Goal:
To urge the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to release congressionally appropriated funding for trafficking survivor services on time — and to provide temporary funding if delays occurred — so that survivor-serving organizations could continue operating without disruption.
Summary:
In 2025, Congress appropriated $88 million for human trafficking survivor services through the DOJ’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). However, the DOJ did not issue the funding opportunity before the start of the fiscal year, creating uncertainty and financial strain in the lead up to October 1 for organizations that rely on these grants to provide shelter, legal assistance, counseling, and case management.
Freedom United and the Freedom Network USA launched our campaign ahead of the funding deadline, calling on the DOJ and OVC to release the funds and prevent gaps in survivor services.
Timeline
- Early 2025 — Congress appropriates $88 million for trafficking survivor services through the DOJ.
- Mid-2025 — The DOJ delays issuing the FY 2025 funding opportunity.
- September, 2025 — Freedom United and Freedom Network USA launch our campaign, calling for the funds to be released on time and for temporary funding if delays occurred. Thousands of people messaged the DOJ and OVC calling for their release.
- October, 2025 — Start of the federal fiscal year; organizations face uncertainty as funding is not yet available.
- Dec. 30, 2025 — The DOJ opens the FY 2025 trafficking survivor grant application process.
Outcome:
Following sustained public pressure, the DOJ opened the delayed grant application process, making the previously stalled funds available for organizations to apply for.
While this addressed the central demand to release the funds, temporary bridge funding was not provided. As a result, some organizations likely experienced interruptions or reductions in services during the period between the missed deadline and the opening of the grant opportunity. At the time of publication, funding decisions have not yet been announced, and it remains to be seen which organizations will receive awards.
Freedom United will continue to monitor how the DOJ administers and distributes these funds and the impact on organizations that experienced funding gaps. We will also continue advocating for federal processes that prevent future delays and ensure survivor-serving organizations are not left without resources due to administrative inaction.
We are grateful to everyone who took action and stood with trafficking survivors!
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