RFA 202607118 Q

This is a Questions and Answers summary document related to the FY 2026 STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant administered by the Maine Department of Public Safety. The document addresses an applicant inquiry regarding project period flexibility and clarifies the funding timeline and application requirements. The grant opportunity funds programs for a project period of November 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with applications due August 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time. The solicitation distributes approximately $1.066 million in federal formula grant funding across multiple eligible applicant categories including law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecution offices, victim services providers, tribal entities, and territories. Applicants must align their proposed projects and budgets with the specified grant period; however, organizations with secured funding for portions of the project period may describe those funds within their applications.

The grant includes mandatory funding allocation requirements: at least 5% to courts, 25% to law enforcement, 25% to prosecution, and 30% to victim services, with at least 10% of victim services funding directed to culturally specific community-based organizations. A 33% match requirement applies to all applicants except victim service providers, tribes, and territories, which are exempt from matching requirements, though other entities may petition for waivers based on financial need. Allowable costs encompass personnel, training, technical assistance, data collection, and equipment, while prohibited costs include research, curriculum development, public awareness campaigns, construction, office furniture, and victim-safety-compromising activities such as mediation or couples counseling. Additionally, 20% of total funds must support programs addressing sexual assault across two or more allocations. Applicants must demonstrate no outstanding debt to the Maine Department of Public Safety for prior STOP funding and comply with Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act requirements. Evaluation is scored on a 100-point scale: eligibility and qualifications/experience (30 points), proposed project (40 points), and budget (30 points).