Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday the launch of a $379.5 million funding initiative to support programs assisting victims and survivors of crime across New York State. The funding, distributed over three years starting October 2025, aims to ensure essential services such as counseling, emergency shelter, legal aid, and case management remain accessible despite expected decreases in federal funding.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I am committed to ensuring that all victims and survivors of crime have the resources and assistance to live a more fulfilling life,” Hochul said. “This funding will provide them the opportunities to rebuild with the support they need.”
The initiative, managed by the state Office of Victim Services (OVS), seeks applications from community organizations, hospitals, government agencies, and other entities. These funds will support trauma-informed care, address service gaps for underserved populations—including older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities—and provide targeted assistance for Indigenous communities with an annual $2 million allocation.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to propose innovative, community-specific solutions to address barriers survivors face when seeking help. The funding will also prioritize mental health services, housing stability, and improved accessibility for marginalized groups.
OVS Director Bea Hanson emphasized the importance of these services, stating, “We are committed to increasing access, addressing gaps in services, and ensuring that all victims and survivors receive the support they deserve.”
The funds will sustain programs regardless of whether victims have reported crimes to law enforcement. Assistance can include financial support for medical bills, lost wages, relocation expenses, and vocational rehabilitation. During the last fiscal year alone, OVS distributed nearly $20 million in financial aid to victims, including over $2.4 million directly reimbursed to medical providers for forensic rape exams.
Elizabeth Rule, Deputy Secretary for First Nations, highlighted the initiative’s impact on Indigenous communities. “In New York, the Hochul administration is standing with and supporting Indigenous Nations as they navigate disproportionate levels of violence. These funds will uplift and empower victims, survivors, and their families.”
The application process, outlined in the state’s Request for Applications (RFA), is competitive, with submissions evaluated equally whether the applicant is a current OVS grantee or a new program. Applications must demonstrate alignment with the agency’s values, including inclusion, accessibility, and innovation in service delivery.
The deadline to apply is March 19 at 5 p.m., with grant awards expected to be announced this summer. Contracts will align with the federal fiscal year, running from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. Late applications will not be accepted.
This historic investment underscores Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring survivors of crime have access to the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
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