Family Violence Prevention and Services Act
Grant Program
2023
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
OFFICE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES
1970 West Broad Street, P.O. Box 182632
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2632
Telephone: 614.466.7782 or 888.448.4842• Fax: 614.466.0308
www.ocjs.ohio.gov
Mike DeWine
, Governor
Jon Husted
, Lt. Governor
Thomas J. Stickrath
, ODPS Director
Nicole M. Dehner, OCJS Executive Director
Apply for FVPSA online using the OCJS grants management system.
The deadline for submissions is by 5pm EST on December 8, 2022
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OFFICE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES
Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Program
2023 Request for Proposals
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS OCJS 3
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 3
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 3
BIDDERS TRAINING 4
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 4
WHAT TO EXPECT 4
CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY 5
VOLUNTARY SERVICES 5
PROGRAM PURPOSE AND PROGRAM AREAS 5
NEW AND CONTINUATION PROJECTS 8
FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS 8
ACCOMMODATIONS AND LANGUAGE ACCESS 9
POST AWARD REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 10
PROPOSAL COMPONENTS CHECKLIST 11
FORMAT AND SUBMISSION 11
PROPOSAL NARRATIVE 12
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND UNDERSERVED POPULATION 12
PROJECT DESCRIPTION 14
SUSTAINABILITY/ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OBSTACLES 15
PROJECT OBJECTIVES 16
TIMELINE AND ACTIVITIES 17
ORGANIZATION, STAFF CAPACITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCY 17
COLLABORATION BOARD 19
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 20
BUDGET 20
UNALLOWABLE COSTS 21
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) provides the primary federal funding stream dedicated to
the support of emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their dependents.
FVPSA is located in the Family & Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), a division of the Administration on Children, Youth and
Families in the Administration for Children & Families.
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WHAT IS OCJS
The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public
Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state of Ohio,
administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also
evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice
professionals and communities.
OCJS has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to administer the FY 2023 Family Violence
Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funds. The FVPSA funds supports programming that prevents
incidents of family violence, and provides immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of
family violence and their dependents.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
All FVPSA applicants must have an organization, or subrecipient
1
, that will serve as the fiduciary
agent and assume overall responsibility for the grant. Eligible FVPSA subrecipients include:
1. A unit of local government or council of governments. A unit of local government has
legislative autonomy, jurisdiction and authority to act in certain circumstances. Units of
government include a city, county, township or village. NOTE: If two or more organizations
jointly apply, they must designate one body to take the lead role and identify that agency’s
fiscal officer, or
2. State agencies, state-supported universities, or
3. Private, nonprofit associations.
Distribution of FVPSA funds:
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 10407(a)(2)(B)(iii), the state will emphasize the support of effective
community-based projects that are carried out by nonprofit, private organizations and that
do the following:
I. have the operation of shelters for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and
dating violence, and their dependents as their primary purpose; or
II. provide counseling, advocacy, and self-help services to victims of family violence,
domestic violence, and dating violence, and their dependents
2
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Projects applying under FVPSA must have a collaborative group representing various stakeholders
from the community, including but not limited to victim service providers, law enforcement,
prosecution, courts, children services, community organizations, hospitals and any other
applicable agency/representative that will help to inform the project’s activities and goals.
1
The terms Grantee/Recipient and Subgrantee/Subrecipient are used interchangeably throughout this document.
2
Distribution of FVPSA grant funds: 1) not less than 70 percent of the funds distributed by a State to sub-recipients shall be distributed to entities for
the primary purpose of providing immediate shelter and supportive services to adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or
dating violence, and their dependents, 2) not less than 25 percent of the funds distributed by a State to subgrantees/recipients shall be distributed to
entities for the purpose of providing supportive services and prevention services.
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BIDDERS TRAINING
A voluntary Bidders Training webinar will take place November 10, 2022 from 10am to 11:30 am.
The training will provide information helpful for both the application preparation and review
process. Please visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1957842507283053583
to complete the registration.
For any additional questions contact OCJS at 614.466.7782 or email Katie Fenwick at
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
For technical assistance on the narrative and budget pieces of the FVPSA application, email
Jacquetta Al-Mubaslat at JAL[email protected].
For technical assistance with www.ocjsgrants.com, please contact your grant coordinator by email.
You can find your OCJS Regional Contact here: www.ocjs.ohio.gov/grants.stm.
WHAT TO EXPECT
OCJS implements a competitive three-tiered application review process:
1. Internal compliance (financial and programmatic reporting) reviews.
2. Peer (professionals from the field) and OCJS subject matter expert reviews.
3. OCJS Director Review.
Final funding recommendations are made by the OCJS Executive Director and approved by the
Department of Public Safety Director.
Award notifications and expectations: Applicants that are recommended for funding will be
notified and required to complete all forms and pre-award conditions electronically through the
grants management system at www.ocjsgrants.com. All awards will be for 12 months of funding,
operating from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Forms and assurances included with pre-award conditions include but are not limited to:
▪ Equal Employment Opportunity Certification Form
▪ Civil Rights and EEOP Questions Part 1 Form
▪ Standard Assurances Form
▪ Civil Rights Information Obligations
▪ Assurances of Compliance with Grant Requirements
▪ LGBTQ Accessibility Policy
▪ Fidelity Insurance/Surety Bond
▪ Proof of Tax Exempt Status
▪ Registration in the System for Award Management (sam.gov)
▪ Eligibility to do Business with the Federal Government
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All agencies that receive grant funds for programs funded through OCJS must also comply with the
applicable Program Guidelines and Request for Proposal (RFP), pre-award conditions and the
provisions of the Standard Federal Subgrant Conditions Handbook.
*Peer Grant Reviewer: OCJS encourages applicants to participate in the peer grant review process.
Participating as a peer grant reviewer is an important role, and provides an excellent opportunity
for participants to strengthen grant writing skills, gain knowledge, and share programmatic best
practices occurring throughout the field. Confirmation of reviewers will be based upon the number
of applications that are received, availability, and other aspects related to coordinating review
teams. If interested in participating as a peer grant reviewer contact Katie Fenwick at
CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
To ensure the safety of adult, youth, and child victims of family violence, domestic violence, or
dating violence, and their families, FVPSA-funded programs must establish and implement policies
and protocols for maintaining the confidentiality of records pertaining to any individual provided
domestic violence services. Consequently, when providing statistical data on program activities
and program services, individual identifiers of client records will not be used by the State or other
FVPSA grantees or subgrantees (Section 10406(c)(5)).
In the annual grantee Performance Progress Report (PPR), States and subgrantees must collect
unduplicated data from each program rather than unduplicated data across programs or
statewide. No client-level data should be shared with a third party, regardless of encryption,
hashing, or other data security measures, without a written, time-limited release as described in
section 10406(c)(5). The address or location of any FVPSA-supported shelter facility shall not be
made public except with written authorization of the person or persons responsible for the
operation of such shelter (42 U.S.C. § 10406(c)(5)(H)) and the confidentiality of records pertaining
to any individual provided domestic violence services by any FVPSA-supported program will be
strictly maintained.
VOLUNTARY SERVICES
Receipt of supportive services under FVPSA will be voluntary. No condition will be applied for the
receipt of emergency shelter as described in Section 10408(d)(2)).
PROGRAM PURPOSE AND PROGRAM AREAS
The purpose of the federal FVPSA Program is to support the establishment, maintenance, and
expansion of programs and projects:
1. to prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence;
2. to provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and access to community-based
programs for victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their
dependents; and
3. to provide specialized services for children exposed to family violence, domestic violence,
or dating violence, underserved populations, and victims who are members of racial and/or
ethnic minority populations.
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Federal Definitions
▪ Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social
relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim and where the existence of
such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
The length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction
between the persons involved in the relationship.
o Includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional violence, financial abuse within
a dating relationship, including stalking.
o Covers in person or online abuse or other forms of manipulation occurring
between current/former dating partners regardless of actual or perceived sexual
orientation or gender identity.
▪ Domestic Violence
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: Felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or
former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares
a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the
victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the
victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant
monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from
that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
o Includes criminal or noncriminal acts constituting intimidation, control, coercion
and coercive control, harassment, emotional and psychological abuse, expressive
and psychological abuse and behavior, expressive and psychological aggression,
financial abuse, harassment, tormenting behavior, disturbing or alarming behavior,
and additional acts.
▪ Family Violence: Any act or threatened act of violence, including any forceful detention of
an individual, that results or threatens to result in physical injury and is committed by a
person against another individual, to whom such person is related by blood or marriage, or
is or was otherwise legally related, or is or was lawfully residing.
▪ Shelter: The provision of temporary refuge in conjunction with supportive services in
compliance with applicable State or Tribal law or regulations governing the provision, on a
regular basis, of shelter, safe homes, meals, and supportive services to victims of family
violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents.
o Includes emergency and immediate shelter, which may include housing provision,
rental subsidies, temporary refuge, or lodging in properties that could be individual
units for families and individuals (such as apartments) in multiple locations around
a local jurisdiction, Tribe/reservation, or State.
o Temporary refuge includes a residential service, including shelter and off-site
services such as hotel or motel vouchers or individual dwellings, which are not
transitional or permanent housing, but must also provide comprehensive
supportive services.
3
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is another term for Domestic Violence. Funds awarded through OCJS should not be used exclusively for
victims/survivors of IPV and should be used to include providing services for victims/survivors of Family Violence.
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o The mere act of making a referral to shelter or housing shall not itself be considered
provision of shelter.
▪ Supportive Services: Services for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic
violence, or dating violence, and their dependents that are designed to meet the needs of
such victims and their dependents for short-term, transitional, or long-term safety and
recovery.
o Supportive services include, but are not limited to: Direct and/or referral-based
advocacy on behalf of victims and their dependents, counseling, case management,
employment services, referrals, transportation services, legal advocacy or
assistance, child care services, health, behavioral health and preventive health
services, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and other services that
assist victims or their dependents in recovering from the effects of the violence.
FVPSA funds may be used for but are not limited to
4
:
▪ Provision, on a regular basis, of immediate shelter and related supportive services to adult
and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their
dependents, including paying for the operating and administrative expenses of the
facilities for such shelter.
▪ Assistance in developing safety plans and supporting efforts of victims of family violence,
domestic violence, or dating violence to make decisions related to their ongoing safety
and well-being.
▪ Provision of individual and group counseling, peer support groups, and referral to
community-based services to assist family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence
victims, and their dependents, in recovering from the effects of the violence.
▪ Provision of services, training, technical assistance, and outreach to increase awareness of
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, and increase the accessibility of
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence services.
▪ Provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
▪ Provision of services for children exposed to family violence, domestic violence, or dating
violence, including age-appropriate counseling, supportive services, and services for the
nonabusing parent that support that parent’s role as a caregiver, which may, as
appropriate, include services that work with the nonabusing parent and child together.
▪ Provision of advocacy, case management services, and information and referral services,
concerning issues related to family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence
intervention and prevention, including:
o assistance in accessing related Federal and State financial assistance programs;
o legal advocacy to assist victims and their dependents;
4
Distribution of FVPSA grant funds: 1) not less than 70 percent of the funds distributed by a State to sub-recipients shall be distributed to entities
for the primary purpose of providing immediate shelter and supportive services to adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or
dating violence, and their dependents, 2) not less than 25 percent of the funds distributed by a State to subgrantees/recipients shall be distributed
to entities for the purpose of providing supportive services and prevention services.
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o medical advocacy, including provision of referrals for appropriate health care
services (including mental health, alcohol, and drug abuse treatment), which does
not include reimbursement for any health care services;
o assistance locating and securing safe and affordable permanent housing and
homelessness prevention services;
o transportation, child care, respite care, job training and employment services,
financial literacy services and education financial planning, and related economic
empowerment services; and
o parenting and other educational services for victims and their dependents.
▪ Provision of prevention services, including outreach to underserved populations.
NEW AND CONTINUATION PROJECTS
A new project is one that has never received FVPSA funding. If an agency submits an application
for a project substantially similar to a previously awarded project, the project proposal is
considered a continuation of the earlier program. New and continuation projects compete equally
for funding.
FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS
▪ The unallowable costs list can be accessed at
http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/ocjs_grants_unallowable_costs.pdf (starting on page 3).
▪ Projects may apply for 12 months of funding, operating from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
▪ All projects are required to provide a 20 percent in-kind or cash match.
▪ There is no funding cap, however applicants are expected to submit funding requests that
reflect realistic and allowable project costs that can be expended during the July 1, 2023
to June 30, 2024 project period. In FY 2021, the average funding award was $49,000.00
5
.
The number of applications received and the availability of funds are a few of the factors
that influence the number and size of awards
6
.
▪ Lodging and meal per diem rates cannot exceed the rates set by the federal Government
Services Administration (GSA). The rates can be found at GSA Per Diem Rates.
▪ Mileage rates cannot exceed the rates set by Ohio Budget Management (OBM). These
rates can be found at OBM Travel Rule.
▪ External Audit or Financial Report – applicants are required to upload a copy of the
organization’s most recent external audit or most recent financial report to the Collaboration
Board Upload section of the application. This allows OCJS to ensure requirements are met
for 2 C.F.R. § 200.331(f). Single Audit Act Amendment of 1996, and the OMB Circular A-
133.
▪ Financial Budget Definitions Reference Guide.
5
OCJS has not yet announced FY 2022 FVPSA funding recommendations.
6
OCJS implements a competitive three-tiered application review process. Refer to page 4.
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Cash Match
Acceptable forms of Cash Match include:
▪ State or local budget items or appropriations identified as binding commitments of project
match
▪ Funds contributed from private sources, like corporate or private donations
▪ Funds from the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5305, et. seq.
▪ Funds from the Appalachian Regional Development Act
▪ Project income
In-Kind Match
Acceptable forms of In-Kind Match include:
▪ Donations of expendable equipment, supplies, workshop or classroom materials, work
space
o The value placed on donated services must be consistent with the compensation
rate paid for similar work in the organization or labor market. Loaned or donated
equipment may not exceed its fair market value.
o Monetary value of donated time contributed by volunteers such as professional,
technical, skilled, or unskilled personnel if services are an integral and necessary
part of the project.
o Volunteer services must be documented and supported by the same methods used
by the grant recipient for the recipient’s own employees.
Match does not need to be applied at the exact time or in proportion to the obligation of federal
funds: it must only be obligated by the end of the project period.
Food and Beverage/Costs for Refreshments and Meals
Funding cannot be used to purchase food and/or beverages for any meeting, conference, training,
or other event. Exceptions to this restriction may be made only in cases where such sustenance is
not otherwise available (i.e., extremely remote areas), or where a special presentation at a
conference requires a plenary address where there is no other time for sustenance to be attained.
Such an exception would require prior approval. This restriction does not apply to water provided
at no cost, but does apply to any and all other refreshments, regardless of the size or nature of the
meeting. Additionally, this restriction does not impact direct payment of per diem amounts to
individuals in a travel status under your organization's travel policy.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND LANGUAGE ACCESS
Applicants are encouraged to allocate grant funds to support activities that help to ensure
individuals with disabilities, deaf individuals and persons with limited English proficiency have
meaningful and full access to their programs. For example, grant funds can be used to support
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services, language interpretation and translation
services, or the purchase of adaptive equipment.
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Applicants proposing to use grant funds to create websites, videos and other materials must
ensure that they are accessible to persons with disabilities. Grant funds must be allocated for
these purposes.
POST AWARD REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All FVPSA subrecipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports.
The due dates are as follows: October 15
th
(covering July - September), January 15
th
(covering
October - December), April 15
th
(covering January – March), July 15
th
(covering April – June). The
report MUST be completed in its entirety. The performance report form (FVPSA SF-PPR Form) is
accessed through the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) website at
http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/FVPSA.stm.
THIS SECTION INTENTIONALLY BLANK
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PROPOSAL COMPONENTS CHECKLIST
ALL components within each section of the RFP must be addressed and clearly described. Use the
following as checklist to ensure all required components are addressed. Read the entire 2023 FVPSA
RFP before completing and submitting proposals.
❑ Title Page
❑ Problem Statement/Underserved Population
❑ Project Description
❑ Sustainability/Accomplishments/Obstacles
❑ Project Objectives
❑ Timeline/Activities
❑ Organization, Staff Capacity and Cultural Competency
❑ Collaboration Board
❑ All applicants MUST upload commitment letters from each Collaboration Board member.
❑ The letters must specify the FY 2023 FVPSA grant program.
❑ The letters must be on each Collaboration Board member agency’s letterhead.
❑ The letters must describe each member agency or individual’s role and demonstrate
commitment to the proposed project.
❑ Executive Summary
❑ Budget
❑ External Audit or Financial Report (Upload to the Collaboration Board section of the
application.
FORMAT AND SUBMISSION
❑ Applications are submitted online through the OCJS Grants Management System. New
applicants must first register in the online system at www.ocjsgrants.com. Applicants that
have previously used the system may use their existing account. It is recommended that
new applicants register at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to ensure access
to the online application.
❑ Deadline for submission is by 5 p.m. EST December 8, 2022. OCJS will not review late
applications or consider them for funding.
IMPORTANT: Applications must be in the APPLICATION SUBMITTED STATUS in the OCJS
Grants Management System to be considered for funding.
For technical assistance on any part of the FVPSA application, call OCJS at: 614.466.7782 or
888.448.4842 and ask to speak to your Grants Coordinator. Emails are recommended for a
quicker response. Regional Contacts: http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/grants.stm.
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FAMILY VIOLENCE AND PREVENTION SERVICES ACT
PROPOSAL NARRATIVE
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND UNDERSERVED POPULATION
Applicants should explain and clearly describe the problem or issue to be addressed, and its
impact on the community. The narrative must describe the nature and scope of the problem,
justify the need for assistance, and relate the problem and the need for assistance to the scope of
the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA) Grant program.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Provide local data/statistics that show how the community/population you serve has been
impacted by the scope of the problem. Responses should include:
o Population size, location, geography
o Target population composition in terms of race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status,
and other important demographic information
o Underserved population(s) that have been identified as part of the target
population to receive outreach and services (refer to the “underserved
population” section below)
o Calls for service (immediate shelter and/or related supportive services)
o Number of people served (immediate shelter and/or related supportive services)
o Number of people who request services who are turned away (explain why)
o A description of your agency’s practice for serving people from other counties.
▪ Discuss both the short and long-term consequences for the community if the problem
identified is not addressed. Include how the short and long-term consequences if not
funded will impact the target population.
▪ Identify other resources in the community that are currently available to address the
problem. Responses should include:
o Explain why existing resources are not sufficient to address the problem.
o If no resources exist, the applicant should discuss the gaps in services, and
o Describe how the proposed project will help alleviate those gaps.
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UNDERSERVED POPULATION
The term ‘underserved populations’ 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 including language barriers, disabilities, immigration status,
and age. Individuals with criminal histories due to victimization and individuals with substance use
disorders and mental health issues are also included in this definition
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.
All projects must identify at least one underserved population within the service region of the
proposed program. All projects MUST describe previous strategies for outreach, collaboration, and
partnerships with the underserved populations and agencies that support them. If there have
been no previous strategies implemented then the applicant must explain why the underserved
populations have been identified. The discussion MUST also describe the population size and
demographic characteristics for the population(s).
▪ What are the underserved populations your project will serve?
o Avoid identifying “all” victims of family violence.
▪ Why are the populations currently underserved?
o What are the barriers to services for the populations?
o Are the underserved populations attempting to access services? If not, then why
not? For example, are the populations aware of the services? Are the services
culturally responsive?
▪ How will the project meet the needs of the underserved populations?
o What efforts will or are occurring to promote eliminating barriers to accessing
services, and help increase the utilization of services for underserved populations?
Applicants MUST clearly describe into which of the following three-tier populations the
underserved community falls.
▪ Unserved: populations that have no services available to them.
▪ Underserved: populations that have minimal access and are in need of more outreach and
support.
▪ Inadequately served: Historically marginalized populations that may be overrepresented,
but remain inadequately served with specific reference to the quality of service and a “one-
size-fits-all” approach.
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https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-XIII/subchapter-H/part-1370#p-1370.2(Underserved%20populations)
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Applicants should describe a plan of action that the proposed project will implement to address
the identified problem discussed in the problem statement.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Clearly describe the proposed activities and approach (i.e., model or practice) to be taken
given the nature of the problem to be addressed. The approach should seem logical given
the characteristics and needs of the identified target population (including the underserved
population). Responses should include:
o Identify the model(s) or practice to be implemented.
o Explain why the particular program model(s) or best practice was selected for
implementation.
o Provide a detailed discussion on the plan to implement the model(s) or practice
that is evidence-based or grounded in best practices of the field. For more
information on evidence-based practices, go to http://www.ocjs.ohio.gov/ebp.stm.
o Discuss the evidence that shows that the model or practice is effective with the
target population, as well as the underserved populations described previously.
o Discuss the evidence that the model(s) or practice chosen is (are) appropriate for
the outcomes the program wants to achieve.
o If a danger or lethality assessment is being used as part of the requested project
funding please upload a copy with the application.
▪ Demonstrate how the applicant will implement the program in a way that incorporates the
core elements of the chosen program model or best practice.
Responses should describe:
o How core services, components, and procedures are consistent with the evidence-
based model or best practice utilized.
o The necessary resources that are required to implement the approach or response
outlined. The resources should be reasonable given the scope and detail of the
identified approach.
o Any data or information collected and reviewed to ensure that the program is
being implemented consistently over time and across program participants.
▪ Describe the provision of specialized services including trauma-informed services for
children exposed to family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, underserved
populations, and victims who are members of racial and ethnic minority populations.
▪ Describe how trauma informed services are provided for victims of family violence,
domestic violence or dating violence who may also be victims of human trafficking.
o Human trafficking is defined by the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel
victims into performing labor or commercial sex acts. The vast majority of human
trafficking victims also experience multiple forms of abuse, such as domestic
violence, intimate partner violence, familial violence, and sexual assault. For
example, victims of human trafficking may be in an intimate relationship and have
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children with their trafficker, who may use physical abuse as a mechanism to
control and coerce the victim.
8
SUSTAINABILITY/ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OBSTACLES
Applicants should describe a plan of action that the proposed project will implement in order to
sustain the program activities discussed in the Project Description. Applicants should also describe
previous accomplishments and obstacles that have been presented when carrying out similar
activities that were discussed in the Project Description.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Explain the steps that will be taken to ensure long term program sustainability (i.e. the ability
for the program to maintain its services over time).
o The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to the program by describing a plan
for maintaining programmatic activities in the event that funding support from OCJS
has ended.
▪ Describe any previous program accomplishments and how these accomplishments
influence program activities.
o If the current proposal is requesting funds for a continuation of programming
activities, these accomplishments should be related to programming that was
completed under previous funding.
▪ Describe any previous or ongoing programmatic obstacles or challenges and how they
were addressed.
o If the current proposal is requesting funds for a continuation of programming
activities, these obstacles should be related to programming that was completed
under previous funding.
▪ Elaborate on collaboration with community resources and how various agencies and
stakeholders have played a role in sustainability, accomplishments and obstacles.
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8
The Intersection of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking. Center for Court Innovation.
https://www.courtinnovation.org/sites/default/files/documents/UnderstandingHumanTrafficking_2.pdf
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PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Through the use of surveys, FVPSA–funded programs are required to measure the extent to
which domestic violence survivors, after having contact with their program, report that they:
1. Now have more strategies for enhancing their safety; and
2. Now have knowledge of available community resources.
THE FOLLOWING TWO OBJECTIVES ARE REQUIRED. SELECT EITHER MAINTAIN OR INCREASE:
Objective #1-To maintain at (or increase by) [insert # or %] the number of individuals who
now have more strategies for enhancing their safety during the project period.
Objective #2- To maintain at (or increase by) [insert # or %] the number of individuals who
now have more knowledge of available community resources during the project period.
(If direct service providers and/or allied professionals are the target population, then include
the types of victims/survivors (by type of victimization) who will receive services).
These two outcome objectives must be asked from a sample of clients. A sample can be defined
as a part of a group chosen to represent the experiences or views of the group as a whole.
Performance Indicator:
Describe the evaluation method and performance indicator (measurement) tool that will be
used to examine the change that will occur in the client base as a result of the services that the
shelter/program provides.
THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS MUST ALIGN WITH THE OBJECTIVES. STATE AS FOLLOWS:
Performance Indicator #1-The number of individuals who respond “yes” on a survey that
they now have more strategies for enhancing their safety.
Performance Indicator #2-The number of individuals who respond “yes” on a survey that
they now have more knowledge of available community resources.
Baseline:
Include the result of past evaluations or results of data collection efforts (this is the baseline). An
entire year of data on
the two aforementioned outcome objectives must be submitted with the
application.
If no attempts to evaluate services have been made to date then the baseline is zero.
STATE THE BASELINE AS FOLLOWS:
Baseline #1-Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 [insert #] individuals were provided
services. [insert #] surveys were completed and [insert # or %] of the individuals who
completed a survey responded “yes” they knew more ways to plan for their safety.
Baseline #2- Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 [insert #] individuals were provided
services. [insert #] surveys were completed and [insert # or %] of the individuals who
completed a survey responded “yes” they had more knowledge of community resources.
Performance Data Collection:
Discuss in detail the procedures and strategies for collecting, analyzing, storing and reporting
the data. This should include discussing how anonymity and confidentiality are maintained.
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The application will be evaluated on how effectively it:
▪ Clearly identifies the required project objectives (measured change as a result of
implementing the proposed project).
▪ Clearly identifies performance indicators (how you will measure that change, what
instruments and/or tools are to be used, etc.).
▪ Clearly identifies any baseline data that exists (baselines should be specified).
Examples of survivor feedback surveys and additional resources can be located at the Domestic
Violence Evidence Project, a National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) initiative
that can be accessed at https://www.dvevidenceproject.org/.
TIMELINE AND ACTIVITIES
Applicants should describe how the programmatic and grant administrative activities as well as the
related outcomes and objectives will be reasonably achieved in the given project period.
Applicants should present a timeline of activities that is comprehensive and well defined.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Specify what will be done, who (individuals and organizations) will do it, and when it will
be accomplished. Responses should include:
o Tasks and activities specific to the project and stated objectives.
o Tasks and activities associated with Collaboration Board meetings.
o Tasks and activities associated with OCJS reporting deadlines. To include:
▪ Programmatic reports
▪ Fiscal reports
o Program deliverables that will be created and used throughout the project.
▪ The timeline of activities should be detailed, align with the project description and be
clearly organized. Activities may be grouped together as daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly
(divide into quarters), and annually.
ORGANIZATION, STAFF CAPACITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Applicants should provide a comprehensive discussion of the history and accomplishments of
the organization responsible for implementing the project. Identify any key staff that will be
involved in the project, including the project director and other individuals who will be responsible
for administering the grant and implementing the program.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Describe the mission of the agency that will serve as the subgrantee and/or implementing
agency.
▪ Describe the capacity of the subgrantee and implementing agency’s ability to administer
grants of similar size and scope.
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o Applicants should identify/name the specific grant programs and funding amounts
that have been administered.
▪ Clearly describe adequate resources available (i.e. personnel/staff, infrastructure to
support additional program, computers, software, etc.) to implement the project as
proposed.
▪ Clearly identify key staff, including any volunteers and/or contracted staff that will be
participating in the proposed project.
o Include a description of qualifications, experience, education and training that
support the role they will hold on the proposed project.
o Special attention should be given to those personnel who are identified in the
budget
o Include a description of how the implementing agency works with contracted staff,
including interpreter services, to maintain confidentiality of clients.
▪ Discuss how successful completion of the project is realistic given the key staff
implementing the project.
o In cases where positions have not been filled, the applicant should clearly describe
a reasonable approach and criteria to hire experienced and qualified staff.
Applicants should describe their organizational, staff capacity, and developmental efforts
surrounding issues of cultural competency and humility.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Describe how issues of cultural competency and humility, outreach, and services have been
translated into planning for the particular project or program reflecting the racial make-up
of the board, staff, volunteers, and victims served.
▪ Explain the staff recruitment process and describe staff retention techniques.
▪ Discuss how the organization addresses anti-oppression in their mission statement and
requires staff to attend training on issues of anti-oppression and privilege. Responses
should include the following:
o Identify and describe the types of trainings that occur.
o Describe why specific trainings are selected.
o Describe who will conduct the trainings and how often they occur.
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COLLABORATION BOARD
Collaboration Boards provide leadership and direction and can help applicant agencies achieve
project goals and objectives through a shared community vision. Collaboration Boards can allow
for the sharing of resources to maximize capacity and project impact. Community task forces,
steering committees, coalitions, working groups, advisory groups are samples of the types of
Collaboration Boards that may be applicable for the project.
Collaboration Boards should be comprised of agency representatives as well as various
stakeholders from the community, including but not limited to: Victim advocates from domestic
violence, sexual assault and other agencies, children services, community organizations, hospitals,
law enforcement, the court system, prosecutor offices, schools and representatives from
underserved populations and culturally specific community-based organizations.
▪ Programming targeted to schools, underserved and culturally specific populations should
have appropriate representation on the collaborative.
▪ The Collaboration Board must conduct meetings at least quarterly and keep minutes of
discussion items.
Describe the collaborative effort between the applicant and other organizations.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the narrative.
▪ Identify the organizations that will participate in the Collaboration Board that will be
responsible for overseeing the project.
▪ Describe their roles and demonstrate their commitment to the project.
▪ The applicant may use an existing community board or group to provide oversight to
the project and act in the capacity of the Collaboration Board.
o The Collaboration Board is not an agency’s Board of Trustees or Advisory Board.
▪ Current commitment letters are required from all representatives on the
Collaboration Board (letters must specify and reference the proposed FY 2023 FVPSA
grant program).
▪ Describe the extent and nature of the collaborative effort and how the role and function of
each organization will support the overall goal of the proposed project.
o Partner agencies should be clearly linked with their role and function within the
collaborative group.
o Describe how the collaborative group will provide oversight of project goals and
objectives.
▪ Provide details describing the management of the collaborative group.
o Describe when quarterly meetings will be held, how members will be notified of
upcoming meetings, and the process for distributing and maintaining records of
minutes of meetings.
▪ FY 2023 FVPSA Collaboration Board commitment letters must be submitted from each
member agency and written on each member agency’s letterhead.
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o Each letter must be current and must specify and reference the proposed FY 2023
FVPSA grant program.
o Each letter must describe the member agency’s role and commitment to the
proposed project.
o Letters MUST be uploaded as an attachment within the Collaboration Board
section of the online application.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Executive Summary serves as a concise and accurate description of the proposed project and
should not introduce new information. The information provided should serve as a summarized
version of the overall application narrative.
Purpose Statement
The purpose statement should be clear and concise. It describes what the applicant is going to do,
the population that is going to be served, how it will be accomplished and why it is important.
Information provided within the purpose statement is reported to the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting system in response to FFATA legislation.
Problem Statement and Project Description
The applicant must provide a condensed version of the problem statement and project description
and ensure activities, dates, data/statistics align with previously presented statement narratives.
Participating Agencies/Collaboration
The applicant must provide a detailed collaboration board list.
BUDGET
Describe any costs associated with implementing the program. Applicants should refer to the
Financial Budget Definitions Reference Guide for assistance with developing the budget and
budget questions.
Applications will be evaluated on how clearly the following items have been responded to
within the budget forms and narratives.
▪ Present a clear and detailed budget.
o The budget forms must include detailed budget narratives that clearly explain and
justify the budget information.
o Costs must be determined reasonable in view of the types and range of activities to
be conducted, the number of participants to be served, and the expected results
and benefits.
▪ Clearly state how the match funds will be used and the source of the match funds.
▪ External Audit or Financial Report - upload a copy of your organization’s most recent
external audit or most recent financial report to the Collaboration Board Upload section of
the application.
