Grants to Support Families in the Justice System (Justice for Families) Program

Grants to Support Families in the Justice System (Justice for Families) Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

OMB No. 1122-0020 Approval Expires: 6/30/2028 # Office on Violence Against Women: # FY 2026 Grants to Support Families in the Justice System (Justice for Families) Program ## Grants. gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-OVW-2026-172608 ## Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET): 1: Complete SF-424 and Submit in Grants.

gov: July 16, 2026, by 11:59PM ET 2: Submit full application in JustGrants: July 21, 2026, by 4:59 PM ET FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 2 ## 1. Basic Information ........................................................... 3 ## 2.

Eligibility ......................................................................... 4 ## 3. Program Description......................................................

6 ## 4. Application Contents and Format ................................ 7 ## 5.

Submission Requirements and Deadlines ................ 12 ## 6. Application Review information .................................

12 ## 7. Award Notices .............................................................. 12 ## 8.

Post-Award Requirements & Administration ............ 12 ## 9. Questions?

................................................................... 12 FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 3 The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a component of the United States Department of Justice. OVW administers Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants designed to prevent and respond to domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Justice for Families Program . Per 34 U.S.C. § 12464, this 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. See Eligibility and Program Description for more details. Announceme nt Type Initial Assistance Listing Number 16.

021 Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C. § 12464 Grants.

gov Opportunity Number O-OVW -2026 -172608 Expected Total Amount of Funding $16 million Anticipated Number of Awards 22 Anticipated Award Amount $650,000 - $800,000 Expected Award Periods 36 months (48 months for new supervised visitation projects) starting on October 1, 2026 FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 4 NOFO Release Date June 2 , 2026 Pre-application Q&A Session June 15, 2026 SAM.

gov Registration/Renewal Start the process at least 30 days before deadlines Step 1: Grants. gov Deadline 11:59 p. m.

ET on July 16, 2026 Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 4:59 p. m. ET on July 21, 2026 Anticipated Notification Date By September 30 , 2026 See Questions?

at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information. The types of entities that are eligible to apply are: • Indian Tribal governments 2 • Units of local government 3 • Nonprofit organizations 5 • Legal services providers • Victim service providers 6 Recipients with grants ending by September 30, 2026 may apply but are unlikely to be funded if they have enough funds to carry the project through September 30, 2027.

Includes the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, see 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(37). Must be federally recognized, see 34 U.S.C.

§ 12291(a)(43). Defined as county, city, or township governments, as well as any town, borough, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a state, see 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(47).

Per 28 C. F. R.

§ 90. 61(b), the following are not considered units of local government: (1) police departments; (2) pre-trial service agencies; (3) district or city attorneys' offices; (4) sheriffs' departments; (5) probation and parole departments; (6) shelters; (7) nonprofit, nongovernmental victim service agencies; and (8) universities. Includes juvenile courts, see 34 U.S.C.

§ 12291(a)(7); does not include prosecutors’ offices. With 501(c)(3) status, including Tribal nonprofit organizations, see 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(44).

Defined at 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(50). Victim service providers must provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as one of their primary purposes and have a demonstrated history of effective work in this field.

FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 5 Faith-based organizations that meet the eligibility requirements for this program are eligible to apply (more information is in the Application Companion Guide ). Cost sharing and application limit: This NOFO does not require cost sharing (match).

You may submit more than one application if each application proposes a different project in a different service area. If an applicant submits multiple versions of the same application, OVW will review only the most recent system -validated version submitted before the deadline.

Additional Eligibility Factors 501(c)(3) status: Any nonprofit organization applying for this program must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and must maintain that status during the award period. 7 Certifications: Per 34 U.S.C. § 12464(d), you must submit the following certifications.

See Additional Application Components for how to submit. Sample certification letters can be found on the OVW website . • Certification of Eligibility - All applicants must certify that their organizational policies do not require mediation or counseling in cases where domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is alleged.

• Supervised Visitation Certification - Applicants proposing supervised visitation or safe visitation exchange ( statutory purpose 1) must certify that specified security measures are or will be in place. • Court-based Programs Certification - Applicants proposing projects under statutory purpose 3 must certify that victims are not charged certain fees or costs related to domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking matters.

• Custody Evaluation/Guardian ad Litem Certification - Applicants proposing projects under statutory purpose 3 must certify that any person providing custody evaluation or guardian ad litem services with grant funds has completed or will complete certain training programs.

• Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification - Applicants proposing legal assistance projects must certify compliance with certain statutory requirements related to supervision, training, and expertise of individuals providing legal assistance with grant funds, among other requirements. 8 Required partnerships: To meet the requirements of 34 U.S.C.

§ 12464(c)(1)(C)-(D), all applicants must include formal partnerships with both 1) a nonprofit, nongovernmental or tribal domestic violence or sexual assault victim service provider (as defined above in Eligible Applicants ) and 2) a court. Partnerships must be documented in a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). A signed letter of > 7See 34 U.S.C.

§ 12291(b)(15)(B)(i). > 8This certification implements requirements from both section 12464(d)(6) and section 12291(b)(12) of Title 34, United States Code. FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 6 commitment (LOC) from a court may be submitted if a court cannot sign an MOU.

Tribal governments also may submit signed LOCs at their discretion. Disqualifying factors: Factors that may result in removal during the review process are described on the OVW website . In addition, any nonprofit organization that holds money in offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding the tax described in section 511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code is ineligible.

9 Statutory Authority/Program Goals and Objectives Per 34 U.S.C. § 12464(b), funds must be used for one or more of the following purposes (applications must address either #1 or #3 or may address both) : 1.

Supervised visitation and safe exchange: Provide supervised visitation and safe exchange of children and youth by and between parents in situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. 2.

Training court personnel: Educate court-based and court-related personnel and court-appointed personnel (including custody evaluators and guardians ad litem) and child protective services workers on the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including information on perpetrator behavior, evidence-based risk factors for domestic and dating violence homicide, and on issues relating to the needs of victims, including safety, security, privacy, and confidentiality, including cases in which the victim proceeds pro se.

3.

Court-based programs: Enable courts or court-based or court-related programs to develop or enhance-- a) court infrastructure (such as specialized courts, consolidated courts, dockets, intake centers, or interpreter services); b) community-based initiatives within the court system (such as court watch programs, victim assistants, pro se victim assistance programs, or community-based supplementary services); c) offender management, monitoring, and accountability programs; d) safe and confidential information-storage and information-sharing databases within and between court systems; e) education and outreach programs to improve community access, including enhanced access for underserved populations; and f) other projects likely to improve court responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

4. Civil legal assistance : Provide civil legal assistance and advocacy services, including legal information and resources in cases in which the victim proceeds pro se, to-- > 9See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(15)(B)(ii).

FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 7 a) victims of domestic violence; and b) nonoffending parents in matters-- i. that involve allegations of child sexual abuse; ii. that relate to family matters, including civil protection orders, custody, and divorce; and iii.

in which the other parent is represented by counsel. 5. Civil justice system training: Improve training and education to assist judges, judicial personnel, attorneys, child welfare personnel, and legal advocates in the civil justice system.

Expected outcomes: OVW will measure success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives of this NOFO. See the VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative for more information.

Unallowable activities: For information on program-specific unallowable activities and costs to help you develop your application and budget consistent with program requirements, see the Application Companion Guide and Budget section in this NOFO.

Agency Funding Priorities OVW may give priority consideration to applicants that propose projects designed to advance the following public-safety priorities (as applicable within the scope of this NOFO): 1.

Combatting human trafficking and transnational crime, particularly crimes linked to illegal immigration, transnational criminal organizations, and cartel operations, including projects that strengthen law enforcement investigation and prosecution while supporting safety and justice for trafficking victims who have also suffered domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. 2.

Projects dedicated to direct victim services and/or criminal justice responses— including investigation, arrest, prosecution, and enforcement of protective orders— particularly in small towns and rural, remote, and Tribal communities. Note: Addressing these priorities is one of many factors that OVW considers in making funding decisions. Receiving priority consideration does not guarantee funding.

# 4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT Application Contents List OVW will only consider applications that contain parts marked *REQUIRED* below. Refer to the DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.

All supporting documents and resources for this program are on the OVW website .

FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 8 Application Item Submission Type Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 *Required* Online Form Standard Applicant Information *Required* Online Form Proposal Abstract Text Box Data Requested with Application • Pre -award Risk Assessment Online Form Proposal Narrative *Required* Attachment Budget *Required* Attachment Budget/Financial Attachments • Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) • Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) • Executive Compensation Disclosure (if applicable) Memorandum of Understanding (or L etter (s) of Commitment for court applicants and Tribal Governments) *Required* Attachment Additional Application Components • Certification of Eligibility *Required* • Supervised Visitation Certification (if applicable) • Court-based Programs Certification (if applicable) • Custody Eval/Guardian ad Litem Certification (if applicable) • Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification (if applicable) • Certification regarding out-of-scope activities • Confidentiality Notice Form • Proof of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable) Standard Applicant Information *REQUIRED* Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in Grants.

gov and add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project. In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project. See example here .

As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any personally identifying information ( e.g., staff names). FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 9 Data Requested with Application: Pre-award Risk Assessment Complete this questionnaire in JustGrants. The questions are available here .

Proposal Narrative *REQUIRED* Format of the Proposal Narrative Use the Proposal Narrative Template on the OVW website.

It must be: • No longer than 10 pages, single-spaced • In a font no smaller than 11-point • On correctly numbered pages with one-inch margins • In a file format openable in Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader • In a table format or use headings and subheadings that correspond to the sections listed below • Written in plain language If you do not follow this format, OVW may reduce the score/ranking of the application.

Sections of the Proposal Narrative The Proposal Narrative must include the three sections listed below. If you are proposing supervised visitation and safe exchange, review the OVW Guiding Principles . If you want priority consideration, the Proposal Narrative must state which priority(ies) your project will advance and describe how it will do so.

For NOFOs that require a memorandum of understanding (MOU), letters of commitment, or letters of support from project partners, the MOU/letters are reviewed in conjunction with the Proposal Narrative. 1. Purpose of the Project (weighted at 30%) • Say why you are applying for the grant.

• Identify the project’s goals/objectives. Summarize why the goals/objectives were selected, e.g., how the project complements other services, improves services, fills service gaps, and/or responds to a need. • Describe the communities that will be served.

2. What Will Be Done (weighted at 35%) • For each project goal, describe: o Activities and who is responsible for them; o How the applicant will ensure victim safety and/or offender accountability; and o Outcomes for knowing the goal was achieved, and how these outcomes will be tracked. • Provide a supervision and mentoring plan for grant-funded attorneys, if any.

• If proposing supervised visitation or safe exchange services, describe how the applicant will ensure that adequate security measures are or will be in place, including appropriate facilities, procedures, personnel, and standards for providing such services. FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 10 • Estimate the number of families to be served by the proposed project.

10 • Describe how services, products, etc. will be accessible to anyone who may need them. 3. Who Will Implement the Project (weighted at 20%) • Identify the people who will implement the project.

Provide for each person their name, agency/organization, position/title, their role and responsibilities on the proposed project, and a description of how they are equipped to fulfill their role/responsibility on the project. • Describe anticipated coordination and collaboration among project partners and/or others and how working together will advance the project’s goals.

• If proposing civil justice system training ( statutory purpose 5), per 34 U.S.C. § 12464(c)(2), describe the applicant’s (or a project partner’s) expertise addressing the judicial system’s handling of family violence, child custody, child abuse and neglect, adoption, foster care, supervised visitation, divorce, and parentage.

Budget and Associated Documentation Budget *REQUIRED* (weighted at 15%) Use the Sample Budget Narrative (attach file in JustGrants) to submit the budget. Refer to Budget Information and the Creating a Budget webinar for more information: • List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost category. Total funding requested for 36 months must be no more than $650,000.

New applicants for supervised visitation funding may request up to $800,000 for 48 months to develop the required security measures. • Clearly name and describe each cost. • Show the computation of each cost ( e.g. , cost per unit, number of units, and total cost).

• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to your project goals, objectives, and activities. 11 • Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency requirements.

12 • Fairly and reasonably compensate project partners, unless a reason not to is explained in a memorandum of understanding or letter of commitment or support. • Distinguish clearly between subawards and contracts in allocating any grant funds to other entities. 13 > 10 A required funding consideration, see 34 U.S.C.

§ (c)(1)(A). > 11 Although sliding scale fees for supervised visitation are permitted under 34 U.S.C. § 12464(d)(2), OVW encourages applicants to budget funds for the full costs and not charge fees.

> 12 See 2 C. F. R.

Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide . Read information on > unallowable costs here . > 13 More information on this is here .

FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 11 • Set aside a minimum of $15,000 on the Travel line to participate in training and technical assistance. Budget/Financial Attachments • Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect costs, upload your current, federally approved indirect cost rate agreement.

• Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable): Nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that have not previously (or within the last three years) received funding from OVW must complete and upload this form. • Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (nonprofits only): Nonprofit organizations that use the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Safe Harbor Procedure must submit a special disclosure to OVW.

14 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Supporting Documents *REQUIRED* Attach a memorandum of understanding (MOU) among the applicant and project partners. Courts and Tribal governments may submit letter(s) of commitment (LOC) as described in Eligibility . OVW’s website has instructions for MOUs and LOCs.

Additional Application Components Attach these in JustGrants: • Justice for Families Program statutory certifications o Certification of Eligibility *REQUIRED* o Supervised Visitation Certification (if applicable) o Court-based Programs Certification (if applicable) o Custody Evaluation/Guardian ad Litem Certification (if applicable) o Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification (if applicable) • Certification regarding out-of-scope activities o Note: This certification is the subject of federal litigation.

For the most up-to-date information about the certification requirement, see the OVW website . • Summary Data Sheet , one to four pages. • Confidentiality Notice Form , signed by the Authorized Representative, acknowledging the confidentiality requirements of 34 U.S.C.

§ 12291(b)(2). • 501(c)(3) status determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing the applicant’s tax-exempt status, as described in Eligibility . OVW cannot make an award to a nonprofit organization without this letter.

> 14 See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(15)(B)(iii). More information is here .

FY 2026 Justice for Families Program > U.S. Department of Justice | Office on Violence Against Women | 12 Disclosures and Assurances Complete the disclosures , assurances , and certifications in JustGrants. # 5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit by the deadlines .

Executive Order (E. O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) applies to this funding opportunity.

OVW’s How to Apply page has a policy for applicants to request late submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade disaster. # 6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION OVW’s Discretionary Grant Application Review Process page explains the responsiveness review, review criteria, review and selection process, including risk review, and deciding official.

Read about the award notification process on OVW’s website . # 8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION Read the Application Companion Guide for more information about standard award terms and conditions , administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award NOFO Contact Phone: 202-307-6026 SAM.

gov Help Desk Website: https://sam. gov/content/help Hours: 8 a. m.

to 8 p. m. ET Monday – Friday Email: support@grants.

gov Website: https://www. grants. gov/support Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays) Email: OVW.

JustGrantsSupport@usdoj. gov Hours: 7 a. m.

to 5 p. m. ET Monday – Friday