Grant Applications

Please download the EBP Solicitation for more information.

Applications must be submitted in the GMS Portal.

Application Start Date: 2/13/2026

Application Deadline: Rolling

Maximum Total Award: $200,000

The purpose of the Evidence-Based Programming (EBP) project is to provide funding to local jails to implement evidence-based programming for inmates in an effort to:

• Improve access to knowledge, skills, and resources required for successful re-entry into local communities following release from incarceration;
• Reduce recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals; and
• Increase meaningful collaboration between local jails and local community partners.

This program comprises state funds which are available as grants to eligible government agencies operating local jails that house TDOC inmates to support the implementation or enhancement of evidence-based programming to improve offender outcomes.

Funding Opportunity Description

Evidence-based programming is defined as “a program or programs shown by scientific research to effectively reduce recidivism rates and increase an offender’s likelihood of success following release from incarceration, including programs focused on education, vocational training, mental health, substance abuse rehabilitation, or building healthy relationships.”

Agencies intending to implement an evidence-based program with these funds are required to use recognized programs that are rated as “Highest Rated” or “Second Highest Rated” according to the Results First Clearing House (In the solicitation, click the link and select Correctional Facility as the Setting on the left).

Agencies intending to implement a vocational program with these funds can reference TDOC’s list of vocational programming currently offered in Tennessee prisons. TBR also has information available on vocational programs offered through TN College of Applied Technology that may be available in your area.

Please download the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Solicitation for more information.

Applications must be submitted in the GMS Portal.

Application Start Date: 4/6/2026

Application Deadline: 5/15/2026

To support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils (CJCCs) in three pilot site jurisdictions—one located in each of Tennessee’s three grand divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

This initiative aims to strengthen local criminal justice systems through structured, collaborative, and data-informed approaches to addressing key justice challenges such as jail overcrowding, pretrial inefficiencies, lack of service integration, and barriers to reentry programming. By supporting the formation of local CJCCs tailored to regional needs, this program seeks to enhance public safety, improve interagency coordination, and promote unbiased and effective justice outcomes.

The selected TA Provider will play a key role in developing and/or assisting with the process of vetting and recommending three pilot site jurisdictions for participation in the program. The vetting process will prioritize jurisdictions that demonstrate strong leadership commitment, cross-sector engagement, and the potential for long-term sustainability of CJCC operations beyond the grant period.

In addition, the TA Provider will deliver ongoing support and capacity-building assistance to each pilot site, including:

• Facilitating the development of CJCC structures and governance frameworks;
• Guiding local stakeholders through system assessments, goal setting, and strategic planning;
• Supporting the design and implementation of collaborative practices and policies;
• Assisting with the data collection, performance measurement, and evaluation;
• Promoting evidence-based and trauma-informed responsive approaches;
• Fostering community engagement and strengthening local stakeholder relationships;
• Helping identify and institutionalize sustainability strategies for continued success.

The TA Provider will coordinate closely with state-level partners and local jurisdictions to ensure the CJCCs are grounded in local context while aligning with statewide justice priorities. The selected pilot sites will serve as demonstration models that can inform future CJCC expansion and replication across Tennessee.

More information on Criminal Justice Coordinating Council projects can be found at the following hyperlinks:

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

National Conference of State Legislatures

Funding Opportunity Description

Eligible applicants for this solicitation must be a non-profit organization with demonstrated expertise and proven success in criminal justice system coordination, technical assistance delivery, and performance evaluation.

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Criminal Justice System Expertise: Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and support to multidisciplinary criminal justice system stakeholders, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, behavioral health, and community-based organizations.
• Evaluation Capacity: The applicant must include on its proposed team at least one experienced evaluator with expertise in criminal justice systems evaluation. This individual or team will be responsible for assisting with the selection, implementation, and evaluation of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils across three (3) pilot site jurisdictions in Tennessee between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2030.
• Data Infrastructure: The organization must have established data collection, management, and reporting procedures in place to track and analyze both outputs (e.g., TA sessions delivered, stakeholder participation) and outcomes (e.g., improvements in interagency collaboration, adoption of policy changes, and reductions in system inefficiencies) related to project implementation.
• Collaborative Approach: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, with the capacity to build and sustain strong, ongoing relationships with each pilot site. This includes a demonstrated ability to work in partnership with a wide range of justice system stakeholders.

Please download the VSS Human Trafficking Solicitation for more information.

Applications must be submitted in the GMS Portal.

Application Start Date: 4/21/2026

Application Deadline: 5/21/2026

The purpose of this program is to provide direct services to victims of human trafficking (sex and/or labor). The program’s purpose is further defined by which tiered funding the application describes. 

Tier 1 Funding: The agency will provide evidence-based and trauma-informed training within the community on topics related to human trafficking, direct services, and/or awareness.—OR—The agency will purchase necessary equipment, such as but not limited to direct service staff computers, hotline phones, iPads for client forms, vehicle for client transportation, and security measures for shelter/office.

Tier 2 Funding: The purpose of this project must include trauma-informed, evidence-based services and programming for victims of human trafficking. This program is to support agencies that provide direct services and wrap-around services, but does not provide direct mental health care, such as an on-site therapist or provide direct shelter. This program must have a formal MOU with the appropriate Single Points of Contact (Tenn. Code Ann. 9-4-214).

Tier 3 Funding: The purpose of this project must include trauma-informed, evidence-based services and programming for victims of human trafficking. The agency will provide direct shelter/housing with on-site emergent shelter, long-term shelter, and/or transitional housing units, and provide basic wrap-around services such as case management, transportation, advocacy, mental health care, and job training assistance with referrals for the following, but not limited to, substance abuse treatment, or medical care. This program must have a formal MOU with the appropriate Single Points of Contact (Tenn. Code Ann. 9-4-214).

Funding Opportunity Description

Agencies need to ensure they use the linked companion document to guide them in filling out the application.

Agencies applying for funding must meet the criteria listed in the State Funding Program Requirements of this solicitation and operate a program which serves victims of human trafficking (sex trafficking and/or labor trafficking). 

Eligible agencies must operate a program that provides direct service and support to victims of human trafficking. and must be able to demonstrate that services are evidence-based, trauma-informed, and in compliance with eligibility requirements. Faith-Based Agencies are eligible but must provide services in accordance with 28 CFR Subpart 38.5 Responsibilities

Q. How is match calculated?

A: Match can be calculated two ways:

            (STOP /JAG) Federal $ / .75 x .25 = ____________   

            (VOCA) Federal $ / .80 x .20 = ___________

            (examples: $40,000 x .25 = $10,000)    or   ($40,000 / .80) x.20 = $10,000)

For match in cash, the match amount will go in the line item. For match that is in-kind, it will go in the in-kind line item. Any items purchased over $5000 will go under Capital Expense. For more information on match please see the Grants Manual Ch. 3 Section 1. Match Requirement.

Q: No one at our agency has been trained in Uniform Guidance and my agency does not have a policy for this. If I don't have this, is this going to knock out my application, or can I do some sort of online training pretty quickly?

A: While this will not prevent any application from moving forward in the process, if the agency application is funded, training on Uniform Guidance is required within the first 6 months. The Department of Justice offers a financial training course on their website. 

Q: Regarding the “Other Grant Funds Table”.  We are requesting equipment for this VOCA request.  Are you asking for grants we have received that are not related to our enhancement application?

A: Yes. This table is meant to represent all grant funds that your agency receives or anticipates that is will receive in the current fiscal year for all criminal justice or victim service projects.

Q: How do we notate salary, benefits, and taxes on the budget form? Do we separate out each item?

A: There are several ways this can be noted on the budget form. Examples are below:

            Salary estimated at $____________ approximately __________% of time dedicated to project.

            Salary and benefits estimated at $___________ approximately ________% of time dedicated to project.

            Salary estimated at $ _________ Benefits estimated at $ ___________ approximately _________% of time dedicated to project.

            EX.: Salary and benefits estimated at $10,000.00 approximately 25% of time dedicated to project.

Q: Do we need to purchase an accounting system if we do not have one?

A: OCJP Grants Manual, Chapter III, Accounting Criteria states the subrecipient is free to use any accounting system that the subrecipient has established if the  system meets the following minimum criteria [located below in the chapter].”

Q: We get a lot of questions about supplanting. Does everyone understand what that is?

A: “Supplant” means to “replace” or “take the place of.” Federal law prohibits recipients of federal funds from replacing state, local, or agency funds with federal funds. Existing funds for a project and its activities may not be displaced by federal funds and reallocated for other organizational expenses. This is unallowable.

Ex: You are awarded this volunteer coordinator position and you promote Dorothy to this position, you must backfill the position so there is an  increase in FTEs.  In the event your agency is facing a loss of funding, make that clear in your application.

Q: How do we know what our intended outputs will be if we never received VOCA funding before?

A: Intended outputs should be a projection, what you plan to serve. For example, if you know you get 500-600 clients through your door every year you can safely assume that you will serve between 400-700 clients next year. Use this information to establish a baseline of services.

Q: Is it reasonable to base numbers off of what you know and where you think your program will go? 

A: Look at what your agency did this last fiscal year, and where you are today, then project what these grant monies will allow you to do in the next year i.e. – expanding services.

Q: The Authorized Official for non-profit agencies is the Board Chair, correct?

A: For federal purposes, your authorized official is your board chair. The project director and fiscal director should be someone who is willing to take on the responsibilities of the projects implementation.  These duties are listed in the OCJP Grants Manual.

Q: We would like to use donated space as match. Is this allowable?

A: This is allowable under VOCA. You can find more information in the OCJP Grants Manual Chapter III. Financial Requirements where it states “The value of space may be used as in kind match if space is 100% owned by the agency (either through donation or it has been paid for) and used 100% for victim services.  In this case, you may use the fair market value of the space as in-kind match.  The value may not exceed the fair market value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately owned building in the same locality.  Agencies must obtain at least 3 comps from an independent Realtor and the use the average as the fair market value.  The basis for determining the value of personal services, materials, equipment and space must be documented."

Q: What if we submit a budget which is not accurate?

A: OCJP can only encourage agencies to complete the budget using the knowledge and resources available.  OCJP cannot say at this time if budget modifications after applications are reviewed will be accepted or will impact funding determinations.

Q: What is a State (Edison) Vendor ID?

A:  Please visit the State of Tennessee's website regarding Procurement/Supplier Information. This is required for executed contracts.

For VOCA funded projects:

Q: The SAR report is required for each organization that receives VOCA funding. The information in the report is a projection of how funding will be allocated to victim services for the year. Do we wait until June 1st to complete this form or do it prior to submission NOW, since we know the amount we are applying for?

A: SARS should be completed as part of the application process. This is a projection of how the funds will be allocated based on the project narrative.

For DV projects (VOCA funded)

Q: Since budget amounts were reduced, is the expectation that we continue to fund the same activities as the previous grant term?  Or restructure grant-funded activity to align to the reduction in funding?

A: Agencies should present programming that is victim centered and the level of services should take into account the reduction in funds and the amount of other funds the agency has available. OCJP anticipates that the majority of the reduction will come out of agency travel and supplies. The goal of targeting these areas is to minimize the service impact to victims but how an agency is impacted will vary depending upon their specific grant budget.

Q: Can we to use our shelter building as part of match for our two grants?

A: Please the OCJP Grants Manual Chapter XIV: Allowable Costs, Part 7 Space - The cost of space in privately - or publicly - owned buildings used for the benefit of the program is allowable subject to the conditions stated.

Q: Will VOCA Pay for Administrative Costs associated with the grant?

A: Please the OCJP Subrecipient Grants Manual Chapter XVI Cost Allocation regarding the definition of allowable costs. The grant cannot pay for any costs associated with preparing the application itself.

Q: We were wondering, is it okay to include salary positions in our budget for one fiscal year and not the next in response to the reduced federal allocation amount? 

A: Agencies should apply for what is needed to support the proposed project.

For Law Enforcement Victim Coordinator projects:

Q: Who qualifies as a Volunteer? How many hours are volunteers required to work?

A: The Fair Labor Standards Act defines volunteer as “an individual who performs hours of service for a public agency for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered…” 29 CFR 553.101(a). “The1985 Amendments provide that employees may volunteer hours of service to their public employer or agency provided ‘such services are not the same type of services which the individual is employed to perform for such public agency.’ The phrase ‘same type of services’ means similar or identical services.” 29 CFR 553.103.

For more information please see the Grants Manual Section III Financial Requirement.

There is no minimum threshold of hours provided. Only that an agency who is granted VOCA funding utilize volunteers.

Q:  What is the Department of Revenue registration or exemption process?

A:  Please see the Department of Revenue Sales Use & Tax Registration Presentation for guidance.

Q: Is there a page limit on applications?

A: There is no page limit; However, we encourage agencies to clearly and concisely explain the problems and needs of communities they propose serving and how their project will address those needs through the described activities, inputs, etc.

Information and statistics that are global, national, or in other ways is outside the scope of your particular project is not necessary.