Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
Description
The purpose of the Victims of Crime Act program is to improve the treatment of victims of crime by providing victims with the assistance and services necessary to aid their restoration after a violent criminal act, and to support and aid them as they move through the criminal justice process. Victim assistance includes services such as crisis intervention, counseling, emergency transportation to court, temporary housing and criminal justice support and advocacy.
History
The Crime Victims Fund, established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, is a major funding source for victim services throughout the Nation. Each year, millions of dollars are deposited into this Fund from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalty fees, and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorney's Offices, U.S. Courts, and the Bureau of Prisons. These dollars come from offenders convicted of Federal crimes, not from taxpayers.
Resources
Categories Funded
- Contractual Services
- Equipment
- Operating Expenses
- Personnel
- Travel
- Other
Eligible Applicants
- Local Government Agencies
- Local Law Enforcement
- Nonprofit Organizations
Documents
Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Additional Documents
- VOCA Match Waiver Policy - effective 8/26/2022 - PDF - 394.03 KB
- Time and Effort Best Practices for VOCA-Funded Personnel - PDF - 139.61 KB
- SFY 2027 NOFA TA FAQs and Recommendations - PDF - 183.62 KB
Reports
- Victim Services Programs and Grantees and Funds Awarded 2026 Report - PDF - 1.18 MB
- 2025 Report on All Victim Services Programs and Grantees and Funds Awarded - PDF - 496.8 KB
Dates
Projected NOFA Release Month
February
Projected Application Month
March