Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Assistance Grant

The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, Office for Victims Programs is responsible for administering the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance grants. The Crime Victim Services Advisory Board makes biannual funding recommendation for the victim assistance projects throughout Colorado. This money is sub-granted to organizations throughout the State of Colorado to enhance, expand, and develop new programs to serve victims of crime. These services include counseling, providing shelter, assistance in filing compensation applications, crisis intervention services, assistance in court proceedings, assistance in filing protection orders, etc. During calendar year 2009, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice sub-granted $5,724,977.00 in VOCA assistance grants to 135 programs, which used the money to provide direct services to victims of crime. For additional information on the Victims of Crime Act grants, click here.

Purpose

The purpose of the VOCA Assistance programs is to fund direct services to victims of crime that 1) respond to the victims; 2) assist victims of crime to stabilization their lives after a victimization; 3) assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; and 4) provide victims of crime with a safe and secure environment.

Funding Cycle

The VOCA Assistance grant funding cycle is every two years. Applications for 2011 and 2012 funding will be available January 2010.

Target Population

Federal Guidelines require that each state allocate a minimum of 10% of its total victim assistance grant funds to each of the four priority categories: (1) child abuse (sexual and physical); (2) adult sexual assault; (3) domestic violence; and (4) designated "previously under-served" victim populations which include: victims of federal crimes; survivors of homicide victims; victims of assault, robbery, gang violence, hate and bias crimes, bank robbery, economic exploitation and fraud or elder abuse; victims of vehiclular homicide, intoxicated drivers (DUI/DWAI) or careless driving resulting in death; non-or-limited English speaking victims; and victims who are at-risk adults.

Eligibility

Organizations within the state of Colorado which provide direct services to victims of crime including, but not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency services, counseling, legal advocacy, criminal justice and court support, and training and coordination of volunteers who provide direct services may be eligible for VOCA funding.

Additional eligibilty requirements include:

  • Be operated by a public agency or a non-profit organization, or a combination thereof, that provides direct services to victims;
  • Demonstrate substanial financial support from other sources;
  • Utilize volunteers (or request a waiver due to compelling reasons);
  • Promote coordinated public and private efforts to aid crime victims within the local community;
  • Assist victims in seeking available crime victims compensation benefits;
  • Assure that all staff and volunteers have read and understand Colorado's Victims Crime Act;
  • Demonstrate a record of providing effective services to crime victims;
  • Demonstrate a record providing effective services to crime victims;
  • Demonstrate compliance with all relevant confidentiality laws; and
  • Demonstrate the ability to comply with VOCA documentation requirements and be able to satisfy an effective audit.

Grant Amounts

In the past, awards have been in the range of $5,000 to $85,000. The amount of money available fluctuates from year to year dependent on the amount of collections at the federal level (see Funding Source below). In 2009, 5.7 million was awarded to 135 projects. 2009 VOCA Grant Awards

Fund Source

Victims of Crime Act - federal funding originating from the collection of fines and penalties levied against criminals convicted of federal crimes.

Requirements

A 20% or 25% cash or in-kind match is required for all grant recipients. This match must be used for providing direct victim services as outlined by the federal guidelines. (Indian tribes or Native American organizations on Indian reservations must provide a 5% match.)

Non-Supplanting: Federal funds may not be used to supplant or substitute for state and/or local funds which would otherwise be available for crime victims assisstance services. Grant funds are intended to enhance or expand services which extend beyond currently funded legislative mandates.

HOW TO APPLY

Click on this link to reach the Application page for the current Announcement for Availability of Funds (AAF).

To be placed on the mailing list, fax or mail your name, address and phone number to:

Division of Criminal Justice
Office for Victims Programs
700 Kipling Street Ste 1000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-5719
303-239-5743 FAX
1-888-282-1080 Toll free outside the Denver Metro area