Ohio Awards $2 Million to Trafficking Survivor Services

Thirty-two nonprofits across 35 Ohio counties will receive state grants supporting survivors of sex and labor trafficking.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single brick building facade with a warm lit doorway against a flat horizon, evoking institutional support for survivors. — Ohio awarded more than $2 million in state grants to 32 nonprofits serving trafficking survivors across 35 counties, including Columbus and Franklin County. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services awarded more than $2 million to 32 nonprofit organizations serving 35 Ohio counties. The grants support survivors of sex and labor trafficking through the Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program.

Why it matters

The funding expands direct services for trafficking survivors and people at high risk across Ohio, including in Columbus and Franklin County. The program was built in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly and continued through the current operating budget.

The Office of Criminal Justice Services awarded more than $2 million to 32 nonprofits serving 35 Ohio counties. The extraction does not provide a prior-year comparison or individual award amounts.

The players

Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services

The state agency that administered and announced the grant awards to nonprofit organizations serving trafficking survivors.

Gov. Mike DeWine

Ohio's governor, who first launched the Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program in 2023.

The details

Eligible nonprofits must offer direct support to trafficking survivors or people at high risk, with priority given to evidence-based and survivor-informed care. Funded services include victim advocacy, mental health care, educational and employment support, and shelter or housing assistance.

2023: Gov. Mike DeWine first launched the Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027: Program support continued through the current operating budget.
November 5, 2026: The Office of Criminal Justice Services announced the grant awards.

Legal Context

The Direct Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Grant Program, first launched by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2023, sets the framework for this round of awards. The current awards extend that state-level approach to survivor services across 35 Ohio counties.

Trafficking survivors and at-risk residents in the 35 participating Ohio counties may gain access to advocacy, mental health care, housing assistance, and employment support. Franklin County agencies including Freedom a la Cart, Huckleberry House, National Youth Advocate Program, and the Star House are among the recipients.

The takeaway

State funding for survivor services depends on nonprofits that can show direct, evidence-based support for trafficking victims and those at high risk. Residents seeking help can look to these funded organizations in their own county.