Legal Services for Crime Victims Fund (LSCV)

The Legal Services for Crime Victims (LSCV) Fund is a grant program administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in the State of Maryland. Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 2007, the fund’s mission is to provide legal representation to crime victims in Maryland using money obtained from unclaimed restitution under §11-614 (b)(2) of the Criminal Procedure Article. These unclaimed funds are collected by the Division of Parole and Probation and the Department of Juvenile Services when court-ordered restitution payments cannot be delivered to the intended victim. The LSCV fund ensures those funds are redirected annually to support legal advocacy for crime victims, ensuring their rights are protected in court. The LSCV program’s primary objective is to support nonprofit and government agencies that provide statewide legal counsel to victims of crime and delinquent acts. Legal counsel is defined in this context as legal advice, consultation, or representation provided by a licensed attorney. Awarded entities are expected to deliver services across all Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore City. The fund particularly supports services aimed at upholding victims' statutory rights and addressing legal needs that arise from experiences of victimization. This grant is part of Maryland’s broader effort to promote public safety, serve victims, and coordinate criminal justice initiatives. GOCPP requires all applicants to align with specific state and federal grant guidelines, including adherence to 2 CFR Part 200 and Maryland’s own Grant Management System (GMS) protocols. Applications must be submitted online using the GMS portal. Hard copy submissions are not accepted. A User ID is required to access the system and must be requested by March 27, 2026. The application deadline is April 10, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET. A technical assistance session will be held virtually on March 17, 2026, to support prospective applicants. The anticipated funding pool for SFY 2027 is $150,000, with a maximum of two awards each not to exceed $75,000. Allowable expenses include personnel (such as staff attorneys), operating costs (e.g., rent and communication), travel (using Maryland’s per diem policies), contractual services (capped at $81.25/hour unless pre-approved), equipment (subject to a $10,000 threshold), and other eligible costs including indirect costs under a valid NICRA or a 15% de minimis rate. Unallowable costs include fundraising, construction, food and beverage (except per diem), and religious activities that are not separate from funded services. No matching or cost share is required. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4)), local government agencies, and state government agencies that provide statewide legal counsel. Faith-based organizations are eligible but must ensure any religious activities are conducted separately from grant-funded services. All applicants must comply with System for Award Management (SAM.gov) requirements and submit a range of documentation including proof of nonprofit status, an updated W-9, certified assurances, and a completed Organizational Capacity Questionnaire (OCQ). Proposals will be evaluated based on organizational capacity, problem statement, project design, goals and measurable objectives, data collection methods, sustainability plans, and budget justification. Applications must include detailed performance metrics related to the number and type of victims served and the level of legal services provided (brief, intermediate, or extended). Reporting is required quarterly through the GMS system. The performance period for SFY 2027 grants is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Funds are distributed on a quarterly reimbursement basis. For awards exceeding $50,000, monthly reimbursements may be requested by nonprofit grantees. The grant is recurring on an annual basis and interested applicants should monitor for the next opportunity, expected to open again in March 2027. Contacts for this program include Erika Wells (Grants Specialist), Terri Ricks (Victims Services Grants Manager), Heather Amador (Director of Victim Services Policy and Programs), and Rebecca Allyn (Manager of Victim Services Initiatives).

Adhere strictly to word limits; incomplete or over-length applications may be disqualified; use Word to draft then copy into GMS.