Family Violence Prevention and Services/ Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services and Supports

This funding assists states, territories, tribal governments, and community efforts to support sexual assault survivors and address the increased need for virtual access and emergency services. Section 2204 (d) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis federal financial assistance program provides funding to support sexual assault programs and rape crisis centers that provide immediate services and support to all victims and survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence regardless of age.

Eligible applicants for the State Grants are the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Eligible applicants for the Tribal Grants are the federally recognized Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages), or a tribal organization or nonprofit private organization authorized by an Indian Tribe.

This program will benefit victims and survivors of sexual violence and sexual assault and their dependents.

Federal funds are used by States and Tribes to assist sexual assault survivors and address the increased need for virtual access and emergency services and as a result of public health emergencies. Section 2204 (d) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides flexibility in how each recipient uses the funding to support (1) the transition to virtual services including counseling, mobile advocacy, telehealth, teletherapy, and peer support (2) providing emergency assistance for survivors such as temporary housing, rental assistance, and nominal relocation expenses paid to third party vendors on behalf of victims (3) the purchase of supplies, equipment, technology, and software to assist in carrying out remote services, and (4) the purchase supplies needed to safely staff and operate rape crisis centers during public health emergencies. Federal funds are awarded by the States through subawards to local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations. States and tribes may issue subawards to (1) state sexual violence coalitions and tribal coalitions to support local rape crisis centers and tribal sexual assault programs with virtual services provisions and the implementation of supportive services, and (2) rape crisis centers, sexual assault programs, culturally specific programs, and other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations or tribal programs that provide direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, without regard to age. States, their subrecipients, and Tribes may not impose an income eligibility standard on individuals receiving services supported by funds appropriated under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and Federal funds may not be used as direct payment to any victims. The receipt of supportive services is voluntary, and no condition may be applied for the receipt of emergency shelter. Each State may not use more than 5% of the amounts allotted under Section 10406(a) for State administrative costs.

The project period for all of the ARP Grants to Support Survivors of Sexual Assault is the existing project period for all formula grants, typically October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2025.

Each State, Territory, and eligible Tribe will receive its respective share of funds if the application submitted meets the necessary requirements.

Formula grants are awarded directly to States, U.S. Territories, and eligible Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages) and Tribal Organizations. Recipients are notified that funds have been awarded through a Notice of Award (NoA) issued by the Administration for Children and Families. Post award, the Division of Payment Management will establish an account from which a recipient may draw down award funds.

The deadline for applications for supplemental funds was February 7, 2022. See the FVPSA program instruction guidance memo for deadline information: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fysb/4_fvpsa-198-million-arp-grants-to-support-survivors-of-sexual-assault-program-instruction-memo-10-29-21.pdf.

All applications will undergo an administrative review to ensure that activities align with the legislative requirements.

There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. For existing recipients, appeals in regard to disputes may take place in accordance with 45 CFR Part 16, subject to the limitations of the Appendix A.