Certified domestic violence centers; capital improvement grant program.

There is established a certified domestic violence center capital improvement grant program.

(1) A certified domestic violence center as defined in s. 39.905 may apply to the department for a capital improvement grant. The grant application must provide information that includes:

(a) A statement specifying the capital improvement that the certified domestic violence center proposes to make with the grant funds.

(b) The proposed strategy for making the capital improvement.

(c) The organizational structure that will carry out the capital improvement.

(d) Evidence that the certified domestic violence center has difficulty in obtaining funding or that funds available for the proposed improvement are inadequate.

(e) Evidence that the funds will assist in meeting the needs of victims of domestic violence and their children in the certified domestic violence center service area.

(f) Evidence of a satisfactory record-keeping system to account for fund expenditures.

(g) Evidence of ability to generate local match.

(2) Certified domestic violence centers as defined in s. 39.905 may receive funding subject to legislative appropriation, upon application to the department, for projects to construct, acquire, repair, improve, or upgrade systems, facilities, or equipment, subject to availability of funds. An award of funds under this section must be made in accordance with a needs assessment developed by the department. The department annually shall perform this needs assessment and shall rank in order of need those centers that are requesting funds for capital improvement.

(3) The department shall establish criteria for awarding the capital improvement funds that must be used exclusively for support and assistance with the capital improvement needs of the certified domestic violence centers, as defined in s. 39.905.

(4) The department shall ensure that the funds awarded under this section are used solely for the purposes specified in this section. The department will also ensure that the grant process maintains the confidentiality of the location of the certified domestic violence centers, as required under s. 39.908. The total amount of grant moneys awarded under this section may not exceed the amount appropriated for this program.