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.
Reporting:
The use of the Victims Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) software is required by grant-funded staff and volunteers of the DCJS Victim Witness Grant Program to document services provided to direct service victims and witnesses of crime and to generate quarterly progress reports. The VSDCS replaced CIMS (Client Information Management System) in January 2023. Please click here for resources and additional information regarding VSDCS.
Victims Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) Training Manual
VWGP Resources:
SFY26 VWGP Maximum Award Amounts
OGMS Instructions for Applying for Funding
Contact Information:
Grant Coordinator(s)
Victims Services Monitoring Regions
Victims Services Staff Listing
DCJS Grants Administration
1100 Bank Street
Richmond, VA 23219
E-mail
Phone: 804.786.4000
Fax: 804.786.7231