Office on Violence Against Women outlines tips for applying to Financial Assistance for Victims NOFO

A presenter from the Office on Violence Against Women gave step‑by‑step guidance for applying to the OVW Financial Assistance for Victims Notice of Funding Opportunity, emphasizing that complete applications and careful project design are required for funding.

"Complete applications contain all required components and are submitted before the due date," the presenter said, and attendees were directed to the NOFO as the primary source for required components and deadlines.

The presenter said the program funds flexible financial assistance intended "to support victims in achieving safety, stability, and healing by paying for necessities that are not easily met by traditional grant programs," and urged applicants to design expansive, victim‑driven projects rather than narrowly prescriptive programs.

Eligible applicants listed by the presenter included federally recognized tribal governments, victim service providers, and tribal nonprofit organizations. The presenter cautioned that "entities proposing to pass funds through another organization instead of assisting victims directly are not eligible."

The presentation detailed allowable uses of funds, including direct cash assistance, prepaid cards, debt relief, furniture, vital document printing, school supplies, employment, training and educational expenses, clothing, medical debt, moving and storage costs, wellness expenses, security cameras, temporary hotel stays, and transportation, and noted that the list was not exhaustive.

Using an illustrative case, the presenter described a hypothetical recipient, Alex, who needed a plane ticket for a court date, housing application fees and deposits, and tuition for a Certified Nursing Assistant course. The presenter said financial assistance could cover licensing and course costs, travel for court, and, for a limited period, 100% of rental costs, and that "the program should work with Alex to determine what she wants to prioritize."

Budgeting guidance included consulting the sample budget on the OVW website and the NOFO, verifying that costs are allowable and reasonable, and noting that unallowable costs include "purchasing drugs or alcohol or funding any activities that compromise victim safety." The presenter also advised programs to "ensure safety, privacy, and confidentiality while processing payments," to educate victims about potential financial, tax, and legal implications, and to put necessary fiscal policies and internal controls in place to accurately track payments.

Applicants were reminded to submit all required application components by the dates specified in the NOFO and to consult the Application Companion Guide and the OVW Open Notices page for additional materials; questions may be sent to ovw.financialassistanceprogram@usdoj.gov.

The presentation centered on ensuring applications are complete, victim‑centered, and supported by appropriate budgeting and internal controls so awarded funds can be distributed safely and effectively.