OMB No. 1121-0329 Approval Expires 02/28/2027

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence Program

Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2026-172758

Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET):

1. Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: September 23, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

2. Submit full application in JustGrants: September 25, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence Program

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Office for Victims of Crime | 2

Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

3. Program Description

4. Application Contents and Format

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

6. Application Review Information

7. Award Notices

8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration

9. Questions?

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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1. BASIC INFORMATION

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 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence Program. This opportunity provides funding for shelter and transitional housing and other assistance to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals, which under this program means pets, service animals, emotional support animals, and horses. Most domestic violence shelters do not allow pets, and the reasons for this may vary.

This grant program will provide funding to enable those shelters that want to expand their programming to house domestic violence victims and their pets.

Grantees will make the housing and supportive services described in this NOFO available to a victim for a period of not more than 24 months, which may be extended an additional 6 months if a victim has made a good-faith effort to acquire permanent housing during that 24-month period but has been unable to do so. See 34 U.S.C. § 20127(5).

Under this program, grantees will be bound by the nondisclosure of confidential information requirements of section 40002(b)(2) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(2)). Nothing in this NOFO shall be construed to require grantees to breach client confidentiality. See 34 U.S.C. § 20127(2)(C).

Nothing in this NOFO should be read as requiring domestic violence victims to participate in the criminal justice system in order to receive services. See 34 U.S.C. § 20127(2)(C).

Activities prohibited by 34 U.S.C. § 20127(2)(B) include:

1. Conducting any activities that may endanger the safety of a domestic violence victim, including background checks of domestic violence victims or evaluations to determine the eligibility of such a victim for support services.

2. Requiring mandatory services for victims or requiring that a victim obtain a protective order in order to receive services.

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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See the Eligible Applicants section for eligibility details.

Funding Details Announcement Type Initial

Assistance Listing Number 16.582

Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C. § 20127

Grants.gov Opportunity Number O-OVC-2026-172758

Expected Total Amount of Funding $2,200,000

Anticipated Number of Awards 5

Award Type(s) Grant

Anticipated Award Amount Up to $600,000

Expected Award Period(s) 36 months starting on October 1, 2026

Key Dates and Times NOFO Release Date September 22, 2026 SAM.gov Registration/Renewal Time period not applicable.

Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline 11:59 p.m. ET on September 23, 2026 Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 8:59 p.m. ET on September 25, 2026 Anticipated Notification Date By September 30, 2026

See Questions? at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information.

2. ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants The types of entities that are eligible to apply are:

Other: Only the invited applicants are eligible to apply.

Cost Sharing (Match) Requirement: This NOFO does not require cost sharing (match).

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C. § 20127

Agency Funding Priorities In order to advance public safety and help meet its mission, OJP priorities include:

(a) Directly supporting law enforcement operations (including immigration law enforcement operations);

(b) Combatting violent crime;

(c) Supporting services to American citizens;

(d) Protecting American children; and

(e) Supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault.

Unallowable Activities: The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program scope and will not be funded.

1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or indirectly, violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration law (including 8 U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration law—including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access to DHS agents, or honor DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS agents.

2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any applicable Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that (1) indirectly violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations;

or (2) unlawfully favor individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.

3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable Costs” (“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under this award to provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to apply: (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.

https://www.ojp.gov/doj-financial-guide-2024

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Goals and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity Goal 1: Provide shelter and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.

• Objective 1: Increase the number of shelter beds and transitional housing options to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence who need shelter or housing for themselves and their companion animals. Examples of program activities to facilitate this objective include purchasing kennels, installing pet amenities, partnering with veterinarians to provide medical care, assisting with housing relocation, providing pet boarding services, undertaking shelter modifications, and other activities related to providing services to support housing domestic violence victims and their pets together.

• Objective 2: Provide assistance with expenses incurred for relocation or temporary shelter, housing, boarding, or fostering of companion animals that are related to securing the safety of the animal(s).

• Objective 3: Locate and secure safe housing for a victim who is fleeing a situation of domestic violence and the victim’s companion animal(s).

• Objective 4: Delivery of training for law enforcement, victim service providers, and other stakeholders on the link between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of animals, the needs of victims of domestic violence, best practices for providing support services to such victims, best practices for providing victims with referrals to victim services, and the importance of confidentiality.

• Objective 5: Build program grantee’s capacity for victim identification, referrals, service delivery, and assistance.

For a description of how awards under this NOFO will contribute to achieving these goals and objectives, see the Performance Reports section below.

Expected Outcomes OJP expects recipients to submit deliverables and performance reports, as described below.

Read the Application Resource Guide for more information. OJP will measure success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Deliverables Recipients do not need to submit any deliverables other than the standard items in the Post- Award Requirements and Administration section.

Performance Reports OJP requires recipients to submit regular performance reports that communicate progress toward achieving Program Goals and Objectives. Read information on performance reporting. Award recipients will receive further guidance on post-award reporting requirements.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme

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4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Application Contents List The table below lists the contents for your application. Refer to the DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.

Application Item Submission Type

Step 1: Grants.gov

Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 Online Form

Step 2: JustGrants

Standard Applicant Information Online Form

Proposal Abstract Text Box

Data Requested With Application

• Financial Management and System of Internal

Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

• Agency Funding Priorities Inventory

Online Form

Proposal Narrative Questionnaire Online Form

Budget Online Form

Other Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

• Consultant Rate (if applicable)

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee

Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable)

Attachment

Additional Application Components

• Curriculum Vitae or Resumes

• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)

• Timeline

Attachment https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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Standard Applicant Information Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in Grants.gov.

Add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project.

Proposal Abstract In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project. As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any personally identifying information (e.g., staff names). The abstract should include the following information:

• The name of the applicant’s proposed project.

• The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is necessary).

• Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).

• Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs addressed by the project).

• What activities will be carried out to complete the project.

• The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.

• Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).

View an example of a proposal abstract.

Data Requested With Application Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status) Review information on this questionnaire.

Proposal Narrative Questionnaire Format of the Proposal Narrative Questionnaire Applicants will complete the Proposal Questionnaire in JustGrants. The response to each question should be no more than one to two paragraphs. The questions are:

• Description of the Need:

• What is the need, gap, or issue to be addressed by the proposed project?

• What supporting information, data, or evidence demonstrates the need’s existence, size, and impact on the target population and community?

• How does the need relate to the purpose of the NOFO?

• Project Goals and Objectives:

• What are the project goals (goals are broad, visionary statements on what you hope to accomplish)?

• What are the project objectives (objectives are specific outcomes you plan to achieve through project activities)?

• How do your project goals and objectives relate to the goals and objectives of the funding opportunity?

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#proposal-abstract https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#fm-internal-controls-questionnaire

OVC FY 2026 Invited to Apply – Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence

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• Project Design and Implementation:

• What activities will you conduct to achieve the proposed goals and objectives?

• How will you deliver or complete those activities?

• When will the activities take place?

• Who in your organization will staff the activities, including key staff?

• Who will participate in and benefit from the activity?

• What deliverables, reports, and other items will be produced as part of the project?

• If you plan to use subrecipients to help conduct the project, please name them (if they are known) or describe how you will identify them. What will be their role in conducting project activities?

• Capabilities and Competencies:

• What is your capacity to deliver the proposed project and meet the post-award requirements, if funded?

• What projects or activities has your organization conducted, or is currently conducting, that demonstrate your ability to undertake the proposed project activities?

• What is the relevant experience of team members with key responsibilities for implementing the project?

Budget and Associated Documentation Budget Use the Budget Detail Worksheet (Web-Based Form) to submit the budget. Read information on budget preparation and JustGrants Application Submission Training.

• List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost category.

• Clearly name and describe each cost.

• Show the computation of each cost (e.g., cost per unit, number of units, and total cost).

• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to your project goals, objectives, and activities.

• Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency requirements.1

The following information specific to this funding opportunity will help you develop your project budget. Grantees receiving funding under this NOFO will be able to incur the following allowable costs:

• Hiring and Retaining Personnel: Salary and fringe benefits for staff directly engaged in or providing support in locating and securing safe housing for a victim

1 See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Read information on unallowable costs that apply to all funding opportunities.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#budget-prep https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/training-application-submission https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ojp.gov/funding/financialguidedoj/overview https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#unallowable-uses-of-funds

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• Equipment and Technology: Purchase or lease of equipment, software, and technology systems that strengthen provision of victim services.

• Training and Professional Development: Costs associated with developing and delivering training for law enforcement, victim service providers, and other stakeholders on the link between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of animals, the needs of victims of domestic violence, best practices for providing support services to such victims, best practices for providing such victims with referrals to victim services, and the importance of confidentiality.

• Facility Costs and Supplies: Lease, rental, or renovation expenses for space directly used in program operations, including purchasing kennels, installing pet amenities, partnering with veterinarians to provide medical care, assisting with housing relocation, providing pet boarding services, undertaking shelter modifications, and other activities related to providing services to support housing domestic violence victims and their pets together.

OVC funding may not be used for—

• criminal defense services,

• law enforcement investigation or prosecution activities, or

• cash payments to crime victims.

Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect costs calculated using a current, federally approved indirect cost rate, upload your indirect cost rate agreement. Read information about indirect costs.

• Consultant Rate (if applicable): Read information on limits to consultant rates and whether you need to request approval to exceed those limits.

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable): Read information on this limitation and to determine whether you need to submit a waiver.

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable):

Applicants to this funding opportunity are not required to provide this disclosure.

Additional Application Components Attach these in JustGrants:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resumes: Provide resumes of key personnel who will work on the proposed project or a description of the experience and skills of key personnel necessary to implement the project.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#indirect-cost https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#consultant-rate-if-applicable https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#limitation-use-award

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• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable): Read information on whether you may need to submit a Tribal Authorizing Resolution.

• Timeline: Provide a timeline listing key activities and milestones, and the quarters during which they will take place.

Disclosures and Assurances Read the disclosures and assurances and complete them in JustGrants:

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

• Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (if applicable)

• DOJ Certified Standard Assurances

• DOJ Certifications

• Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable)

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit your application by the deadlines. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) does not apply to this funding opportunity: read the Application Resource Guide for details. Read OJP’s policy for applicants to request late submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade disasters.

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

OJP will review applications to ensure the information presented is reasonable, understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the funding opportunity. In addition, OJP reviews invited applications for consistency with the invitation letter and invited applicant guidance. See the Application Resource Guide for information on the application review process, including risk review, and the deciding official.

7. AWARD NOTICES

Read about the award notification process.

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION

Read the Application Resource Guide for more information about: standard award terms and conditions, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award reporting requirements.

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#tribal-authorizing-resolution https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#disclosures-and-assurances https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#guidance-for-specific-sf-424-fields https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#guidance-for-specific-sf-424-fields https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#programmatic-and-financial-review-criteria https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#federal-award-notices https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information

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9. QUESTIONS?

NOFO Contact

Name: OJP Response Center Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only) Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday

SAM.gov Help Desk Website: sam.gov/help Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (closed federal holidays)

Grants.gov Help Desk

Phone: 800-518-4726 Email: support@grants.gov Website: grants.gov/support Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays)

JustGrants Help Desk

Phone: 833-872-5175 Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov Hours: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov https://sam.gov/help mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov