Federal Support Programs Overview

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Federal Departments

1. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)

• Role: Oversees health and welfare programs, including support for survivors, housing assistance, and healthcare services. 
• Key Programs:
  • Family Violence Prevention & Services Program (FVPSA)
  • Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
  • Grants Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants

2. U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

• Role: Provides funding for housing support and homelessness prevention.
• Key Programs:
  • Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
  • Continuum of Care (CoC)
  • Program Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) 

3. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

• Role: Supports programs for victims of crime, law enforcement, and justice initiatives.
• Key Programs:
  • Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
  • Assistance Grants Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  • Grants Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
  • Grants Crime Victims Fund

4. U.S. Department of Education (ED)

• Role: Provides support for education access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• Key Programs:
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance for Students
  • Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants 

5. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• Role: Provides food assistance and rural housing support.
• Key Programs:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Rural Development Housing Assistance 

Funding Sources and Opportunities

1. Federal Grants & Assistance

• Formula Grants: Automatically allocated based on criteria like population or need.
• Competitive Grants: Organizations must apply and compete for funding.
• Block Grants: Funds given for broad-purpose use.

2. State & Local Government Funding

• Distributed at state/local levels. Check with domestic violence or housing coalitions and local authorities.

3. Private & Nonprofit Grants

• Organizations like the United Way offer additional funding.
  

4. Corporate & Philanthropic Funding

• Businesses and foundations, such as Walmart Foundation and The Gates Foundation, provide grants.

Safe Stays Credits Program

• Pre-Paid Credits: Agencies can pre-purchase hotel stay credits.
• Gift Credits: Supporters can contribute directly.
• No Expiration: Credits remain valid indefinitely.
  

Finding And Applying for Funding

• Visit Grants.gov: Central hub for federal funding opportunities.
• Connect with State Agencies: They often administer federal funds.
• Partner with Local Organizations: Collaboration can strengthen applications.
• Monitor Deadlines: Stay updated on grant cycles and eligibility requirements