The Next Step Domestic Violence Project Inc.

The Next Step Domestic Violence Project Inc. is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization registered in SAM.gov since April 2009 that operates as a domestic shelter and victim service provider. The organization serves communities in Maine by delivering comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through its federal grant awards, The Next Step Domestic Violence Project Inc. provides victim-centered services including counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, and coordinated community responses to violence-related crimes in rural and underserved areas.

The Next Step Domestic Violence Project Inc. has demonstrated substantial experience implementing federally-funded violence prevention and victim services programs. Most recently, the organization received a $500,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women under the Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Assistance Program (CFDA 16.589), running from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028, in partnership with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office and Northern Light Hospital. The organization currently maintains a grant awarded October 1, 2023 (with completion scheduled for September 30, 2027) under the Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking program, implemented in partnership with Washington County, Maine. Additionally, The Next Step Domestic Violence Project Inc. previously received a $600,000 Legal Assistance for Victims grant (CFDA 16.524) from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024, providing direct legal services to domestic violence victims in Ellsworth, Maine. The organization has also served as a sub-grantee under the Maine Coalition To End Domestic Violence for the DV-CPS Liaison Program beginning October 1, 2022. These grants collectively demonstrate the organization's capacity to implement coordinated community responses, develop victim safety strategies, provide victim services, establish law enforcement and prosecutor partnerships, and deliver specialized legal assistance in rural communities.