2026, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), supports local and statewide victim assistance programs that deliver direct services to victims of crime. This continuation grant is specifically available to state and local government agencies that received VWGP funding in SFY2025. It is designed to maintain and enhance services compliant with the Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act and the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

The program supports services that address the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of crime victims; assist in stabilizing their lives; help them understand and engage with the criminal justice system; and restore a sense of safety. Eligible services include crisis intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, safe housing, information and referrals, and assistance with compensation claims. Notably, the program does not require a local match; the match obligation is covered by state funds, fulfilling VOCA requirements.

VWGP funding comes from a mix of federal VOCA funds, Virginia state general funds, and the state Crime Victim-Witness Fund. For SFY2026, DCJS anticipates a total of approximately $20.86 million available for disbursement. Each eligible applicant has a predetermined subaward amount and must submit a budget that does not exceed this allocation. Awards are disbursed on a cost-reimbursement basis for actual expenditures incurred during the grant period (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Applications must be submitted via the DCJS Online Grant Management System (OGMS) by 5:00 p.m. on May 9, 2025. Applicants must include detailed budget justifications, project goals, and supporting documentation such as organizational charts, resumes, and budget narratives. Projects must use the Victims Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) to document services provided and must comply with all applicable federal and state requirements, including civil rights compliance, fiscal accountability, and use of volunteers.

DCJS offers technical assistance and requires that all applications be submitted electronically. For questions about the application, applicants may contact Patricia Foster at Patricia.Foster@dcjs.virginia.gov or call 804-972-3103.