12-Specifications.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 25/0172
- Issued by
- Harris County, Texas
About this file
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF), seeking a qualified vendor to administer and distribute $1.5 million in flexible financial assistance to domestic violence survivors. The anticipated contract is for a one-year initial term with two potential one-year renewal options, subject to Harris County Commissioners Court approval. A pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CST via Microsoft Teams, with questions due by Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CST. The primary goal is to select dedicated organizational partners committed to delivering vital support services to survivors of domestic violence.
The DVAF program aims to provide direct financial assistance to help survivors meet critical basic needs and safely leave abusive environments, with eligible expenses including housing, transportation, childcare, utilities, legal assistance, and other urgent needs. A limited portion of the funds may be used for organizational capacity building to enhance service delivery. The program builds upon a 2020 pilot launched with American Rescue Plan Act resources and focuses on a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes equitable access and cultural responsiveness. The program seeks to address the disproportionate impacts of domestic violence on marginalized populations, particularly noting that during the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of abuse surged to about 50% or higher among communities marginalized by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, and physical or cognitive ability.
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SPECIFICATIONS
SCOPE
Harris County is seeking a qualified vendor to administer and distribute funds from the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund (DVAF). The primary goal of this initiative is to select dedicated organizational partners committed to delivering vital, flexible financial assistance and comprehensive support services to survivors of domestic violence. The anticipated contract term under this RFP is for a one (1) year initial term or until all services ordered prior to the expiration date have been satisfactorily delivered and accepted or performed satisfactorily for the using department(s).
PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
A pre-proposal conference will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CST via Microsoft Teams Conference ID: 256 209 769 870 1, password tE2fY3j4, or call in (audio only) +1 281-985-1862,, 481835498#. Attendance is not mandatory;
however, all vendor(s) are encouraged to attend in order to have a better understanding of the requirements of this RFP.
Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 256 209 769 870 1 Passcode: tE2fY3j4
Or call in (audio only) +1 281-985-1862,,481835498# United States, Aldine Phone conference ID: 481 835 498#
It is the responsibility of each vendor to examine the entire RFP package, seek clarification in writing, and review their proposal for accuracy before submitting. Questions relating to this RFP must be submitted in writing through Bonfire. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this RFP is Thursday, August 14, 2025, no later than 12:00 p.m. CST. All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing. A copy of all questions and answers will be forwarded via Public Notice through Bonfire to all firms. The County will not be bound by any information conveyed verbally.
RENEWAL OPTIONS
Harris County may consider two (2) one-year renewal options, renewable one year at a time, based upon the same terms, conditions and pricing as the original year. Renewal is subject to approval by Harris County Commissioners Court. Once renewal options are exhausted, the contract must be rebid. Harris County reserves the right to rebid at any time as is in its best interest and is not automatically bound to renew.
BACKGROUND
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) provides comprehensive health services and programs to the community through approximately nine hundred (900) public health professionals. Our mission is to protect health, prevent disease and injury, and promote health and well-being for everyone in Harris County by advancing equity, building partnerships, and establishing culturally responsive systems.
HCPH’s jurisdiction serves 2.5 million community members living in unincorporated areas of Harris County (outside the city of Houston) and thirty (30) municipalities. For certain public health services, such as mosquito control, Ryan White/Part A Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) funding, and refugee health screening, the HCPH jurisdiction encompasses the entirety of the County, including the city of Houston, providing services to 4.8 million people.
HCPH is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of community members by not just providing direct services but also serving as the County’s Public Health strategist. This affirms our vision for Harris County, where all people can achieve their full potential for health and well-being regardless of their circumstances. HCPH realizes this vision by assisting community members in preventing or managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes or tobacco addiction; providing clinical services - including reproductive health and immunizations; ensuring animal welfare and mosquito and vector control;
responding to public health emergencies, such as natural disasters and infectious diseases, and developing programs that
Domestic Violence Assistance Fund for Harris County Public Health Services https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Nzg2NjljOGEtNjQ5Mi00YWM4LTlhNjQtNjlkYmI0ODBlZDBk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220d9bc79c-581b-4477-acf7-8d70dd3e555a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220c98879c-7650-452d-bf5a-3b4923dc826c%22%7d tel:+12819851862,,481835498 promote a safer environment and community, such as violence prevention, maternal and child health, and nuisance abatement.
Harris County is governed by Commissioners Court, comprised of the County Judge and four (4) Commissioners representing four (4) Precincts.
HCPH is made up of seven (7) supporting offices and seven (7) service divisions. The offices provide enterprise-wide support across the department, whereas the divisions offer direct services and programming to the community.
About Domestic Violence Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) are pervasive and urgent public health crises both nationally and locally in Harris County, Texas. Reports of domestic violence increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic on local, national, and global levels. In 2023, 205 Texans were killed by their intimate partners, with thirty-eight (38) deaths occurring in Harris County, according to the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV).
Women of color and other marginalized populations have experienced disproportionate impacts from domestic violence during this time. While approximately one (1) in three (3) white women reported experiencing domestic violence during the pandemic, rates of abuse surged to about 50% or higher among those marginalized by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, and physical or cognitive ability, as noted by the Center for Survivor Advocacy and Justice.
The consequences of IPV extend beyond immediate physical harm. Survivors often endure severe economic abuse, including ruined credit, restricted access to work or education, harassment at jobs, and financial control or theft. This abuse contributes significantly to housing instability—women who have experienced IPV are four (4) times more likely to face housing insecurity, and about one (1) in four (4) homeless women identify IPV as a primary factor leading to their homelessness.
Physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the urgent need to flee dangerous environments further increase survivors’ vulnerability to homelessness and economic instability. Survivors without adequate financial resources, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, are at heightened risk of returning to abusive relationships due to lack of alternatives.
Flexible funding has been described by survivors and service providers as “life-saving.” This type of assistance allows survivors to address a wide range of immediate needs, such as paying back rent, securing transportation, fixing vehicles, covering childcare, utilities, or other essential costs. Unlike traditional funding, flexible funding comes with “no strings attached,” enabling survivors and service providers to apply resources creatively and responsively based on each survivor’s unique situation.
Flexible funding is particularly critical in Harris County, where the demand for domestic violence shelter beds far exceeds availability. Annually, over 70% of callers seeking emergency shelter are turned away due to lack of space. Of roughly 1,100 households assessed for domestic violence housing services each year, only about 200 are successfully housed. Flexible funding helps fill this gap by supporting survivors to safely leave abusive situations while maintaining housing stability and employment, including assistance with transportation and childcare expenses.
Given these challenges, the provision of flexible financial assistance is an essential strategy to reduce the risk of homelessness, promote survivor safety, and support long-term stability for domestic violence survivors in Harris County.
About the Program The DVAF provides vital, flexible financial support to survivors of domestic violence by awarding funds to qualified community-based organizations. Recognized as a “life-saving” resource by both survivors and service providers, flexible funding enables survivors to meet critical basic needs that are essential for safely leaving abusive environments and establishing stability. Eligible uses of these funds include, but are not limited to, expenses for housing, transportation, childcare, utilities, and other urgent needs.
The program also allows recipient organizations to allocate a limited portion of the funds toward building organizational capacity to better address the unmet needs of domestic violence survivors within their communities.
This RFP builds upon the foundation established by Harris County’s 2020 launch of the DVAF, which utilized American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources to create a successful pilot program. The continuation and expansion of DVAF aims to increase the reach and effectiveness of flexible funding interventions, thereby promoting safety, stability, and recovery for survivors of domestic violence across Harris County.
HCPH invites qualified organizations to submit proposals to partner in administering the $1.5 million (USD) DVAF, a critical initiative providing flexible financial support to survivors of domestic violence. Applicants shall demonstrate capacity, experience, and innovative approaches to delivering flexible financial assistance that addresses the complex needs of survivors. Through this partnership, we aim to expand access to critical resources that empower survivors to achieve safety and stability. HCPH looks forward to collaborating with committed partners dedicated to meeting the urgent needs of domestic violence survivors and strengthening community-based responses throughout Harris County.
SCOPE OF WORK
The overarching goal of the DVAF is to enhance the safety, stability, and self-sufficiency of domestic violence survivors by providing timely, flexible, and accessible financial assistance through capable, compassionate, and culturally responsive community-based organizations.
The vendor shall be responsible for performing but not be limited to the following:
1. Flexible Financial Assistance Delivery Organizations shall develop and implement a system for the effective, efficient, and compassionate delivery of flexible financial assistance to survivors. This system shall have:
• Accessible Intake Processes: Establish clear, accessible, and trauma-informed application or intake processes for survivors seeking assistance. These processes should minimize barriers, avoid re-traumatizing survivors with excessive or intrusive questioning, and be available in multiple languages and formats as appropriate for the community served. The process itself shall be survivor-centered, recognizing that survivors are often overwhelmed and may lack extensive documentation.
• Timely Review and Approval: Develop and implement criteria and procedures for the timely review and approval of requests for financial assistance, prioritizing urgency, safety, and the survivor's self-identified needs.
The average time from application to fund disbursement is a key performance metric.
• Efficient and Confidential Disbursement: Implement mechanisms for the efficient, confidential, and secure disbursement of funds. This may include direct payments to third-party vendors (e.g., landlords, utility companies), provision of pre-paid debit cards, or, where appropriate and accountable, direct cash assistance. The chosen method(s) shall maximize survivor choice and minimize stigma.
• Survivor Choice and Autonomy: Ensure that survivors have significant choice and autonomy in determining how the flexible funds are used to meet identified needs, within the broad categories of eligible expenses.
• Record-Keeping and Confidentiality: Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records of all fund distributions, including the amount, purpose (in general terms to protect privacy), and demographic information of recipients (collected sensitively and with consent). Robust protocols must be in place to protect survivor confidentiality while ensuring accountability for fund usage.
2. Outreach and Survivor Engagement Organizations shall conduct proactive and culturally responsive outreach to ensure that survivors, particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities, are aware of the availability of the DVAF and how to access it. Strategies for outreach and engagement shall:
• Culturally Responsive Strategies: Develop and implement outreach strategies that are tailored to the specific cultural contexts, languages, and communication preferences of the diverse communities within Harris County.
This involves more than just translating materials; it requires understanding and respecting community norms and building trust.
• Empathetic Engagement: Engage with survivors in a manner that is consistently respectful, empowering, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed, fostering an environment where survivors feel safe and comfortable seeking assistance.
• Diverse Outreach Channels: Utilize multiple and varied channels for outreach, which may include establishing or strengthening partnerships with community centers, faith-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, ethnic media, and other trusted entities. Digital outreach (e.g., social media, website information) and traditional methods (e.g., printed materials in accessible locations) should be considered.
• Mobile Advocacy (if applicable): Where feasible, safe, and appropriate, describe strategies for mobile advocacy, which involves meeting survivors in locations of their choice within the community (e.g., coffee shops, parks, community centers) to increase accessibility and comfort. If proposing mobile advocacy, applicants shall address safety protocols for advocates and survivors, confidentiality measures, and logistical considerations (e.g., transportation, communication technology).
Effective outreach focuses on building and leveraging trusted relationships within communities, recognizing that survivors may be hesitant to engage with formal services without such connections.
3. Capacity Building and Partnership Development Organizations are expected to engage in activities that build their own capacity (within authorized limits) and foster strong community partnerships to better serve survivors through the DVAF.
• Organizational Capacity Building: If proposing to use a portion of DVAF funds for organizational capacity building (as defined in Funding Availability and Terms Section B), vendors shall detail the planned activities, the anticipated outcomes, and specifically how these activities will enhance their ability to deliver flexible financial assistance effectively, equitably, and in a trauma-informed manner. This could include, for example, training staff in financial empowerment strategies for survivors or implementing new data systems to better track the diverse uses and impacts of flexible funds.
• Partnership Development: Develop, strengthen, and maintain strategic partnerships with other community-based organizations, government agencies (e.g., housing authorities, child welfare), and community stakeholders (e.g., legal aid services, healthcare providers, mental health services, employment services, landlords, educational institutions, and law enforcement where appropriate and safe for survivors). These partnerships should aim to create a coordinated community response, facilitate warm referrals, and leverage additional resources for survivors. Partnerships should be strategic, focusing on collaborations that directly expands access to resources or support for survivors utilizing flexible funds (e.g., establishing relationships with landlords willing to work with survivors, or with employers who can offer job opportunities).
• Community of Practice: Describe the organization's willingness and capacity to participate in and contribute to a potential community of practice among DVAF grantees, sharing learnings, challenges, and best practices related to the administration of flexible funding for DV survivors.
4. Data Collection and Reporting Accurate and timely data collection and reporting are essential for program accountability, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Awarded organizations will be required to:
• Data Collection Systems: Collect and maintain accurate, comprehensive, and confidential data on program activities. This includes, but is not limited to, survivor demographics (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, geographic location, etc., where possible and collected sensitively), types of services provided, amounts and purposes of funds disbursed, and progress towards achieving performance metrics and outcomes.
• Reporting Compliance: Adhere to all reporting requirements established by Harris County, including the timely submission of accurate narrative and financial reports in the prescribed formats and frequencies.
• Data Security and Confidentiality: Implement and maintain robust systems and procedures for data collection, secure storage, data analysis, and reporting that ensure the confidentiality and privacy of all survivor information and maintain data integrity. Data collection practices shall be trauma-informed, minimizing burden on survivors and ensuring transparency about how their information will be used.
• Program Evaluation: Participate actively and cooperatively in any program evaluation activities initiated by the funding entity or its designated evaluators. This may include providing access to anonymized data, facilitating survivor feedback (with consent), or participating in interviews or focus groups.
Beyond quantitative data, the collection and analysis of qualitative data (e.g., survivor stories, feedback on experience with the fund, case studies) are crucial for understanding the nuanced impact of flexible funding and for identifying areas for program improvement. Proposals shall describe methods for ethically collecting and reporting such qualitative information.
Any data or processes created during the project shall be owned by Harris County. Harris County reserves the right to request and receive any data associated with the project from the vendor. Thereby allowing Harris County to receive line-level data from the vendor if that data is generated as a result of the work toward the project.
5. Compliance and Program Integrity Awarded vendor(s) shall operate with the highest standards of program integrity and compliance. This includes:
• Contractual Adherence: Strictly adhere to all terms and conditions of the agreement, approved proposal scope of work, and budget.
• Fiscal Accountability: Implement and maintain strong internal controls, sound fiscal management practices, and transparent accounting procedures to ensure accountability for all funds and prevent any fraud, waste, or abuse.
• Documentation: Maintain clear, comprehensive, and readily accessible documentation for all program activities, financial transactions, and fund disbursements.
• Monitoring and Audits: Cooperate fully with any monitoring activities, site visits, or audits conducted by Harris County or its authorized representatives.
• Conflict of Interest: Establish, maintain, and enforce clear written policies and procedures regarding conflicts of interest for staff, board members, and volunteers involved with the DVAF program.
Program integrity in the context of providing flexible, rapid-response funding to vulnerable populations requires a nuanced approach. This involves balancing robust oversight and due diligence with an understanding of the urgent and often chaotic circumstances survivors face. Policies shall be clear and consistently applied, but not so rigid as to deny essential aid when survivors may lack standard documentation due to the nature of abuse and flight. Transparency with survivors regarding program parameters and any requirements for receiving aid is a key component of program integrity and helps build trust.
PERFORMANCE METRICS AND OUTCOMES
The DVAF program is committed to achieving measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact on the safety and stability of domestic violence survivors. Awarded vendor(s) shall be required to track and report on the following performance metrics.
Required Performance Metrics The following performance metrics are mandated for all vendor(s):
• Number and percentage of survivors receiving flexible funding:
o Total unique individuals assisted during the reporting period.
o Percentage of eligible individuals who applied and received funding.
• Average time from application to fund disbursement o Measured in business days, from the point of a completed request for assistance to the point funds are made available to the survivor or a third-party vendor on their behalf.
• Survivor satisfaction and safety outcomes (qualitative and quantitative) o Quantitative: Shall include data from standardized or program-developed pre/post surveys assessing perceived safety, stability, or well-being (using trauma-informed administration).
o Qualitative: Shall include information gathered through confidential follow-up interviews (with consent), analysis of case notes (anonymized), survivor feedback forms, or focus groups. Focus on themes related to how the flexible funding contributed to safety, reduced stress, enabled positive steps, and the survivor's overall experience with the program.
• Percentage of funds utilized for capacity building:
o Calculated based on total expenditures, ensuring this remains within the authorized limits specified in Funding
Availability and Terms Section B.
• Timeliness and accuracy of reporting:
o Percentage of programmatic and financial reports submitted on time and meeting all specified requirements.
• Detailed demographic breakdown of survivors served (e.g., race, ethnicity, age, presence of children, disability status, LGBTQ+ identification) to assess equitable reach.
In addition to these core metrics, organizations are encouraged to track and report on other relevant indicators that demonstrate program effectiveness and reach, such as:
• Breakdown of flexible funds disbursed by category of need (e.g., housing, transportation, childcare).
• Number and types of successful referrals made to/from partner agencies.
• Specific instances where flexible funding directly prevented homelessness or enabled a survivor to maintain employment or education.
Measuring "survivor satisfaction and safety outcomes" requires particularly thoughtful, ethical, and trauma-informed methodologies. Safety is often subjectively defined by the survivor , and satisfaction surveys must be administered carefully to avoid causing distress or being perceived as a condition of receiving aid. A mix of methods, including opportunities for anonymous feedback and qualitative storytelling, is encouraged. The "average time from application to fund disbursement" is a critical process metric reflecting the fund's responsiveness; applicants shall describe how they will strive for efficiency in this area.
Methodology for Tracking and Reporting Outcomes Applicants shall describe a clear and feasible methodology for collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting data for each of the required performance metrics. This description shall include:
• Data Collection Tools and Processes: Identify the specific tools (e.g., intake forms, databases, survey instruments, interview protocols) and processes that will be used to gather data.
• Frequency of Data Collection: Specify how often data will be collected and reviewed.
• Responsible Staff: Identify the staff member(s) responsible for data collection, management, and reporting.
• Data Quality and Integrity: Describe procedures to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Confidentiality and Security: Detail measures to protect the confidentiality and security of all survivor data, in compliance with applicable privacy laws and trauma-informed principles.
• Disaggregated Data: Explain how systems will allow for the disaggregation of data (e.g., by demographic characteristics, type of need) to assess equitable service delivery and identify trends.
• Qualitative Data Collection: Describe ethical approaches to collecting qualitative data on survivor satisfaction and safety, including how informed consent will be obtained and how stories or experiences will be shared (e.g., anonymized, aggregated themes).
The methodology for outcome tracking should, wherever possible, be integrated into the regular flow of service delivery to make it sustainable and less intrusive for survivors. Reporting on outcomes should extend beyond mere numbers to include compelling narratives and analyses of how flexible funding concretely contributes to improving survivors' lives, thereby demonstrating the full value and "life-saving" nature of the DVAF.
DVAF PROGRAM GOALS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The overarching goal of the DVAF is to enhance the safety, stability, and self-sufficiency of domestic violence survivors by providing timely, flexible, and accessible financial assistance through capable, compassionate, and culturally responsive community-based organizations.
Guiding Principles Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to the following guiding principles. These principles are not merely aspirational statements but are expected to be deeply embedded in the proposed program design, operational procedures, and organizational culture. Applicants shall be evaluated on the ability to operationalize these principles effectively.
Survivor-Centered: Program activities and service delivery shall prioritize the survivor's stated needs, choices, safety, and autonomy. Interventions shall be designed to empower survivors, recognizing their strengths and agency in making decisions about their lives and the assistance they receive. This means, for example, that survivors determine how funds are best used to meet their specific circumstances.
Trauma-Informed: All aspects of the program, from initial outreach to fund disbursement and follow-up, shall be grounded in an understanding of the prevalence and impact of trauma. Organizations shall actively work to create environments of physical and emotional safety, build trust, promote collaboration, and avoid practices that could inadvertently re-traumatize survivors. This includes staff training, service delivery protocols, and the physical environment where services are offered.
Equitable Access & Cultural Responsiveness: The DVAF is committed to ensuring that all survivors, particularly those from historically underserved, marginalized, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, have equitable access to assistance. Programs must demonstrate proactive efforts to identify and dismantle barriers to access and provide services that are culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and responsive to the diverse experiences and needs of all survivors. This requires concrete outreach strategies and service adaptations.
Flexibility & Responsiveness: The administration of the fund must be inherently flexible and adaptable to meet a wide spectrum of diverse and often urgent survivor needs. This principle acknowledges that survivor needs are not static and require creative, non-restrictive solutions.
Collaboration & Community Engagement: Effective support for survivors necessitates a coordinated community response.
Awarded vendor(s) shall be expected to foster robust partnerships with other service providers, community groups, and stakeholders to create a comprehensive support network and facilitate seamless referrals. This collaborative spirit extends to the relationship between Harris County and awarded vendor(s), with an intention to foster a learning community that shares best practices and collectively improves services for survivors
FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND TERMS
The total estimated funding available for the DVAF initiative during this cycle is $1.5 million. Funds awarded through the DVAF are intended to provide direct, flexible financial assistance to domestic violence survivors and, to a limited extent, support organizational capacity building to enhance these services. Payments shall be made on a reimbursement basis. Vendor(s) shall be required to submit requests for reimbursement with appropriate supporting documentation for eligible expenses incurred during the reporting period.
Applicants shall submit a comprehensive Budget Narrative as part of their proposal package. This narrative shall provide a thorough justification for all proposed costs, detailing the basis for estimation and the direct relevance to program activities. It shall include a specific breakdown of all Administrative Costs and any funds allocated for proposed Organizational Capacity Building.
In addition to the proposal documents, the total cost from the detailed budget shall be inputted into the official BidTable provided with this solicitation. The total cost figure entered in the BidTable shall match the total grant amount requested in the proposal budget.
A. Flexible Financial Assistance for Survivors
The primary use of DVAF funds shall be for direct financial assistance to survivors to meet critical basic needs essential for safely leaving abusive environments and establishing stability and independence. This assistance should be provided with minimal bureaucratic hurdles and maximum survivor autonomy. While not exhaustive, eligible expenses include, but are not limited to :
• Housing: Rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, utility deposits or arrears, emergency shelter or hotel/motel costs, transitional housing fees, essential home repairs for safety.
• Transportation: Costs associated with relocation, public transportation passes, vehicle repair or maintenance, fuel, ride-share services, bus/train tickets.
• Childcare: Emergency childcare, co-payments for ongoing childcare, costs associated with enrolling children in new schools or care programs.
• Utilities: Payment for essential utilities such as electricity, gas, water, heating fuel, and basic phone/internet service required for safety or accessing resources.
• Food and Basic Necessities: Groceries, personal hygiene items, diapers, formula, clothing.
• Safety-Related Expenses: Lock changes, security system installation or fees, P.O. box rental, emergency phone.
• Medical and Dental Care: Co-payments, prescription costs, medical supplies, or other urgent health needs not covered by insurance.
• Legal Assistance: Court filing fees, consultation fees with attorneys related to protection orders, divorce, or custody, not covered by other free legal aid.
• Education and Employment: Costs associated with job training programs, GED attainment, uniforms, tools or supplies for employment, professional licensing fees.
The "non-exhaustive" nature of this list is intentional, designed to preserve true flexibility. Awarded vendors are expected to use their discretion, guided by survivor-centered principles, to address unique or unforeseen critical needs that support a survivor's safety and stability. The definition of "urgent needs" should be interpreted broadly to include not only immediate crisis intervention but also expenses related to establishing medium-term stability, recognizing that recovery is a process.
B. Organizational Capacity Building A limited portion of the awarded funds, not to exceed of the total grant amount, may be allocated towards building the recipient organization's capacity to better address the unmet needs of domestic violence survivors within their communities. These activities must be directly linked to enhancing the delivery or effectiveness of the DVAF program.
Eligible capacity-building expenses may include:
• Staff training and professional development on topics such as trauma-informed care, financial advocacy for survivors, culturally specific service delivery, mobile advocacy techniques, or data management for flexible funding programs.
• Technology upgrades, such as software for secure client data management, equipment for remote service delivery, or tools for efficient fund disbursement and tracking.
• Development or translation of culturally specific outreach materials and program information.
• Activities aimed at strengthening partnerships and referral networks relevant to the DVAF program.
• Developing or enhancing internal systems for streamlined and accountable administration of flexible financial assistance.
Vendors proposing to use funds for capacity building shall clearly describe these activities in their proposal and justify how they will directly improve their ability to serve survivors through the DVAF. The primary focus of the grant shall remain on direct financial assistance to survivors.
About Domestic Violence
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