OVW Transitional Housing Program Provides Four Years of Funding for Survivor Housing and Voluntary Support Services

The Office on Violence Against Women offers up to $600,000 over 48 months to governments and nonprofits that provide transitional housing and voluntary support services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are homeless or in need of temporary housing assistance. Applications must be submitted in Grants.gov by July 14, 2026, with the full application due in JustGrants by July 16, 2026. Transitional housing under this program means temporary assistance for up to 24 months, with a possible six-month extension for survivors who have made a good-faith effort to secure permanent housing but have not been able to do so. OVW gives priority consideration to projects serving small towns and rural communities.

Assistance Listing Number: 16.736
Opportunity Identification Number: O-OVW-2026-172624
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
Application Deadline: July 14, 2026

Eligible Institutional Structures and Geographic Priorities

Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, units of local government, and nonprofit organizations that have a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The nonprofit definition is broad: organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status are eligible as long as they have the required VAWA services history. Faith-based organizations meeting this standard may apply.

State, territory, and local government applicants must formally partner with a victim service provider, and that partnership must be documented in a signed memorandum of understanding. Tribes with a victim services division are not required to partner with an external organization. OVW may give priority to projects serving small towns and rural communities and to projects focused on combating trafficking and transnational crime. Multiple applications may be submitted if each proposes a different project in a different service area.

Financial Mechanics and Match Requirements

OVW has committed $48.5 million for this competition and anticipates funding approximately 80 awards, each capped at $600,000 for 48 months beginning October 1, 2026. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The budget must include $3,000 for training and technical assistance travel for applicants in the 48 contiguous states and $5,000 for applicants in territories, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Administrative Compliance and Post Award Oversight

Awards operate under 2 CFR Part 200 and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. A critical program requirement is that all support services offered alongside transitional housing must be voluntary and may not be made a condition of receiving housing assistance. Organizations whose service delivery models link case plan participation to housing access will need to restructure before applying. A Confidentiality Notice Form is required. Nonprofit organizations not previously funded by OVW within the last three years must submit an Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire.

Performance is measured through OVW's VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative. Funded organizations must track outcomes including housing stability, access to permanent housing, and participant connection to employment, education, and community resources. Financial reports and performance progress reports are required on a standard schedule throughout the 48-month award period.