Overview
The Family Violence Prevention and Services (FVPSA) formula grants to states and territories fund more than 1,600 local public, private, nonprofit and faith-based organizations and programs demonstrating effectiveness in the field of domestic violence services and prevention.
The funds can be used for shelter, safety planning, crisis counseling, information and referrals, legal advocacy, and additional support services. Court-based advocacy and court-accompaniment services are reported uses of FVPSA funds.
Match Requirements
Subgrantees that receive funding must provide a nonfederal match—of not less than $1 for every $5 of federal funding—directly from the state or through donations from public or private entities. The matching funds can be in cash or in kind. CARES Act supplemental FVPSA funds do not require a match.
Potential Uses
FVSPA provides by statute for “legal advocacy to assist victims and their dependents.” Legal advocacy is listed as a funding area on the FYSB website and legal assistance, legal advocacy, legal responses, as well as court accompaniment and court advocacy are reported uses of FVPSA in the HHS Navigating the FVPSP: A Guide for State and Territorial Administrators.
The Guide explains that “FVPSA is the primary funding stream for local domestic violence programs to provide core services, including crisis response, safe housing, advocacy, counseling, legal assistance, safety planning and comprehensive support.”
Legal assistance and advocacy are also listed in the definitions section of the guide under Supportive Services: “Supportive services include … Legal advocacy to provide victims with information and assistance through the civil and criminal courts, and legal assistance.”
CFDA
93.671
Administering Federal Agency
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB)
Find Your State/Local Administrator
FYSB lists the state administration offices and their respective websites here.
Amount of Available Funding
Find FVPSA background and funding information here (pre-COVID-19).
More Information
To find examples of courts and/or their justice partners receiving these funds, click on the PDF.
Formula Grants
AmeriCorps State and National Grants
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
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Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program
The Emergency Solutions Grants Program focuses on assisting people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.
Family Violence Prevention and Services Formula Grants (FVPSA)
The Family Violence Prevention and Services formula grants to states and territories fund more than 1,600 local public, private, nonprofit and faith-based organizations and programs demonstrating…
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STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant
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Title IV-B – State Court Improvement Program (CIP)
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Title IV-D – Child Support and Establishment of Paternity
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Title IV-E – Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance
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Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grants
VOCA provides funding to groups and direct services for victims, such as domestic violence shelters, legal support, faith-based organizations, and child abuse organizations.
