(1) We are not obligated to disburse funds to all domestic violence programs that meet the minimum standards set forth in this chapter. Our goals are to:

(a) Provide for a statewide network of supportive services, including emergency shelter, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and their children;

(b) Provide for culturally specific and appropriate services for victims of domestic violence and their children from populations that have been historically underserved or unserved; and

(c) Assist communities in efforts to increase public awareness about, and prevention of, domestic violence.

(2) Funding for this program is intended to develop and maintain domestic violence programs that are:

(a) Focused on victim advocacy, safety, empowerment, maintaining confidentiality, and safety planning;

(b) Inclusive and responsive to the ethnic, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of the state; and

(c) Flexible and designed to meet the needs of domestic violence victims at the local level.

(3) If an organization applies for funding, we will consider such things as:

(a) Geographic location;

(b) Population density;

(c) Specific population needs, including urban and rural areas, and the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services and prevention efforts;

(d) Availability and existence of domestic violence outreach and prevention efforts;

(e) An applicant's demonstrated history and experience in providing domestic violence services and its ability to provide services that comply with the minimum standards of this chapter;

(f) The availability of other domestic violence programs in a community and the level of collaboration between and among existing programs; and

(g) The amount of funding we have available to maintain stability and support for domestic violence programs currently funded by the department under this chapter.