Fiscal Year 2026 Grants to Support Families in the Justice System (Justice for Families) Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations supporting families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or child sexual abuse. Eligible applicants include state/local governments, tribal governments, courts, victim service providers, nonprofits, and legal services providers. Activities focus on improving court and community response through supervised visitation programs, staff training, legal assistance, and victim advocacy. Projects must address both civil and criminal justice system improvements for affected families.
This grant is for organizations supporting families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or child sexual abuse. Eligible applicants include state/local governments, tribal governments, courts, victim service providers, nonprofits, and legal services providers. Activities focus on improving court and community response through supervised visitation programs, staff training, legal assistance, and victim advocacy. Projects must address both civil and criminal justice system improvements for affected families.
Program description
The Justice for Families program supports activities to improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to families with a history of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or in cases involving child sexual abuse. Activities should improve the capacity of courts and communities to respond to families through court-based and court-related programs; supervised visitation and safe exchange of children and youth by and between parents; training for people who work with families in the court system; and civil legal assistance and advocacy services to victims and nonoffending parents. Eligible applicants are Tribal, state, and local governments, courts, nonprofit organizations, legal services providers, and victim service providers.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Legal Aid Clinic
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations supporting families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or child sexual abuse. Eligible applicants include state/local governments, tribal governments, courts, victim service providers, nonprofits, and legal services providers. Activities focus on improving court and community response through supervised visitation programs, staff training, legal assistance, and victim advocacy. Projects must address both civil and criminal justice system improvements for affected families.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of support from partner agencies
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Data on domestic violence prevalence in service area
Program contact
- 👤 Office on Violence Against Women
- 📧 OVW.JFF@usdoj.gov
- 📞 0000000000
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 16.021 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.021). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $14,191,208 | |
| 2023 | $15,272,361 | |
| 2024 est. | $14,662,085 | |
| 2025 est. | $14,662,085 |
FAQ
Who can apply for Justice for Families funding?
States, tribes, local governments, courts, nonprofits, legal service providers, and victim service organizations may apply. Your organization must have experience serving families affected by domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
What activities does this grant support?
Funding supports court-based programs, supervised visitation, staff training, civil legal assistance, and victim advocacy services. Activities should improve how the justice system responds to affected families.
What is the typical funding amount?
Awards range from $650,000 to $800,000 per grant. Total program funding is approximately $16 million.
When is the deadline?
The FY 2026 deadline is July 16, 2026. Check OVW.usdoj.gov for confirmation closer to the deadline.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by clearly describing the domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking problem in your service area. Use local data and victim testimonies.
- Show how your program improves court system capacity through partnerships with judges, prosecutors, victim advocates, and legal aid providers.
- Detail your plan for staff training. Include curriculum, hours, and measurable learning outcomes for court personnel.
- Explain how supervised visitation or safe exchange services will operate safely. Address safety protocols and staff qualifications in detail.
- Include a realistic evaluation plan with specific metrics for family safety outcomes and system improvements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack specific data about local domestic/dating violence prevalence and how the proposed program addresses identified gaps. Weak partnerships with courts or justice system stakeholders make proposals less competitive. Proposals fail to clearly explain how activities improve both civil and criminal justice system responses.
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