Violence Against Women Research Consortium | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Violence Against Women Research Consortium grant opportunity?

The Violence Against Women Research Consortium opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NIJ 2016 9026) is a discretionary funding announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice (USDOJ-OJP-NIJ). It is intended to establish a single, coordinated research consortium to strengthen and expand the national research base on violence against women.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

What is the main goal of this funding announcement?

The main goal is to create one national, coordinated, interdisciplinary research consortium that can serve as an ongoing resource to NIJ and help build the evidence base on violence against women across multiple related topic areas.

Is this intended to fund a single study or ongoing work?

It is not designed to fund a one-time standalone study. Instead, it is structured to support an ongoing, multi-faceted body of work that can evolve with NIJ priorities over time and respond to emerging needs in the field.

What topic areas is the consortium expected to focus on?

The consortium is expected to focus on closely related topic areas including domestic violence and intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking, and teen dating violence.

What does NIJ mean by a "single, coordinated research consortium"?

NIJ intends to fund one consortium that brings together broad, interdisciplinary expertise under a coordinated structure, rather than making multiple separate awards for independent projects.

How many awards does NIJ expect to make under this opportunity?

NIJ anticipates making one award total.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $5,000,000.

What type of award is this: grant or cooperative agreement?

The award is made as a cooperative agreement, not a standard grant.

Why does it matter that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement is intended to be collaborative, with NIJ positioned as an active partner rather than only a funder receiving periodic reports. The description indicates substantial federal involvement in project direction, coordination, and decision-making so NIJ can align consortium activities with current priorities, ensure timely products, and coordinate across related NIJ efforts.

What kinds of activities is the consortium expected to support?

The consortium is expected to function as a standing resource to NIJ and support a mix of research, evaluation, and planning activities on an ongoing basis. Examples listed include developing and refining research agendas, conducting or supporting evaluations of programs and interventions, synthesizing evidence, advising on measurement and methodology, and helping NIJ plan future work in these areas.

What does "interdisciplinary and broad in expertise" mean for applicants?

NIJ expects a team that can address violence against women from multiple angles and handle varied research and analytic demands. This includes expertise spanning prevention, victimization, perpetration, systems responses, and outcomes, along with an understanding of different forms of abuse and different populations affected.

Is the consortium expected to adapt to changing NIJ priorities?

Yes. The opportunity is structured to support ongoing work that can adapt to NIJ priorities over time and respond to emerging needs in the field.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The program falls under the Law, Justice and Legal Services activity category.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA number 16.560.

When was the opportunity posted?

The announcement was created and posted on March 2, 2016.

What is the application deadline?

The original and current closing date listed is May 2, 2016.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: state, county, and city or township governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); individuals; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.

Can institutions of higher education apply?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.

Can nonprofit organizations apply if they do not have 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are included in the eligibility list.

Are for-profit entities eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.

Are individuals eligible to apply?

Yes. Individuals are included among the eligible applicant types.

Are tribal governments eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.

What does the opportunity imply about the kind of applicant NIJ is looking for?

The description suggests NIJ is open to a variety of organizational structures, but the applicant must credibly assemble and manage an interdisciplinary research consortium with the expertise and capacity to deliver sustained research and evaluation support in the violence against women domain.