The Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) has announced it is accepting proposals that will become effective April 22 and will be closing on June 3, for two federal Violence Against Women STOP Formula Grants (FY2021 and FY2022).
LEPC, with funding through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women, makes available Violence Against Women Formula Grants to private non-profit organizations and Virgin Islands government agencies (local court, law enforcement and prosecution) for programs designed to provide direct services to in response to violent crimes against women, including crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Violence Against Women funds will be awarded to support direct services for victims of violent crimes against women, including but not limited to crisis intervention services, counseling and therapy, emergency services, court-related services, training, data collection, salaries and benefits for law enforcement officers dedicated to the domestic violence unit as well as salaries and benefits for a prosecutor dedicated to the prosecution of domestic violence or sexual assault cases.
Programs should seek to implement comprehensive strategies to address violence against women that are sensitive to the needs and safety of the victims and hold offenders accountable for their crimes.
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women requires each state and territory to distribute funds in the following manner: 30% for victims’ services (of which at least 10% must be to culturally specific community-based organizations), 25% to law enforcement, 25% to prosecution, 5% to state and local courts, with the remaining 15% allocated as discretionary programs. Fundings is based on a statutory formula established by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The funding period is up to 12 months from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. All awards are subject to the availability of funds. LEPC as the state administering agency, reserves the right to award as many subgrants and determine appropriate funding levels as it deems necessary.
Non-profit organizations applying must include the following documents in their application package:
- A valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) number
- Registration on SAM.gov
- Certificate of Incorporation
- IRS Determination Letter regarding 50l(c)3 status.
- Articles of Incorporation
- A current Certificate of Good Standing from the Lt. Governor’s Office.
Failure to submit all documents by the scheduled deadline will result in disqualification for funding. Each grant application must be received by LEPC electronically at the following email addresses, respectively, per the corresponding RFP, by no later than 4 p.m., Monday, June 3:
LEPC is committed to supporting criminal justice initiatives and projects through collaboration, advice, strategic planning and resources that promote safe communities in the USVI.
