ACF/OTIP Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities (VHT-NC) Program Grant

Bonus points will be awarded to applicants that are, or partner with an entity that is, tribally chartered or has a board majority made up of tribally affiliated members.  Board member(s) must be identified by name and indicate their affiliation or relationship to at least one of the following categories of community representation as defined by the Administration for Native Americans: a) federally or state-recognized tribes (Indian Tribal Entities Within the Contiguous 48 States Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs), or b) persons considered to be Native American as defined in 45 CFR § 1336.10 and Native American Pacific Islanders as defined in Section 815 of the Native American Programs Act (42 U.S.C. 2992c). Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization’s religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

The Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is announcing funds for the Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities (VHT-NC) Demonstration Program.  The VHT-NC Demonstration Program’s goal is to directly fund organizations that will build, expand, and sustain organizational and community capacity to deliver services to Native American (i.e., American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and/or Pacific Islanders) adults and minors who have experienced a severe form of human trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended, through the provision of direct services, assistance, and referrals.  Under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program the following activities are required: 1) provision of comprehensive, culturally and linguistically responsive, case management to Native Americans who have experienced sex and labor trafficking; 2) increase identification of Native Americans who have experienced sex and labor trafficking through outreach; and 3) public awareness activities for the local community and organizations that may encounter individuals who have experienced sex and labor trafficking. 

The VHT-NC Demonstration Program is informed by a whole family approach that focuses equally and intentionally on services and opportunities for clients and their immediate family members living within their households.  OTIP is encouraging the establishment of community partnerships, meaningful engagement of Native American individuals who have experienced trafficking, and the hiring of qualified professionals that reflect the communities being served in all project implementation strategies under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program.  Under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program, there is a 12-month project implementation period for the prime recipient to facilitate optional partnerships, on-board new staff, and develop service protocols specific to Native Americans who have experienced human trafficking. However, clients must be served during the 12-month project implementation period. 

Under the VHT-NC Demonstration Program, the prime recipient must provide a statutorily mandated 25 percent match (cash or in-kind).