Applications for the 'Empower' Grants are Temporarily Paused
To provide sufficient time to finish processing current grants and ongoing projects before year-end, we have temporarily paused new ‘Empower’ grant submissions.
We hope to reopen the ‘Empower’ grant application for new submissions later this year. However, if current grant demands extend through the remainder of 2025, applications will reopen at the start of the 2026 grant season in January 2026.
If you have questions please email Contact@HigherHope.org
Empower Grants are available to registered 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions align with supporting victims of violent crime and their communities. Applicants must demonstrate clear project objectives, sustainable impact plans, and efficient resource allocation. We partner with organizations of various sizes, from local grassroots initiatives to national programs, prioritizing those that show innovative approaches to victim support and community healing.
Review the Requirements The Empower Grant supports registered 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to serving victims of violent crimes and their families. Examples of qualifying initiatives include victim advocacy programs, community support services, educational outreach, healing resources, and direct assistance programs. All grants are open until December 31 of the current year.
*PLEASE NOTE – Higher Hope provides financial assistance for existing or planned programs. Organizations must have detailed implementation plans and clear objectives ready before applying.
IF YOU ARE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SEEKING FUNDING FOR VICTIM SUPPORT INITIATIVES, PLEASE READ OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.
- Must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization related to helping victims of violent crime.
- Must have established programs or detailed plans for new initiatives
- Must provide comprehensive project budgets and implementation timelines
- Must demonstrate sustainable impact potential
- Must provide proof of current nonprofit status and organizational documentation
APPLY FOR EMPOWER
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
- EIN or UEI number for nonprofit verification
- Detailed project proposals and budget breakdowns are mandatory for all applications
- Applications that fail to provide required documentation may not be eligible for consideration
- Qualifying documentation includes, but is not limited to: detailed project proposals, budget allocations, impact metrics, organization history, and implementation timeline
Documents providing proof of qualifying crime as well as financial hardship are mandatory for all applications. Applications that fail to provide this proof may not be eligible for consideration. Proof of financial hardship includes, but is not limited to: paid invoices for reimbursement, upcoming invoices for unpaid services, quotes from vendors or selected professionals. Proof of qualifying crime includes, but is not limited to: police reports, death certificates, news articles.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and we want to highlight one of our grant recipients who is making a huge impact on trafficking prevention and healing!
A Village For One is an Oregon-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing communities together to uplift, support, and heal youth impacted by sexual exploitation + trafficking.
Despite Oregon having one of the highest rates of domestic sex trafficking in the country, A Village For One is the only organization in the state providing both outpatient mental health counseling and a non-secure therapeutic housing program for survivors.
Through our Empower Grant, A Village For One will support approximately 85 youth across Washington, Marion, and Clackamas Counties through their direct victim outreach program - helping survivors access safety, healing, and long-term support.
This is just a glimpse of the work A Village For One is doing. To see more and support their efforts, go to AVillageForOne.org
#humantraffickingprevention #oregonnonprofit #humantraffickingpreventionmonth
Happy New Year!
Grant submissions are now open for 2026. Learn more or apply at HigherHope.org/Grants.
A small number of 2025 applicants are still in the review process. If you haven`t heard back about your 2025 application yet, expect a response by the end of January 2026.
Cheers to a new year of change!
Because of YOU, we’ve fully funded all 8 remaining grants to close out our year-end impact goal.
Together, you helped raise $21,201.95, and with the Mile Higher Media match, that impact doubled to $42,403.90. We are deeply grateful for this community; your kindness and generosity directly support families, victims, and organizations seeking justice and healing.
Thank you for helping bring hope to this holiday season 💙
With just one week left in our Season of Giving, your generosity has already fully funded 3 of the 8 remaining grants of our impact goal!
That means with our Mile Higher Media match, that doubles our impact to 6 of 8 grants funded!
We`re almost there, and there`s still time to get involved, join the change at HigherHope.org/DONATE
Morgan Patten, the beloved only child of Steve and Renee Patten, was a thoughtful, intelligent, and driven 24-year-old with big dreams and a bright future ahead.
Recently engaged to the love of her life and preparing to pursue her studies in coastal law, Morgan was well on her way to living the life she had worked so hard to build.
Tragically, on November 8, 2019, Morgan was killed while traveling to visit her fiancé. Under deeply suspicious circumstances, her death was quickly ruled an “accident” by local authorities—without a thorough investigation. The scene was cleaned before Morgan was even formally identified, leaving her family with more questions than answers.
Since that day, Steve and Renee Patten have fought tirelessly for a proper investigation into their daughter’s death. They remain committed to their pursuit of truth and justice for Morgan. Through our Hope Grant, we have been able to help ease a portion of the financial burden they face on this journey, but their fight is far from over.
Steve and Renee joined us on True Crime With Kendall Rae to share Morgan’s full story, and we encourage you to give their story a listen.
To support the Pattens on their path to justice, please follow the Facebook page Miles for Morgan, and visit MorgansMilesToGo.com to learn more or make a donation.
We’re just one week into our Season of Giving, and thanks to you, we’ve already raised enough to fully fund 2 of the 8 remaining grants. With the Mile Higher Media match, that impact doubles — meaning 4 of the 8 grants are now funded.
We`re officially halfway to our full impact goal!
To make a donation and join the change, go to HigherHope.org/DONATE
Betty Bowman was a 32-year-old hospital pharmacist and a devoted dog mom to her beloved corgi, Sir Crumpet II of Mulberry. Those who knew her describe Betty as an exceptionally thoughtful friend, loyal, caring, and a true kindred spirit.
In August 2023, Betty tragically and unexpectedly passed away. The loss was later discovered to be the result of poisoning by her husband. While the legal system ultimately delivered justice and secured a first-degree murder conviction, her family has been left navigating the immense emotional and financial toll that followed.
Our Hope Grants aren’t always about the pursuit of justice; sometimes, they’re about supporting families through the difficult road that comes afterward. In Betty’s case, we were honored to help share her story and provide financial relief from the legal expenses incurred throughout her trial.
We hold the Bowman family in our thoughts and remain committed to helping keep Betty’s light, spirit, and memory shining forward.
’Tis the season for Mile Higher Merch! 🎁
Last-minute shopping? We’ve got you. From stocking stuffers to wishlist-toppers, there’s something for every true crime and mystery lover in your life.
And the best part? Your gift gives back💙
100% of Mile Higher Merch proceeds go directly to Higher Hope Foundation for grant funding.
Make your holiday shopping go further this year at MileHigherMerch.com
#holidaygifting #giftideas #giveback #seasonofgiving
Join our community of active supporters who are making a real difference in the lives of those affected by violent crime. Your donation, no matter the size, directly funds crucial assistance for families and empowers organizations dedicated to healing and justice.
What documentation is required for an Empower Grant application?
Organizations must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status, detailed project proposals, budget allocations, and anticipated impact metrics. We also require information about your organization’s history and current programs.
How are Empower Grant recipients selected?
Applications undergo a thorough review process evaluating project impact, organization capacity, sustainability, urgency, and alignment with our mission. We identify truly impactful initiatives that demonstrate clear objectives and efficient resource use.
Is there a geographic restriction for applying organizations?
No, we accept applications from organizations both across the United States and internationally, so long as the initiatives align with our mission of supporting violent crime victims and their communities.
How does reporting work for granted funds?
Recipients may be required to provide updates on project implementation, impact metrics, and fund utilization. This ensures transparency and helps us share success stories with our community of supporters.