OVC Discretionary Toolbox:
Discretionary Funding Process

OVC currently funds many discretionary grant projects on a competitive basis, although a small number of awards are made on a noncompetitive basis.

Competitive Awards

Each fiscal year, OVC publishes a Discretionary Grant Application Kit to solicit applications for discretionary funding to address issues in victim services that OVC has identified as priority areas. OVC typically makes these application kits available to the public in the spring of each year. As OVC identifies emerging issues, it will issue separate funding announcements.

Upon receipt of applications, OVC conducts a review and selection process, including an initial screening to ensure that applications contain all required forms and meet basic eligibility requirements and a peer review of applications by a panel of experts. All applicants are notified of receipt of their proposal and whether it was selected for funding.

See Current OVC Discretionary Funding Opportunities

Noncompetitive Awards

One of OVC's primary objectives is to support, improve, and replicate promising practices in victims' rights and services. OVC welcomes information on successful practices from the field, and occasionally accepts unsolicited proposals from entities seeking discretionary funding to enhance or replicate such practices. In reviewing and assessing unsolicited proposals, OVC considers several factors, including whether the proposal addresses an identified priority issue area, the programmatic and financial feasibility of the proposal, and OVC's existing budget resources.

Initial proposals should be sent to OVC in the form of a 3–4 page concept paper with the following information:

1. Brief narrative description of the promising practice(s) the applicant proposes to enhance or replicate with the support of grant funding;
   
2. The agency(ies) that will participate;
   
3. A preliminary budget; and,
   
4. A proposed timeline for the project.

OVC will respond to all submissions in writing to acknowledge receipt and notify applicants whether proposals will be considered.

Other Funding for Victim Services

OVC's Grants and Funding page lists Other Funding Resources.