Since 2004, OVC has implemented a competitive funding opportunity which provides local communities with up to $5,000 reimbursement for costs associated with public awareness activities during NCVRW. This initiative, known as the NCVRW Community Awareness Project (CAP), has enhanced the ability of more than 300 communities throughout the United States to raise awareness about victims’ rights and services among the general public. Within many of these communities, “traditional” NCVRW events were enhanced by the creative, collaborative partnerships that were formed during the planning phase of each project. 

In 1984, Congress enacted the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) which created the Crime Victims Fund.  All criminal fines collected in Federal cases are deposited into the Fund and used exclusively to support a variety of services for victims of all types of crimes.  2009 marks VOCA's 25th anniversary and NAVAA, as the organization of state VOCA victim assistance agencies, is especially pleased that NCVRW is recogizing the enactment of this landmark legislation.

2009 Community Awareness Project Funding
NAVAA will reimburse 56 communities up to $5,000 each to aid them in conducting 2009 National Crime Victims' Rights Week initiatives designed to enhance the general public's awareness of crime victims' rights and services, focuing on this year's theme, "25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act," to commemorate VOCA's significant contributions.

Eligibility
Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, community-based victim service organizations, faith-based organizations, tribal organizations, and community coalitions committed to advocating for the rights and services of crime victims are among those encouraged to apply.

Organizations without 501(c) 3 status that serve crime victims and VOCA-funded organizations also are eligible to apply. Applications from individuals will not be considered for funding. Individuals with innovative ideas related to this project are encouraged to work in partnership with an organization or community coalition.

Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated and competitively selected based on the strength of the application in promoting victims' rights and services among the general public. Click here for specific information on selection criteria.

Allowable and Unallowable Activities
Before applying, interested applicants should ensure that the activities they propose are allowable. Click here for more information and consult the OJP Financial Guide for more details.

Application Process and Deadline (November 3, 2008)
Interested organizations should download and complete the NCVRW Awareness Project Application Form. Applications must be received no later than November 3, 2008. All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications sometime in January 2009. For more information, email cap@navaa.org.

Project Support and Technical Assistance
NAVAA will again provide support and technical assistance in planning and implementing NCVRW CAP projects. NAVAA will provide professional consultation, including an online Webex presentation, a dedicated listserv for NCVRW Community Awareness Projects and individual consultation and advice. Click here for ideas and suggestions provided to 2007 and 2008 NCVRW CAP recipients.

In addition, all applicants will automatically be sent a copy of the 2009 NCVRW Resource Guide. The Resource Guide contains, among other things, background information about victimization, including statistics, special event ideas, camera ready art files and customizable posters and other materials incorporating the NCVRW theme and colors. For reference, a copy of the 2008 Resource Guide may be viewed at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2008/welcome.html.