2026 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Request for Applications

The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is pleased to announce our 2026 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program Request for Applications (RFA). Please note that all tentative awards issued under our 2025 RFA were previously rescinded due to OSC non-approval of the procurement record. Any organizations that wishes to receive OVS Victim Assistance funding for the period of October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028 must apply through this 2026 RFA process. Existing grantees are not guaranteed an award under this solicitation.

OVS is responsible for the administration of the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program and distributes funds to local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims. Direct assistance to crime victims includes crisis counseling, telephone and onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter, therapy, and additional assistance. Funds may be used to support existing programs, expand existing programs, or develop new programs that address emerging needs, gaps in services, and training of victim service advocates. 

Below are documents and additional resources related to the 2026 VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program. Applications are due in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) by 5:00pm EST on Monday, March 23, 2026. Late applications will NOT be accepted or reviewed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their online application well in advance of the deadline.

Questions related to the information and requirements described in this RFA, must be submitted via email by end of day on February 13, 2026 to: [email protected].

On Monday, February 2, 2026, OVS hosted a VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program RFA – Bidders' Conference Webinar.

This informational webinar provides a high-level review for all prospective applicants for the 2026 VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program RFA and highlights program requirements, demonstrates how to apply, and reviews information on required documents.

The webinar was recorded and is published on the OVS YouTube Channel. Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch by clicking the link above or button below.

Click to Watch

PowerPoint Presentation Slides from the Bidders' Conference Webinar are also available for download here:

2026 VOCA RFA Bidders' Conference Webinar PPT Slides

• OVS Victim Assistance Program - Information about existing VAP services and the administration of VOCA funds in New York State.
• OVS Resource Connect - A concern-based search engine designed to help victims quickly locate services across New York State.
• SFS Handbook - Handbook provides the knowledge and skills to support grants management activities using the Statewide Financial System (SFS).
• SFS Attachment Reference Guide - Designed to assist with common questions related to working with attachments in SFS.
• SFS Troubleshooting Tips - Provides basic troubleshooting tips for SFS users.
• VOCA Final Rule - The U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) final rule guidance to implement the victim assistance formula grant program.
• VOCAPedia - An online resource that addresses allowability questions related to the VOCA funds.
• VOCA Side-by-Side - A side-by-side comparison of the VOCA Victim Assistance Guidelines and final rule.  
• VOCNA Project Overview - Published results and findings from the recent New York State Victims of Crime Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis (VOCNA) Project.