The Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) is accepting proposals effective April 22 and closing on June 3 for two federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Assistance Formula Grants (FY2021 and FY2022).

The Law Enforcement Planning Commission, with funding through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime, makes available Victims of Crime Act Formula Grants to non-profit victim services entities and government agencies to provide direct services to assist victims recovering from victimization.

VOCA funds will be awarded to support direct services to crime victims including crisis counseling, follow-up, therapy, group treatment/ support. shelter/ safe house, information/ referral, personal advocacy, assistance filing for victim’s compensation, criminal justice support/advocacy and emergency legal advocacy, not all inclusive.

The VOCA funding was established by the Crime Victims Fund in 1984 as a repository of federal criminal fines, penalty assessments and bond forfeitures collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the U.S. Courts from federal offenders. Under this program convicted federal criminals help pay for critical services for victims of child abuse and child sexual abuse including incest, drunken driving, domestic violence, adult sexual assault, fraud, financial exploitation, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The funding period is up to 12 months from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. All awards are subject to the availability of funds. As the State Administering Agency, the Law Enforcement Planning Commission reserves the right to award as many subgrants and determine appropriate funding levels as it deems necessary.

Non-profit organizations applying must include the following documents in their application package:

• A valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) number
• Registration on www.SAM.gov
• Certificate of Incorporation
• IRS Determination Letter regarding 50l(c)3 status.
• Articles of Incorporation
• A current Certificate of Good Standing from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office

Failure to submit all documents by the scheduled deadline will result in disqualification for funding. Each grant application must be received by the Law Enforcement Planning Commission electronically at the following email addresses, respectively, per the corresponding RFP, by no later than 4 p.m., Monday, June 3:

The Law Enforcement Planning Commission is committed to supporting criminal justice initiatives and projects through collaboration, advice, strategic planning and resources that promote safe communities in the USVI.