The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) has announced over $2 million in funding to help victim service agencies meet the needs of human trafficking survivors.

Thirty-three nonprofit organizations in 16 counties will receive funding as part of the Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program. Additionally, several nonprofits will address the needs of human trafficking survivors on a statewide basis. 

Launched by Governor Mike DeWine in 2023, the grant program aims to help serve the growing number of sex and labor trafficking victims in Ohio.

“As Ohio continues to aggressively fight human trafficking, we’re identifying more and more survivors in need of significant support,” said Governor DeWine.

“These grants will help providers expand their services in areas such as housing, advocacy, and workforce development.”

Services funded through the program include but are not limited to victim advocacy, mental health services, education and employment support, and shelter/housing programs.

The grant program was developed in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly and funded for the first time in Ohio’s previous two-year operating budget, which marked a historic investment by the DeWine administration dedicated to combating human trafficking. The operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 continued funding for this program. OCJS administers the grant program.

Nonprofit organizations that provide direct support to victims of trafficking or those considered at high risk of trafficking were eligible for grant funding. Priority consideration was awarded to applicants who demonstrate evidence-based and survivor-informed programming.

See a list of recipients here.

OCJS is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products, develops training, resources, and recommends best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities.

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