(1) Any public or private nonprofit agency may apply to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice for selection and funding as a victim and witness assistance center pursuant to sections 81-1843 to 81-1851.

(2) The commission shall consider the following factors, together with any other factors it deems appropriate, in selecting applicants to receive funds and be designated as a victim and witness assistance center:

(a) The number of volunteers that the proposed center will utilize;

(b) The stated goals of the applicant;

(c) The potential number of people that may be served by the proposed center and the needs of the community for such a center;

(d) Evidence of community support for the establishment of the proposed center; and

(e) The organizational structure of the agency which will operate the proposed center and provide services to victims and witnesses of crimes.

(3) Upon evaluation of all applicants, the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice shall select a number of public or private nonprofit agencies which the commission deems qualified for designation to receive funding for the establishment and operation of such centers.

(4) The commission shall, upon the establishment of such centers, conduct appraisals of their performance to determine which of the centers shall receive continuation grants.