OVW Grant Funding Flows to Recipients who Articulate Plans to Meet Specific Needs

Over the years, the Office on Violence Against Women has provided more than $9 billion to communities across the nation. Much of this funding has gone to nonprofits that are on the front lines serving victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In this week’s episode of our podcast Patchwork, we demystify the process of making an award by providing some tips on what makes an effective response to one of our grant solicitations.

Perhaps not too surprisingly, answering all of the questions in the solicitation and providing the required supporting material is essential to making the cut in a competitive process. By completing these tasks, an applicant can at least assure that their application will be considered for funding.

Carrie Mitchell, one of OVW’s grant specialists, explains what it is like to be on the reviewing team when peer reviewers determine which of the worthy projects will be awarded funding. Like our other OVW experts, Carrie originally worked in the field and intimately understands the needs of victims of violence and those who work to support them in times of need. As an attorney, she also understands the ins and outs of the legal system and how federal funding can help local experts help more people.

This firsthand knowledge makes Carrie and our other OVW experts perfectly positioned to help people who are seeking funding. OVW staff members are always available to answer questions by e-mail or phone and we are happy to hear from people on the front lines who are trying to end violence against women.

Carrie points out there are no secret codes or hidden ways to get funding.  She does note that by taking the time to obtain and look at other past successful applications, new applicants often learn new, better or different ways to improve their response to a solicitation to get funding.

I am deeply proud to work with Carrie and the entire staff here at OVW who help to serve all of you who work tirelessly in communities large and small to address the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.