OVC FY25 Invited to Apply Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation and/or Assistance - Wisconsin Crisis Response | O OVC 2025 172444

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the OVC FY25 AEAP Wisconsin Crisis Response grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), under the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP). It is designed to provide rapid, supplemental support for victims in Wisconsin following an incident involving mass criminal violence or domestic terrorism, especially when victim service and compensation needs exceed what local and state resources can reasonably handle.

2) What is the main purpose of AEAP in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)?

The central purpose is to help a jurisdiction meet urgent and extraordinary victim service and/or compensation needs that arise after a rare, high-impact incident. The program is meant to bolster capacity so the community can address the incident-related needs while still continuing to serve victims of other crimes at the same time.

3) What type of incidents is this funding meant to address?

The NOFO describes incidents involving mass criminal violence or domestic terrorism in Wisconsin. AEAP is generally reserved for events that are unusually large or complex for the affected area, where victims were targeted in an unpredictable, indiscriminate, or broad way, or where some other distinctive feature creates exceptional victim-related needs.

4) Is this funding meant to replace regular victim services funding?

No. OVC states that AEAP is not intended to replace normal victim services funding or routine planning for more common types of violence. It is meant for extraordinary events that strain the victim services system beyond normal operating capacity.

5) How does OVC distinguish AEAP from VOCA-funded responses?

OVC indicates that states and communities are typically expected to use existing Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) resources for more predictable or ongoing violence patterns (for example: gang-related violence, domestic violence, or broader community gun violence). AEAP is positioned for urgent, extraordinary needs arising from rare, high-impact incidents.

6) What does "crisis response" mean in this opportunity?

This opportunity specifically focuses on providing crisis response support. Based on the NOFO description, this includes rapid, supplemental support intended to address immediate needs such as emergency victim services and short-term stabilization following the incident.

7) Can AEAP fund more than crisis response activities?

Yes. While this NOFO highlights crisis response, it sits within a larger AEAP framework that can fund multiple categories in a single coordinated application. The categories listed are: crisis response, consequence management, criminal justice support, and crime victim compensation.

8) What is the benefit of AEAP covering multiple categories of assistance?

The structure is intended to give OVC flexibility to address both immediate needs and longer-term impacts, depending on what the incident requires and what gaps exist in current capacity. In practice, that can mean supporting short-term stabilization and also the ongoing support or systems needed to manage aftermath impacts.

9) Where does the funding come from?

Funding comes from the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve. The NOFO notes this reserve is specifically set aside to respond to rare, high-impact events involving terrorism or mass violence.

10) Is this an open, competitive grant opportunity?

No. This NOFO is restricted to invited applicants only. OVC will directly contact potential applicants, and an application may only be submitted after OVC has consulted with an eligible organization about the specific incident and proposed response.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

The eligible applicant category is listed as "Others." However, participation is effectively limited because the opportunity is invitation-only and requires OVC consultation tied to a specific incident.

12) What does "invited to apply" mean for timing and submission?

It means an organization cannot submit an application unless OVC has first contacted it and consulted with it regarding the incident and proposed response. While a closing date is posted, the practical timeline is driven by OVC outreach and the consultation process with the identified eligible entity.

13) How many awards does OVC expect to make?

OVC expects to make one award.

14) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $1,364,315.

15) What is the funding opportunity number for this NOFO?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-OVC-2025-172444.

16) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this program?

The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number is 16.321.

17) What type of federal award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity is offered as a grant (not a cooperative agreement).

18) What is the funding activity category listed for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Income Security and Social Services.

19) What is the posted closing date?

The posted closing date is September 5, 2025.

20) Does the posted closing date control the real-world timeline for invited applicants?

Not entirely. Because this is an invited opportunity tied to a specific incident, the NOFO indicates that the practical timeline is driven by OVC outreach and consultation with the identified eligible entity, in addition to the posted closing date.