VAWA Culturally Specific Victim Services Program 2026

The VAWA Culturally Specific Victim Services Program 2026 aims to support the development, enhancement, expansion, and sustainability of culturally specific victim services for underserved communities in Illinois. The program seeks to establish, maintain, and expand culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered services that address the unique needs, experiences, strengths, and challenges of victims and survivors from culturally specific communities. Eligible applicants are limited to culturally specific organizations that provide services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The program will provide funding for activities such as crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, counseling, legal advocacy, housing-related assistance, prevention and outreach activities, and other supportive services that promote victim safety, healing, empowerment, and long-term stability. • The program is funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) and has a total funding amount of $825,000. • The award ceiling is $100,000, and the award floor is $75,000. • The program has a performance period of October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027. • Eligible applicants must have a primary mission, organizational structure, leadership, and service delivery model that are grounded in and responsive to the cultural values, traditions, language, and needs of the culturally specific population served. • Applicants must propose activities that are consistent with the purpose and objectives of the VAWA Culturally Specific Program and demonstrate how funded activities will improve access to culturally responsive, victim-centered, and trauma-informed services for victims and survivors from the culturally specific community served by the organization.