Kentucky opens applications for $2.2 million VAWA STOP grant aimed at supporting domestic violence survivors

Kentucky has opened applications for a federal Violence Against Women Act STOP grant totaling $2.2 million, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear announced Monday.

In the announcement, the administration said the grant funding is intended to support domestic violence survivors across the Commonwealth. The state did not indicate in the announcement details such as who will be eligible to apply, which types of organizations may be funded, or the specific services that will be delivered using the award.

The announcement comes as the state seeks to ensure that domestic violence survivors have access to resources through federally supported programming. By opening applications now, Kentucky is moving the process into a phase where applicants can submit proposals for how they would use the STOP grant funding to assist survivors.

The Violence Against Women Act STOP grant program is administered through the federal government, and Kentucky’s release frames the state’s role as coordinating applications for the award and directing the funds toward local efforts that serve people affected by domestic violence. The administration did not provide additional statewide allocations beyond the $2.2 million figure in the Monday announcement.

Applications being open means Kentucky agencies and community partners will be able to pursue the funding during the application window, and the Commonwealth will then move to review proposals and determine how the grant money is distributed.

For Kentuckians seeking assistance with domestic violence, the announcement underscores the state’s focus on expanding or sustaining survivor support through grant-supported initiatives, while the application process is underway for organizations looking to participate in the next funding cycle.