Fiscal Year 2026 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program (Rural Grant Program)
Can you apply?
This grant is for states, territories, Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofits addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in rural communities.
Eligible applicants include state governments, territorial governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, local government agencies, and both public and private nonprofit organizations (including Tribal nonprofits).
Projects must serve rural populations and may fund victim services (shelter, advocacy, legal aid), law enforcement investigations, prosecution support, adjudication resources, and post-conviction services.
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to carry out project activities and coordinate with other entities serving rural victims of violence.
This grant is for states, territories, Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofits addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in rural communities.
Eligible applicants include state governments, territorial governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, local government agencies, and both public and private nonprofit organizations (including Tribal nonprofits).
Projects must serve rural populations and may fund victim services (shelter, advocacy, legal aid), law enforcement investigations, prosecution support, adjudication resources, and post-conviction services.
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to carry out project activities and coordinate with other entities serving rural victims of violence.
Program description
The Rural Grant Program helps states and territories, Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofits to enhance safety and justice for child, youth, and adult victims in rural communities. It funds victim services (such as advocacy, legal assistance, and shelter), investigation, prosecution, adjudication, parole and probation, and other ways of addressing domestic and sexual violence. Per 34 U.S.C. § 12341(a), these grants are meant to encourage collaboration, establish and expand nonprofit victim services, increase safety and well-being for women and children in rural communities, and ensure victims in rural areas have access to sexual assault medical forensic exams.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public University
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for states, territories, Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofits addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in rural communities.
Eligible applicants include state governments, territorial governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, local government agencies, and both public and private nonprofit organizations (including Tribal nonprofits).
Projects must serve rural populations and may fund victim services (shelter, advocacy, legal aid), law enforcement investigations, prosecution support, adjudication resources, and post-conviction services.
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to carry out project activities and coordinate with other entities serving rural victims of violence.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (SF-424 or OJP equivalent)
- Project narrative describing proposed activities and outcomes
- Budget and budget narrative/justification
- Memoranda of understanding from partner organizations
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Proof of nonprofit/government status (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Office on Violence Against Women
- 📧 OVW.Rural@usdoj.gov
- 📞 0000000000
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 16.589 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 16.589). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $33,404,213 | |
| 2023 | $36,363,957 | |
| 2024 est. | $36,095,132 | |
| 2025 est. | $36,095,132 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for this grant?
States, territories, Indian Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit entities (public or private). Tribal nonprofit organizations are also eligible.
What activities does this grant fund?
Victim services, law enforcement investigations, prosecution support, adjudication, parole/probation services, and other activities addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in rural areas.
What is the award range?
Grants range from $500,000 to $950,000 per award. The total program funds approximately $36,000,000 annually.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is July 24, 2026. Check the official solicitation for any updates or changes to the deadline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly demonstrate your organization's experience serving rural victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Include specific examples of past work.
- Propose a strong collaboration plan with local law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and service providers. Partnerships strengthen competitiveness.
- Address the unique barriers rural victims face (geographic isolation, limited services, transportation). Show how your project removes these barriers.
- Budget realistically for rural service delivery, which often costs more due to geographic distance and lower population density.
- Emphasize how your project improves victim safety, access to justice, and coordination among rural agencies serving victims.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate understanding of rural-specific barriers to accessing domestic violence services. Proposing services or activities without clear connections to victim safety outcomes. Submitting a generic application that doesn't address the particular needs of the rural area being served.
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