Kentucky receives $2M+ funding for domestic violence prevention, applications open

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — More than $2 million in federal funding is available to assist victims of domestic violence.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced last week that local organizations can start applying.

This funding will be used to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in Kentucky under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). GreenHouse17

is a Lexington organization that works to protect victims of abuse, and organizers say funding like the VAWA helps support its efforts.

GreenHouse17 serves 17 counties in central Kentucky, providing resources for people who don’t know where to turn. Governor Beshear says domestic violence is something far too many Kentuckians experience, which is why his administration has made it a priority to fight against these horrific crimes and support survivors. Darlene Thomas, executive director for GreenHouse17, says funding is critical in the line of work the nonprofit does. She adds the organization serves more than 6-thousand men, women, and children a year.

“I wish it were about 50 million available across the whole state. But we are grateful, and we will apply for what is available, and we appreciate, you know, the fact that there is this sense of value to what we’re doing, and having some funding to be able to do that is extremely important,” said Thomas.

GreenHouse17 provides counseling, emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, and legal advocacy. Leaders with the nonprofit say these resources are prime examples of why federal funding helps them.

“Over 30,000 protective orders are filed a year in the state of Kentucky. Survivors who have an advocate present will follow through with what they need for their safety about 80% of the time, and survivors who don’t have an advocate present with them in court will only follow through about 20% of the time. So having the funding and the resources to be present so that survivors know their choices, their options, that they’re not alone in this process and that there are people who can help explain it,” Thomas said.

More than $149 million has been awarded to victim service agencies in the state by the Beshear-Coleman administration since he became governor.

“We’re just really grateful for the advocacy of our legislature and our government that continues to ensure that funding does come to Kentucky to support domestic violence survivors and their children,” Thomas said.

Applications must be submitted online by 6 p.m. on Sept. 26. Awards are expected to be announced in December. The award date will begin January 1, 2026.