OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Purpose of the Funding
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will develop, expand, and strengthen
victim service programs for victims of human trafficking, as defined by 22 U.S.C. §7102(11). Victims of human trafficking frequently require a wide range of services to address their individual needs. Studies have shown that individuals who experience human trafficking are at risk for mental and/or physical health issues, dependence on drugs or alcohol, unemployment, involvement with the justice system, and other negative consequences.
This program provides funding for comprehensive and specialized services for victims of all forms of human trafficking in the United States and its territories.
This NOFO has two funding categories:
Category 1: Developing Capacity to Serve Human Trafficking Victims Awards under this category will support victim service organizations that have limited or
no prior experience in serving victims of human trafficking or victim service organizations that have limited or no prior experience in receiving direct federal funding
to serve victims of human trafficking. During the first 12 months of the project period, grantees will work with OVC to build internal capacity to serve trafficking survivors and manage federal awards. Grantees will hire staff who have experience providing services to human trafficking victims or train existing staff to gain the skills or knowledge needed to serve these victims. During the final 24 months of the project period, grantees will implement services for human trafficking victims.
Category 2: Services for Human Trafficking Victims Awards under this category will be made to victim service organizations with a demonstrated history of serving human trafficking victims with either a comprehensive range of direct services or specialized services targeted at the unique needs of human
trafficking victims. The purpose of these awards is to increase the availability of services that victims of labor and sex trafficking often require to address their needs. Applicants funded under this category are expected to use OVC funding to support services for victims of human trafficking, either directly or through funded subrecipients. In addition to the services funded through this award, grantees will be expected to have or develop partnerships to facilitate victims’ use of services in their community.
