Victim/Witness Grant Program (VWGP)

Grant Program Information:Victim/Witness Grant Program (VWGP)
Source of Funds:

In 1984, the General Assembly created the victim/witness grant program and designated DCJS as the administering agency. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress in 1984, established a crime victims fund and authorized the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime to make annual VOCA victim assistance and compensation grants to states. Currently, DCJS is using federal VOCA funds, as well as state Special Funds, and General Funds to support  Victim/Witness Programs.

Purpose of Funds:To provide financial support to local victim/witness programs and statewide victim assistance programs designed to provide direct services, information, and assistance required by Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.

Eligibility Requirements:

 

 


 

The victim/witness grant program is open to local units of government and certain state agencies. Local units of government may subcontract with private, non-profit service providers. Localities may submit joint applications to support regional victim/witness programs serving multiple localities. Each eligible state agency seeking funding to support statewide victim assistance programs may submit only one application. Application Guidelines are distributed in early spring.

Grantees must comply with the applicable provisions of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Program Guidelines, and the requirements of the OJP Financial Guide. Only those costs directly related and essential to providing direct services to crime victims can be charged to the grant.

Special Conditions: 

The general award terms and conditions provided below are applicable to all Victim/Witness Program sub-recipients.  The award conditions are based on Federal/state statutes, grant program guidelines and DCJS policy and should be reviewed by program and financial staff as appropriate. Sub-recipients are responsible for understanding and complying with all of the legal, financial, and administrative requirements as outlined in the grant award package.  By accepting the award, the sub-recipient agrees to comply with all statutory requirements and programmatic guidelines.  Project specific terms and conditions might be added to an award to address issues specific to that individual award.  For more information on the award conditions for Victim/Witness Grant Programs, click below.

PDF icon FY22-23 VWGP Special Conditions

Reporting

CIMS is projected to be decommissioned in January 2023 and replaced with the Victim Services Data Collection System (VSDCS). Click here to learn more about VSDCS

 

Contact Information:

 

Grant Coordinator(s)

Patricia Foster
Victim Witness Grant Program Coordinator
(804) 371-8634

Grant Monitor(s)

Amia Barrows
Supervisor, Victims Services Program Specialists
(804) 225-4060
Dione Bassett
Victims Services Grant Program Specialist
(804) 965-4019
Kelly Carpenter
Victims Services Grant Monitor
(804) 659-2750
Bunny Chidester
Victims Services Program Specialist
(804) 659-6753
Sharon Reed
Victim Services Grant Program Specialist
(804) 658-8179
Chrissy Smith
Victims Services Grant Program Specialist
(804) 339-9137

DCJS Grants Administration
1100 Bank Street
Richmond, VA 23219
E-mail
Phone: 804.786.4000
Fax: 804.786.7231