Assistance for Torture Victims

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) funds the Services for Survivors of Torture Program which includes Direct Services for Survivors of Torture (DS SOT) funding opportunity and Technical Assistance to Survivors of Torture Program (TA SOT) funding opportunity. The aim of DS SOT is to help survivors and their families overcome the severe, pervasive, and long-lasting effects of torture and achieve sustained physical, social, emotional, and economic well-being. To achieve this aim, ORR seeks to 1) increase survivors' access to and engagement with effective, holistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed services; and 2) to maintain and grow a strong national network of trained service providers. The aim of TA SOT grant award is to fund a healing torture and trauma initiative that includes 1) a national center to coordinate education, training, and research efforts, and 2) a strong national network of organizations serving survivors of torture.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards. Eligibility is open to the following types of entities: State governments; county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education; nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; for profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.

The Services for Survivors of Torture program serves individuals and families, including U.S. citizens, who have suffered torture in a foreign country and are currently residing in the U.S.

ORR requires that appropriate proposals/applications are submitted, and a determination is made on recipients that can “best perform” the services in accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1522(a)(4)(A). Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process.
After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson.
While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF may reserve the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to sub-award if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage sub-recipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be awarded an amount lower than requested.