Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain information about Office of Justice Program (OJP) grantees, applications, and the administration of OJP funds, you need to file a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The OJP Office of the General Counsel is responsible for administering FOIA for all OJP bureaus and offices. You can reach the FOIA Requester Service Center at 202-307-6235 or [email protected].

To submit FOIA requests via hardcopy, please use the following means:

Fax: 202-307-1419

Mailing address:
Office of Justice Programs
Office of the General Counsel
Attention: FOIA Staff
810 7th St., NW
Room 5400
Washington, DC 20531

To request full-text access to a funded proposal, you must submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

Visit OJP's FOIA webpage for information about how to submit a FOIA request and for access to OJP FOIA contacts.

For a copy of your Grant Payment History Report and for any questions you may have concerning grantee/vendor payments, please contact the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Customer Service Center at (800) 458-0786 (press menu option 2) or via e-mail at [email protected].

When you call or e-mail, you will need to provide your organization's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) vendor number, grant number(s), and a fax number. Once your information is received, a Grant Payment History Report will be faxed to your organization with the draw down summaries.

Call 1-888-373-7888 (toll-free) or text BeFree (233733) to the National Human Trafficking Hotline to report a tip, to connect with anti-trafficking services in your area, or to request training and technical assistance, general information, or specific anti-trafficking resources. Individuals are available to answer calls and texts from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. It is operated and implemented by Polaris Project and funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.

For additional information, see the Human Trafficking section of the Office for Victims of Crime website and our Human Trafficking Special Feature.

No. The Federal government does not set aside a separate funding stream specifically for faith-based groups. Rather, they are eligible to apply for government grants on an equal footing with other similar non-governmental organizations.

All Federal grants must be announced to the public and the most comprehensive source is www.Grants.gov, which is a one-stop "storefront" for most grants available from the United States Government. You can search Grants.gov by keyword (e.g. "prison"), agency (e.g. "U.S. Department of Justice"), or by category (e.g. "Law, Justice and Legal Services"). You will see a chronological listing of open grants which you can then click on individually to access and read the solicitations.

In general, no. There is no general Federal requirement that an organization incorporate or operate as a nonprofit or obtain tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in order to receive Federal funds. However, some Federal, State, or local programs may impose such a requirement.

Although it will take some time and cost some money, a faith-based organization may wish to establish a separate nonprofit organization to use the government funds it receives. Taking this step can make it easier for a faith-based organization to keep track of the public funds that it receives and spends. It will also be easier for the government to monitor the group's use of grant funds without intruding on the group's internal affairs, in the event that an audit is conducted.

The Federal government uses two kinds of grants: discretionary grants and formula (or "block") grants.

• Discretionary grants are those which are handed out by an agency of the Federal government. Formula (or block) grants put
• Federal money in the hands of States, cities, or counties to distribute to charities and other social service providers, usually under their own rules and regulations.

Therefore, you can apply directly to the Federal government or you can apply for funds to an entity that distributes money it receives from the Federal government. More money is available from programs administered by States and localities than from the Federal government directly.

Announcements regarding Federal grants are often referred to as "Request for Proposals" (RFPs) or "Solicitation for Grant Applications" (SGAs). Each RFP or SGA will contain instructions on how to apply, including where to get an application packet, information the application should contain, the date the application is due, and agency contact information.

Most Federal agencies have experts who are available to help organizations apply for and manage their grants. Applicants may call the official identified in the grant announcement or contact an agency's regional office. Agency staff is available to answer questions over the phone. They may also refer applicants to local or nearby technical assistance workshops or to organizations that are under contract with the Federal government to provide this kind of assistance.

Each grant announcement will contain instructions on how to apply, including where to get an application packet, information the application should contain, the date the application is due, and agency contact information.

There is no guarantee you will receive a grant if you apply. However, if you do not receive a grant, you should try to find out why you did not receive funding and how you could improve a future application. You can follow up with the program officer identified in the announcement. This individual will either be able to provide you with information about your application, or point you to the right person to contact. In addition, you may even be able to obtain written comments on your proposal, which can provide helpful analysis.

Remember that many, many organizations compete for Federal funds, and many groups apply several times before they receive an award. Getting feedback on your application can help you improve your chances of receiving funds the next time around.