Sexual Assault Kit Testing Grant Program (SAKT)

The Sexual Assault Kit Testing (SAKT) Grant Program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland. The GOCPP serves as a coordinating agency that advises the Governor on public safety strategies and distributes state and federal funds aimed at reducing crime, supporting victims, and enhancing justice-related initiatives across Maryland. The SAKT program aligns with GOCPP’s mission to advance policy, reduce crime, and serve victims by addressing the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence collection kits (SAKs) in law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The purpose of the SAKT program is to provide targeted support for the investigation and processing of untested sexual assault kits, focusing on forensic testing, victim support, and related telehealth services. It provides a total of $450,400 in available grant funding for SFY 2026 to be awarded to three eligible applicant types: the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Federally Recognized State Sexual Assault Coalition, and peer-to-peer telehealth providers who meet Maryland’s statutory requirements for forensic evidence collection. This supplemental funding opportunity supports enhanced capacity for victim notification, forensic testing, and investigation efforts that align with Maryland's broader crime prevention priorities. Funding under this program is intended to support personnel costs (e.g., investigators, victim advocates, forensic nurse examiners), operational expenses (such as rent and communications), travel (at state-approved reimbursement rates), contractual services, and equipment related to the testing and processing of SAKs. Allowable costs also include supplies and low-cost equipment (under $10,000). Unallowable costs include lobbying, fundraising, meals (unless pre-approved for client use), honoraria, and other restricted expenses. Awards will be distributed on a reimbursement basis for actual quarterly expenditures. No matching funds are required. The program has strict eligibility requirements. Only three types of Maryland-based entities are eligible to apply: the Federally Recognized State Sexual Assault Coalition (for maintaining victim notification hotlines and personnel), the Office of the Attorney General (to assist law enforcement investigations), and qualifying telehealth providers (specifically for services to child victims under the Criminal Procedures Article 11-1007). Each entity may submit only one application, and incomplete submissions or those exceeding word count limits may be disqualified. Applications must be submitted online via GOCPP's Grant Management System (GMS), and a user ID must be requested by August 28, 2025. Applications open in September 2025 and are due no later than Friday, September 8, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive narrative that includes organizational information, problem statement, goals, data collection plans, personnel details, sustainability strategy, and a detailed budget. A technical assistance call is scheduled for August 26, 2025, and application materials such as certifications, W-9 forms, proof of SAM.gov registration, and others must be uploaded to the GMS for the application to be considered complete. Grants will begin on October 1, 2025, and must be fully expended by June 30, 2026. GOCPP anticipates awarding at least two grants through this program. This is a recurring opportunity with annual updates. Performance measurement is a critical component of the program, and awardees must track and report detailed outputs, such as the number of victim notifications completed, cases investigated, and forensic examinations performed. The funding supports both system improvement and direct services, reinforcing Maryland’s commitment to addressing sexual violence with rigor and transparency.

Strictly follow word limits; Upload all required documents to GMS to avoid disqualification; Use provided templates and attend TA call if possible.