OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program

OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program is sponsored by Office on Violence Against Women. Provides training and services to end violence and abuse against individuals with disabilities and Deaf people.

OMB No. 1122-0020 | Approval Expires 6/30/2028 # U.S. Department of Justice # Office on Violence Against Women # OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program # Grants. gov Funding Opportunity Number # Assistance Listing Number > Deadline to submit Standard Form/SF-424 in Grants.

gov: September 23, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time > Deadline to submit application in JustGrants: September 25, 2025, by 8:59 PM Eastern Time 2 # Basic Information ........................................................................ 4 Executive Summary .....................................................................................................

4 Key Dates .................................................................................................................... 5 Resources for Applying ................................................................................................ 6 # Eligibility ......................................................................................

6 Eligible Applicants........................................................................................................ 6 Other Program Eligibility Requirements ....................................................................... 7 Types of Applications ...................................................................................................

8 Ineligible Entities and Disqualifying Factors ................................................................. 8 # Program Description ................................................................... 9 Purpose Areas .............................................................................................................

9 Statutory Considerations............................................................................................ 10 Priorities ..................................................................................................................... 10 Program Requirements ..............................................................................................

10 Program-Specific Unallowable Costs ......................................................................... 11 Limited Use of Funds ................................................................................................. 12 Activities Requiring Prior Approval .............................................................................

12 Type of Award............................................................................................................ 13 # Application Contents and Format............................................ 13 Application Contents ..................................................................................................

13 Formatting and Technical Requirements ................................................................... 13 Proposal Abstract ...................................................................................................... 14 Data Requested with Application ...............................................................................

14 Summary Data Sheet................................................................................................. 14 Proposal Narrative ..................................................................................................... 14 Budget and Associated Documentation .....................................................................

15 Memorandum of Understanding and Supporting Documents .................................... 19 Additional Application Components ........................................................................... 19 Disclosures and Assurances......................................................................................

21 3 # Submission Requirements and Deadlines.............................. 22 Prior to Application Submission ................................................................................. 22 How to Apply..............................................................................................................

23 Submission Dates and Times .................................................................................... 24 Application Submission Checklist .............................................................................. 24 # Application Review Information...............................................

25 Responsiveness Review ............................................................................................ 25 Review Criteria .......................................................................................................... 26 Review and Selection Process ..................................................................................

26 Risk Review ............................................................................................................... 27 # Award Notices ........................................................................... 28 # Post-Award Requirements and Administration......................

28 Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements ........................ 28 Post-award Reporting Requirements ..................................................................... 29 # Other Information ......................................................................

29 Public Reporting Burden - Paperwork Reduction Act Notice ..................................... 29 Appendix A: Pre-Award Risk Assessment ................................................................. 30 Appendix B: Summary Data Sheet ............................................................................

32 4 The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is accepting applications for funding in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Created in 1995, OVW administers grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

OVW grants support coordinated community responses that provide services to victims and hold offenders accountable. The purpose of the Disability Grant Program is to provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and abuse by caregivers against individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

12102)) and Deaf people and to enhance direct services to such individuals. Funding Opportunity Details Federal Agency Name U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Funding Opportunity Title OVW FY 2025 Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse Against Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People Program Announcement Type Initial Grants. gov Funding Opportunity Assistance Listing Number 16.

529 Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C § 20122 Anticipated Number of Awards 20 Expected Award Amount(s) Up to $600,000 Expected Award Period(s) 36 months 5 This table contains deadlines and other important dates. Funding Opportunity Release Date On or about August 21, 2025 Sam. gov Registration/Renewal Recommend completing process by Grants.

gov Registration/Renewal Recommend completing process by Grants. gov Deadline September 23, 2025 , by 11:59 PM Eastern JustGrants Deadline September 25, 2025, by 8:59 PM ET Decision Notification Date OVW anticipates notifying applicants of funding decisions on or about October 1, 2025 For assistance with the application process or questions about this funding opportunity, contact the resources listed below.

OVW Contact Phone: 202 -307 -6026 Email: OVW. Disabiliti es @usdoj. gov For assistance with SAM.

gov Website: https://sam. gov/content/help Hours of Operation: 8:00 a. m.

to 8:00 p. m. ET Monday-Friday For assistance with Grants.

gov Email: support@grants. gov Website: https://www. grants.

gov/support Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays) For assistance with JustGrants Phone : 866 -655 -4482 Email: OVW. JustGrantsSupport@usdoj.

gov 6 • Application Companion Guide • Resources for Applicants • Budget Information on OVW Website • JustGrants Application Submission Training Entities that are eligible to apply are: • State governments, including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands (34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(37)).

Units of Local Government • Any city, county, township, town, borough, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State (or territory) (34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(47)).

• 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 including faith-based or community-based organizations; and (8) universities. (28 C. F.

R. § 90. 2(g)).

Indian Tribal Governments • The governing body of an Indian Tribe; or • A Tribe, band, pueblo, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians, including any Alaska Native Village or regional or village corporation (as defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. §§ 1601 et seq.))

, that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians (34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(43)).

• The governing body of any Indian Tribe; • Any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body of a Tribe or Tribes to be served, or which is democratically elected by 7 the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization, and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities; or • Any Tribal nonprofit organization (34 U.S.C.

§ 12291(a)(45)).

• A nonprofit, nongovernmental or Tribal organization or rape crisis center, including a state or Tribal coalition, that assists or advocates for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking victims, including domestic violence shelters, faith-based organizations, and other organizations, with a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (34 U.S.C.

§ 12291(a)(50)). Nonprofit, Nongovernmental Organizations Serving Individuals with Disabilities and Deaf People • An organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (see note below) that has experience and expertise serving individuals with disabilities and/or Deaf people (34 U.S.C. §§ 20122(c)(1)(D) & 12291(b)(15)(B)(i)).

Note: Any entity that is eligible for this program based on its status as a nonprofit organization must be an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code. See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(15)(B)(i).

Other Program Eligibility Requirements In addition to being an eligible entity, applicants also must meet the requirements below. Eligible Service Area: Projects must be implemented at the state or local level. Projects may not be multi-state, regional, or national.

Required Partnerships: Every application must include a partnership made up of the following: • At least one victim service provider or tribal organization serving victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. • At least one nonprofit, nongovernmental organization or tribal organization serving people with disabilities and/or Deaf people. The applicant may be one of the required partnership organizations.

Applications without the required partners will be removed from consideration. Applications must document the required partners in the Proposal Narrative and Memorandum of Understanding sections of the proposal. 8 This year, OVW will accept applications for this program from applicants that have never received funding under this program, or whose current Disability Grant Program award project period ends on or before September 30, 2025.

Note: Current recipients with a substantial amount of unobligated funds remaining (40 percent or more of the current award) as of May 31 of this year, without adequate justification, may not be considered for funding or may receive a reduced award amount if selected for funding under this NOFO.

Ineligible Entities and Disqualifying Factors Applications submitted by ineligible entities or that do not meet all other program eligibility requirements will not be considered for funding . In addition, an application deemed deficient in one or more of the following areas may not be considered for funding: 1. Program-specific unallowable costs 3.

Completeness of application contents An application will be removed from consideration if the applicant does not comply fully with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM. gov requirements (see Submission Requirements and Deadlines section for more information on these requirements). An applicant with past performance issues, long-standing open audits, or an open criminal investigation also may not be considered for funding.

Note: Any nonprofit organization that holds money in offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in section 511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code is not eligible for a grant from this program. See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(15)(B)(ii).

Limit on Number of Applications OVW will consider only one application for this program per organization for the same service area (i.e., the geographic area to be served). If an applicant submits multiple versions of the same application, OVW will review only the most recent system-validated version submitted before the deadline. This program has no matching or cost-sharing requirement.

9 This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 20122. For a brief description of this program, see the For more information about OVW programs, including how recipients of OVW grant funding achieve program goals, see: OVW grant program information: OVW Grants and Programs webpage .

Data that recipients collect and report: VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative webpage . What recipients have achieved and some of the evidence-based approaches they may have used: OVW’s most recent report to Congress on the effectiveness of VAWA grant programs. Funds under this program must be used for one or more of the purposes listed below.

Applicants proposing to address purpose area 6 must propose to address another purpose area as well. Additionally, grantees that modify facilities under purpose area 6 will be required to work with OVW to meet the requirements of relevant laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. 1.

To provide personnel, training, technical assistance, advocacy, intervention, risk reduction (including using evidence-based indicators to assess the risk of domestic and dating violence homicide) and prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking against individuals with disabilities and Deaf people; 2.

To conduct outreach activities to ensure that individuals with disabilities and Deaf people who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking receive appropriate assistance; 3.

To conduct cross-training for victim service organizations, governmental agencies, courts, law enforcement and other first responders, and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations serving individuals with disabilities about risk reduction, intervention, prevention, and the nature of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking for individuals with disabilities and Deaf people; 4.

To provide technical assistance to assist with modifications to existing policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure equal access to the services, programs, and activities of victim service providers for individuals with disabilities and Deaf people; 5. To provide training and technical assistance on the requirements of shelters and victim service providers under federal anti-discrimination laws, including -- a.

the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) ; and b.

section 794 of Title 29 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973). 6. To modify facilities, purchase equipment, and provide personnel so that shelters and victim service organizations can accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities and Deaf people; 10 7.

To provide advocacy and intervention services for individuals with disabilities and Deaf people who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault; or 8. To develop model programs to enhance the capacity of organizations serving individuals with disabilities and Deaf people who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The Disabilities Program statute requires that, in awarding grants, the Director will ensure that the needs of underserved populations are being addressed. 34 U.S.C. § 20122(d).

The term “underserved populations” means “populations who face barriers in accessing and using victim services, and includes populations underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic populations, [and] populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage status, or age)[.] ” 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(46).

To meet this statutory priority, OVW will give special consideration to applications focused on addressing barriers faced by individuals from underserved populations who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Applications that fare well in merit review and substantively address one or more of the priorities listed below, to the extent consistent with the program’s authorizing statute, may receive priority consideration for funding: 1.

Measures to combat human trafficking and transnational crime, particularly crimes linked to illegal immigration and cartel operations, that support safety and justice for trafficking victims who have also suffered domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking; and 2.

Projects to provide victim services, especially housing, and improve law enforcement response in rural and remote areas, Tribal nations, and small towns that often lack resources to effectively combat domestic violence and sexual assault. Applicants that receive funding under this program will be required to engage in the following activities: 1. Participate in OVW-sponsored training and technical assistance (TTA).

2. Collect and report performance indicators. Forms, instructions, training, and related tools for each OVW program are available on the VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative webpage .

3. Participate in an assessment or evaluation, if OVW conducts one that requires recipient involvement. 4.

If providing legal assistance with grant funds, comply with certain statutory requirements related to supervision, training, and expertise of individuals providing legal assistance, among other requirements. Applicants proposing to provide legal services must submit a Delivery of 11 Legal Assistance letter in JustGrants at the time of application submission.

Information about this requirement can be found in the Additional Application Components section of this NOFO. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs Applications proposing activities described below may have deducted points during the review process or may be removed from consideration.

Activities that Compromise Victim Safety and Recovery or Undermine Offender Accountability OVW will not fund activities that compromise victim safety and recovery, deter healing for victims, and/or undermine offender accountability. See the Application Companion Guide for more details about these activities, including program-specific information. *** This list of out-of-scope activities is the subject of federal litigation.

For the most up-to-date information about out-of-scope activities, please see the OVW website at: https://www. justice. gov/ovw/open-notices-of-funding-opportunity .

*** The activities listed below are out of the program scope. 1. Research projects.

Funds under this program may not be used to conduct research, defined by 28 C. F. R.

§ 46. 102(d) as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. However, assessments conducted for internal improvement purposes only may be allowable.

For information on distinguishing between research and assessments, see the Application Companion Guide . 2. Promoting or facilitating the violation of federal immigration law.

3. Inculcating or promoting gender ideology as defined in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government . 4.

Promoting or facilitating discriminatory programs or ideology, including illegal DEI and “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” programs that do not advance the policy of equal dignity and respect, as described in Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity .

This prohibition is not intended to interfere with any of OVW’s statutory obligations, such as funding for HBCUs, culturally specific services, and disability programs. 5. Activities that frame domestic violence or sexual assault as systemic social justice issues rather than criminal offenses (e.g., prioritizing criminal justice reform or social justice theories over victim safety and offender accountability).

6. Generic community engagement or economic development without a clear link to violence prevention, victim safety, or offender accountability. 7.

Programs that discourage collaboration with law enforcement or oppose or limit the role of police, prosecutors, or immigration enforcement in addressing violence against women. 8. Awareness campaigns or media that do not lead to tangible improvements in prevention, victim safety, or offender accountability.

12 9. Initiatives that prioritize illegal aliens over U.S. citizens and legal residents in receiving victim services and support. 10.

Excessive funding for consulting fees, training, administrative costs, or other expenses not related to measurable violence prevention, victim support, and offender accountability. 11. Any activity or program that unlawfully violates an Executive Order.

Activities and services for children under the age of 11. 13. Implementing projects that are not accessible to people with disabilities or Deaf people.

14. National, regional, or multi-state projects. Projects should be implemented at the state or local level only.

15. Hosting or presenting at national or regional conferences. 16.

For projects providing legal assistance, criminal defense of victims charged with crimes. However, representation in postconviction relief proceedings is permissible with respect to the conviction of a victim relating to or arising from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Note: Recipients should serve all eligible victims as required by statute, regulation, or award Grant funds under this program also may not be used for the following costs: 3. Purchase of real property. 4.

Physical modifications to buildings, including minor renovations (such as painting or carpeting), except as allowed under purpose area 6. Recipients of an award under this program may use up to one percent of the funds to assess the need for internal improvements (e.g. convening listening sessions to identify service gaps in the community; surveying participants about the quality of the training.)

The OVW research decision tree in the Application Companion Guide describes how applicants can ensure that such assessments are not prohibited human subjects research. Activities Requiring Prior Approval OVW must approve the following activities before recipients use grant funds to support them: 1.

Surveys, regardless of their purpose, to ensure they are within the scope of the award and meet the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act . 2. Renovations, including such minor activities as painting, carpeting, or installing lighting.

Recipients must also ensure that funded renovations comply with the National Environmental 13 Policy Act (NEPA) and related laws, which may be time-consuming and include public notice Awards will be made as grants. # Application Contents and Format Applications must include the required documents and meet the program eligibility requirements.

For a checklist of all required items, see the Application Submission Checklist section of this NOFO. OVW will not contact applicants for missing items on the list below.

Applications must include ALL the following to be considered for funding: Required Application Components Number of Possible Purpose of the Proposal 25 Budget worksheet and narrative 15 Memorandum of Understanding and Supporting Documents Formatting and Technical Requirements Applications must follow the requirements below for all attachments, unless otherwise noted.

OVW may deduct points for applications that do not adhere to these requirements: 1. Double-spaced text (charts may be single-spaced) 4. Arial font, type no smaller than 11-point, except for footnotes, which may be 9-point 5.

Correctly numbered pages 6. No more than 20 pages for the Proposal Narrative 7. Documents in the following formats: Microsoft Word (.

doc), PDF files (. pdf), or Text Documents (. txt) 14 8.

Headings and sub-headings that correspond to those identified below for each application component The Proposal Abstract must provide a short summary (no more than 2,000 characters) of the proposed project, including names of lead applicant and project partners, project title, purpose of the project, primary activities for which funds are requested, who will benefit (including geographic area to be served), and products and deliverables.

The abstract should not summarize past accomplishments. The Proposal Abstract must be entered into a text box in JustGrants. It will not be scored but will be used throughout the review process.

Data Requested with Application Applicants must complete the Pre-Award Risk Assessment questionnaire in JustGrants. The questionnaire will not be scored. The questions are listed in Appendix A of this NOFO.

(1 to 4 pages maximum, single or double-spaced) The Summary Data Sheet must be completed and submitted as an attachment under the Additional Application Components section in JustGrants. It will not be scored. Refer to Appendix B for the list of (75 points , 20 pages maximum, double-spaced) The Proposal Narrative must include the sections outlined below.

Purpose of the Proposal (25 points) 1. Identify the type of disability the project will address. 2.

Identify the geographic area where the project will be implemented (e.g., Mohave County, AZ, New York City, state of Florida). 3. Describe the specific barriers the population identified in #1 above faces when attempting to access and use victim services.

4. If applicable, describe how the proposal will address priority one (human trafficking and transnational crime) and/or priority two (under-resourced rural and remote areas, Tribal nations, and small towns. 15 What Will Be Done (25 points) The application must provide a clear link between the proposed activities and the barriers to accessing and using victim services described in the Purpose of the Proposal section above.

This section should not include any of the activities listed as unallowable costs in the Program Description 1. Describe each activity that will be implemented. 2.

Detail how each activity will address each barrier identified in the Purpose of the Proposal section. In doing so, applicants should explain why the activity was selected. Identify the products, if any, that will be developed (e.g., flyers, brochures, videos, outreach materials, training curriculum, etc.).

3. Describe what steps the applicant and any proposed partner(s) will take to make proposed services accessible to people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Who Will Implement (25 points) 1.

Identify the key people and organizations, including project partners involved in the proposed project. Demonstrate that the people and organizations identified have the capacity to address the stated need and can successfully implement the proposed project activities. Describe how survivors with disabilities will be involved in shaping the project activities proposed in What Will Be Done section.

Budget and Associated Documentation OVW awards are governed by the provisions of 2 C. F. R.

Part 200 and the DOJ Financial Guide . Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative and upload the applicable associated documentation under each heading, as described below. The budget worksheet and budget narrative will be reviewed separately from the Proposal Narrative.

The associated documentation will not be scored, but failure to include it may result in removal from consideration or a delay in access to funding.

For additional information on budget requirements and allowable costs, see the Budget Information , the Sample Budget Narrative (including Excel file), and the Creating a Budget webinar on the OVW Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (15 points) Applicants must upload in JustGrants a detailed budget and budget narrative for all applicable cost categories.

OVW strongly encourages using a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel, Numbers, etc.) for the budget worksheet. The budget narrative must describe each line item requested in the budget and explain all costs included in the budget, including how the costs of goods and services are determined and how 16 they will fulfill the objectives of the project. Budgetary requirements vary among programs.

The budget should be reasonable and based on the resources needed to implement the proposed project in the applicant’s specific geographic location. The award period is 36 months. Budgets, including the total “estimated funding” on the SF-424 , must reflect 36 months of project activity.

OVW anticipates that the award period will start on October 1, 2025. Awards under this program for FY 2025 will be made for up to $600,000. OVW has the discretion to make awards for greater or lesser amounts than requested and to negotiate the scope of work and budget with applicants before making an award or after an award is made but prior to access to funds.

1. Present a clear link between the specific project activities and the proposed budget items. The budget should not contain items that are not supported by the Proposal Narrative.

2. Fairly and reasonably compensate all project partners for their full level of effort, unless otherwise stated in the MOU. 3.

Include sufficient funds to provide language access, identify other funds that the applicant has budgeted for language access for this project, or describe other resources that the applicant has secured to ensure meaningful access for persons with limited English proficiency. See the Application Companion Guide for more information. 4.

Include $10,000. 00 to provide access for people with disabilities or who are Deaf/hard of hearing, identify other funds that the applicant has budgeted for such access for this project, or describe other resources that the applicant has secured to ensure meaningful access for such people. See the Application Companion Guide for more information.

Funds budgeted for access may not be reprogrammed. 5. Include funds to attend OVW-sponsored TTA in the amount of $15,000.

00 for applicants located in the 48 contiguous states and $20,000. 00 for applicants located in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska. This amount is for the entire 36 months and NOT per year.

Applicants also may budget expenses in excess of the required amount if they are aware of relevant non-OVW sponsored conferences or training for which they would like permission to use grant funds to support staff/project partner attendance. 6. Distinguish clearly between subawards and contracts in allocating any grant funds to other entities.

a. Pursuant to 2 C. F.

R. § 200. 331, a subaward is for the purpose of carrying out a portion of the federal award, such as compensating an MOU partner; a contract is for the purpose of obtaining goods and services for the recipient’s use.

b. The substance of the relationship is more important than the form of the agreement in determining whether the entity receiving federal funds is a subrecipient or a contractor. 17 c.

The awarding and monitoring of contracts must follow the recipient’s documented procurement procedures, including full and open competition, pursuant to the procurement standards and oversight requirements in 2 C. F. R.

§§ 200. 317-200. 327.

d. The issuance and monitoring of subawards must meet the requirements of 2 C. F.

R. §§ 200. 328-200.

329 & 200. 332, which includes oversight of subrecipient spending and overall performance to ensure that the goals of the subaward are achieved. For more information on distinguishing between subawards and contracts, see the Budget Information , the Sample Budget Narrative , and the Application Companion Guide .

Food and Beverage/Costs for Refreshments and Meals Recipients must receive prior approval before using grant funds to provide a working meal and/or refreshments at a meeting, conference, training, or other event. Food and beverages are generally considered personal expenses for which government funds should not be used.

Exceptions may be made for working meals that are necessary to accomplish official business and enhance the cost effectiveness of the meeting or conference. Examples include, but are not limited to: The location of the event is not in close proximity to food establishments, despite efforts to secure a location near reasonably priced and accessible commercial food establishments.

Failure to serve food will significantly lengthen the day or necessitate extending the meeting to achieve meeting outcomes. A special presentation at a conference requires a plenary address where there is no other time for food to be obtained. Other extenuating circumstances necessitate the provision of food.

Justification for an exception listed above must be included in the applicant’s budget narrative, including relevant details about the applicant’s community, such as a rural or remote location. For additional information on restrictions on food and beverage expenditures, see OVW Conference Costs Guidelines (posted on the OVW website ).

Conference Planning and Expenditure Limitations Applicants’ budgets must be consistent with all requirements (including specific cost limits and prior approval and reporting requirements, where applicable) governing the use of federal funds for expenses related to conferences (which is defined to include meetings, retreats, seminars, symposiums, training, and other similar events), and costs of attendance at such events.

Information on conference planning, minimization of costs, and conference reporting is available at OVW Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (If applicable) Applicants that intend to charge indirect costs through the use of a negotiated indirect cost rate must have a current, signed, federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and must upload and attach a copy of the agreement to their application in JustGrants.

Applicants that do not have a current federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate), may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). 18 Organizations that wish to negotiate an indirect cost rate should contact OVW’s Grants Financial Management Division at OVW. GFMD@usdoj.

gov or 1-888-514-8556 for more information. Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) All nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that apply for funding from OVW and have not previously (or within the last three years) received funding from OVW must complete an Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire and attach it to their application in JustGrants.

In addition, applicants may be required to submit their current year’s audit report at a later time. Nonprofits Only: Disclosure of Process for Setting Executive Compensation (if applicable) Nonprofit organizations that use the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Safe Harbor Procedure (described below) must submit a special disclosure to OVW (required by 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(15)(B)(iii)).

All other applicants may skip this section. IRS Safe Harbor Procedure: A nonprofit organization that provides unreasonably high compensation to certain executives may subject both the organization’s managers and those who receive the compensation to additional federal taxes. However, the IRS may treat executive compensation levels as reasonable if the nonprofit organization satisfies certain rules set out in IRS regulations.

These rules concern the organization’s process for making compensation decisions and are known as the “three-step safe-harbor procedure” to create a “rebuttable presumption” of reasonableness for compensation of an organization’s executives. See 26 C. F.

R. § 53. 4958-6.

The special disclosure must describe the process the