OPEN CFDA 16.560 ↗ Competitive Grant Competitive ~100h typical effort
NIJ

FY 2026 Research and Evaluation of Services for Victims of Crime

🏛 National Institute of Justice (USDOJ-OJP-NIJ)

✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026

⏰ Deadline
Aug 14, 2026 in 17 days
💰 Award amount
up to $1.5M
📊 Total program funding
$3M
🎯 Expected awards
5 recipients
📍 Scope
National

Can you apply?

This grant is for research and evaluation projects that advance understanding of crime victims' needs and improve victim services. Eligible organizations include academic institutions, nonprofits, research firms, and government agencies. The program funds two categories: research on law enforcement victim services, evaluation of victim service programs, and research on technology-facilitated abuse including deepfakes. Applicants must have capacity to conduct rigorous research and evaluation. Projects can focus on victim needs assessment, program effectiveness, or emerging crime victim issues.

Eligible applicants
Check your eligibility — what type of organization are you?

Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →

Program description

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation of Services for Victims of Crime. This opportunity is a collaboration between the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). It will fund research and evaluation projects to understand the needs of crime victims and survivors and to help improve services they receive. Funding is available for projects in two categories:
• Category 1: Research on Victims of Crime and Victim Services
o Provides funding for two topic areas:
 Research on law enforcement-based victim services; and
 Evaluation of other programs that provide victim services.
• Category 2: Research on the Extent and Effects of Technology-Facilitated Abuse (TFA), including Nonconsensual Disclosure of Digitally Manipulated Images (i.e., deepfakes)
o Provides funding for research to support victims of TFA and reduce the risk of revictimization.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

How to apply

Application links

Required documents

  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • SF-424 Supplement
  • Project Narrative/Research Plan
  • Budget and Budget Narrative
  • Organizational Capacity Documentation
  • Evaluation Plan or Research Methodology
  • Letters of Support from partner organizations
  • Curriculum Vitae of key personnel

Program contact

Funding track record

Recent awards under CFDA 16.560 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.

97
awards (3 yrs)
$198M
total funded
60
unique recipients
$2.0M
average award

Top 10 Largest Recent Awards

  1. $18,393,640
  2. $13,250,000
  3. $12,361,120
  4. $6,998,958
  5. $5,997,434
  6. $5,691,859
  7. $4,581,851
  8. $4,501,620
  9. $4,500,000
  10. $4,000,000

Top States by Funding

  • NC 9 awards $41.4M
  • VA 13 awards $27.9M
  • PA 3 awards $14.3M
  • IL 9 awards $11.7M
  • CA 6 awards $11.5M

Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.

Funding history

Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.560). How funding has trended year over year.

2024 $57,808,937
2025 $3,183,371

FAQ

Who can apply for this grant?

Academic institutions, nonprofits, research organizations, and government agencies can apply. Fiscal sponsors may be used. Check the NOFO for specific eligibility requirements.

What is the deadline?

The deadline is August 14, 2026. This is a fixed deadline. Plan your application timeline accordingly.

What types of projects are funded?

Projects must focus on research or evaluation of victim services, law enforcement victim programs, or technology-facilitated abuse and deepfakes. Basic research as well as program evaluation are eligible.

What funding amounts are available?

Individual awards can reach up to approximately $1.5 million. Total program funding is $3 million. Review the NOFO for specific award ranges and per-project caps.

Is cost-sharing required?

No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant. You can request full funding for eligible project costs.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Start by reviewing the specific research priorities and topic areas in the detailed NOFO. Your project should address one of the two main categories directly.
  • Build your evaluation or research design with methodological rigor in mind. NIJ prioritizes evidence-based approaches and clear evaluation metrics.
  • Partner with law enforcement agencies, victim service providers, or academic institutions to strengthen your application credibility and access to study populations.
  • Address how your findings will be disseminated to practitioners and policymakers. NIJ values research that translates into practical improvements in victim services.
  • Budget realistically for research staff, data collection, analysis, and meaningful engagement with victim communities throughout your project.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Weak research design or unclear evaluation methodology. Projects that don't align with the specific topic areas. Insufficient focus on translating findings into practical victim service improvements.

Similar grants

17 days left Aug 14, 2026
Apply →