Survivors of Homicide Victims Grant Program (SOHG)

The Survivors of Homicide Grant Program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in the State of Maryland. This initiative was created in direct response to the state’s repeal of the death penalty in 2013 and codified by House Bill 355, passed in 2014. The law mandated the establishment and expansion of statewide programs specifically for survivors of homicide victims. The core aim is to ensure that individuals who have lost family members to homicide receive the necessary assistance, advocacy, support, and access to justice system responses that affirm and protect their legal rights. The SFY 2027 funding cycle makes $500,000 available to eligible organizations for program implementation from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The Office anticipates awarding between four to six grants ranging from $50,000 to $125,000. Awards are contingent upon legislative approval of the state budget and are distributed on a reimbursable basis, emphasizing the necessity for applicants to have sufficient financial capacity to incur expenses before reimbursement. This funding can support a range of services, including mental health referrals, legal aid, trauma-informed counseling, and the establishment of toll-free hotlines, as well as administrative categories such as personnel, travel, and equipment. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit or faith-based organizations providing statewide services in Maryland. These organizations must be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) designated, submit documentation of status, and comply with applicable federal regulations including SAM.gov registration. Organizations may apply only once and must offer support to both adult and minor survivors across all parts of the state. Notably, faith-based organizations must separate religious activities from grant-funded services and ensure such activities are voluntary for recipients. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants Management System (GMS) by 11:59 p.m. on February 23, 2026. To do so, applicants must obtain or confirm a valid user ID and complete the full GMS submission, which includes several narrative sections: organization overview, problem statement, goals and objectives, data collection strategy, personnel plan, and sustainability strategy. Additional required uploads include IRS determination letters, organizational charts, certified assurances, W-9 forms, and a recently completed Organizational Capacity Questionnaire. A technical assistance session will be offered via Google Meet on February 4, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. The Office will score all complete applications based on their narrative quality, project design, budget alignment, and adherence to NOFA priorities. Emphasis is placed on expanding services to rural or underserved communities and ensuring equitable survivor access to trauma-informed, culturally competent, and legally supportive programming. Notifications of award or denial will be sent in April 2026, with funding beginning in July. This is a recurring opportunity, issued annually, with the next anticipated application cycle expected in February 2027.

Align closely with survivor equity priorities; demonstrate statewide impact; ensure all documents are uploaded on time.