Private and government-sponsored grants can help a domestic violence shelter cover operating expenses.
According to the National Institute of Justice, approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner in the United States each year. Victims can seek safety from abusive relationships at a domestic violence shelter. Shelters provide necessary services such as housing, legal assistance and mental health assistance. Rent or mortgage on the building, utilities, food, hygiene products, building maintenance and salaries are some of the expenses that a shelter's operating budget must cover.
North Carolina Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission
The North Carolina Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission, a division of the North Carolina Department of Administration, oversees funding and assistance to domestic violence programs throughout the state. The department has six regional offices to aid programs in obtaining funds, ensure compliance with all local, state and federal guidelines, and assist in implementing best-practice approaches to running a program. To qualify for a grant, an organization must be a nonprofit and have been in operation a minimum of 1 year providing services prior to applying for funds.
Crime Victims' Services Planning Committee
The Crime Victims' Services Planning Committee is a division of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. It provides funding for domestic violence services. The committee requires that any organization seeking funding is a dual-service program providing assistance for both domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The program must be a nonprofit and established for at least 1 year. Submissions for funding proposals should include a plan of action outlining counseling services, court advocacy services, crisis line operation, shelter services, therapy, client outreach services and information and referral services.
Family Violence Prevention Grant
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Program, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awards grants to state agencies, territories and Indian tribes to provide shelter to victims of family violence and their dependents. Each state's human services department oversees the funds awarded from the program. In addition to the grants, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program (FVPSP) also funds other programs that prevent family violence and protect victims and their dependents. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Social Services, which oversees community-based programs, awards and oversees the FVPSP grants for North Carolina.
The Mary Kay Foundation
The Mary Kay Foundation awards $20,000 grants to domestic violence shelters nationwide every October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The grants are used to provide services such as counseling, transportation vehicles, emergency shelter, food, clothing and basic needs to domestic violence survivors and their children. In 2009, the foundation awarded $3 million to over 150 shelters. At least one shelter per state is awarded grant money. In 2009, four shelters in North Carolina each received $20,000 grants: Albemarle Hopeline Inc., Family Violence & Rape Crisis Services, Onslow Women's Center Inc., and Turning Point, Inc.
Tags: North Carolina, Carolina Department, domestic violence, domestic violence, Family Violence