OVW Rural Program Targets $36 Million to Enhance Victim Services and Forensic Response in Rural Communities

The Office on Violence Against Women's Rural Grant Program is the only OVW program designed exclusively for rural communities, offering $36 million over 36 months to governments, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies serving rural areas. Applications must be submitted in Grants.gov by July 24, 2026, with the full application due in JustGrants by July 28, 2026. The statute requires at least 75 percent of program funds go to entities in 22 designated rural states and territories, and at least 35 percent of total funds must support sexual assault activities. OVW may provide larger awards to applications that dedicate 75 percent or more of their budget to sexual assault response.

Assistance Listing Number: 16.589
Opportunity Identification Number: O-OVW-2026-172579
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026

Eligible Institutional Structures and Geographic Priorities

Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, units of local government, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status including law enforcement and prosecution agencies, and tribal nonprofit organizations. This program is distinctive because law enforcement and prosecution agencies may apply directly without a governmental lead applicant. Faith-based organizations meeting the requirements may apply. Non-tribal applicants must submit a Rural Eligibility Checklist demonstrating the proposed services will reach a rural area; this checklist is required at the time of application.

The 22 rural states and territories eligible for the 75 percent statutory priority are Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. Applicants from these states face less competition for the mandatory allocation of funds. There is a one-application limit.

Financial Mechanics and Match Requirements

New applications focused on sexual assault response may request up to $700,000. Other new applications may request up to $500,000. Continuation applications focused on sexual assault may request up to $950,000. Other continuation applications may request up to $750,000. All awards are for 36 months beginning October 1, 2026. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The budget must include at least $5,000 on the travel line for OVW training and technical assistance.

Administrative Compliance and Post Award Oversight

Awards operate under 2 CFR Part 200 and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. The Rural Eligibility Documentation is a required non-standard attachment not found in other OVW programs. A Confidentiality Notice Form is required. The certification regarding out-of-scope activities is required and is subject to ongoing federal litigation. A Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification is required if legal assistance is included in the project. State and local government applicants seeking priority for compliance with federal immigration law must submit a separate certification letter.

Performance is measured through the VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative. Funded organizations must report on collaborative activities with law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim service providers; the number of victims served; outcomes of criminal investigations and prosecutions; and improvements in sexual assault forensic examination capacity where applicable.