Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

The Competitive Victims of Crime Act (VOCA/VOCG) grant program, administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland, is designed to strengthen the provision of critical services to victims of crime throughout the state. This program is funded by a combination of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (CFDA# 16.575) and supplemental state general funds authorized through the Victim Services Stabilization Act. Established under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, the federal funding source—known as the Crime Victims Fund—is sustained through fines, penalty fees, and forfeitures paid by individuals convicted of federal crimes. The state’s funding reinforcement, codified via SB148/HB186 in 2023, ensures annual appropriations of up to $60 million for VOCA/VOCG support regardless of the variability in federal allocations. The primary purpose of the VOCA/VOCG program is to enhance the treatment and recovery of victims of violent crime by supporting service providers with a demonstrated track record of effective assistance. These funds enable the delivery of direct services such as crisis intervention, emergency housing, counseling, transportation to court, and support navigating the criminal justice process. Eligible applicants include a broad range of Maryland-based organizations and governmental agencies, such as certified rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs, child advocacy centers, local governments, nonprofit victim services organizations, and institutions of higher learning. All applicants must demonstrate compliance with federal and state grant requirements, provide services to victims of federal crimes, maintain civil rights information, and not charge victims for VOCA/VOCG-supported services. Funding for the SFY 2027 cycle will cover the performance period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Applications must be submitted online through the state’s Grants Management System (GMS) by March 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must comply with narrative, word-count, and documentation requirements detailed in both the NOFA and the GMS Application Instructions. The application must include key narrative sections such as organizational information, problem statement, project design, goals and objectives, data collection plan, and budget justification. Required documents include a signed certified assurances form, organizational chart, current W-9, proof of nonprofit status (if applicable), and financial statements or audit reports. For new applicants, a SAM.gov UEI registration is also mandatory. All narratives are evaluated on merit using criteria such as past performance, project scope, and alignment with priority populations. Eligible costs span a wide range of victim-focused direct services and supporting activities. Allowable expenses include emergency housing, legal assistance, mental health counseling, peer support, transitional housing, relocation assistance, forensic interviews, and training for direct service providers. Administrative and indirect costs are also allowable within specified caps, and each requested line item must be clearly justified and proportionally allocated in accordance with federal Uniform Guidance principles. Prohibited expenses include lobbying, construction, medical care unrelated to victimization, and fundraising. Programs are encouraged to provide a 20% non-federal cost share, either in cash or in-kind, though waivers are available upon demonstrated financial hardship. The evaluation process is competitive and incorporates both internal and external review teams. Scoring weights are distributed across sections such as project design, budget, sustainability, and program purpose alignment. Bonus points are available for programs serving underserved populations or those currently holding VOCA/VOCG awards. All funded projects will be reimbursed quarterly based on actual expenditures and must submit fiscal and programmatic reports through the GMS. Applicants should also expect ongoing monitoring and must be prepared to document victim demographics, service delivery statistics, and program outcomes in accordance with VOCA requirements and the Office’s reporting framework. Pre-application support is available through a technical assistance session scheduled for February 4, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., accessible via Google Meet. Additional help is provided through training videos and written guides on the GOCPP website. Key program contacts include Grant Monitors Alisa Baum and Chaylah Steverson, Fiscal Specialist Molly Zhang, and Funding Manager David Blum. Final award decisions are anticipated in June 2026, with subawards commencing in July. The program is issued on an annual basis, and future applicants are advised to monitor updates from the Governor’s Office and the Grants Management System for next cycle timelines.

Follow word limits strictly; Use accurate proration; Bonus points for VOCA status and 20% cost share; Avoid unallowable costs