OVC’s interpretation of what is allowable under the Set-Aside is very broad—essentially any service to benefit a crime victim is allowable. For example, funding under the TVSSA Formula Program can be used to support activities such as—
- direct services to victims of crime;
- needs assessment and strategic planning;
- victim service program development and implementation;
- victim service program expansion;
- community outreach and education;
- purchasing or procuring tangible items related to victim services; and other activities needed to address the individualized needs of victims of any type of crime in Tribal communities;
- support for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (see below for additional information); and
- other activities needed to address the needs of a wide variety of crime victims in Tribal communities.
Because the statutory authorization for the TVSSA specifies that the funds are to be used for “services for victims of crime,” cash payments to crime victims are not allowable.