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
Higher Hope Foundation, in partnership with Mile Higher Media, is excited to launch our brand-new monthly E-Newsletter on May 1, 2026.
Each edition brings you closer to important cases and communities, featuring thoughtfully written true crime stories from our team, updates on cases covered across Mile Higher Media shows, and meaningful ways you can advocate for justice alongside families who need it most.
This isn’t just a monthly update - it’s a way to stay informed, get involved, and be part of real impact.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming in May. Sign up now at HigherHope.org/blog (scroll to the bottom of the page to the "connect with us" section).
On June 25, 2023, 39-year-old Amber Arnett was last seen in Lansing, Michigan.
Earlier that afternoon, she was captured on surveillance footage shopping with a friend. At approximately 9:00 p.m., she was dropped off on the south side of the city, where she had been staying. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Amber was last known to be wearing a black top, blue jeans, and black shoes. She is 5`4", approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair that may have been dyed red.
Through our “Hope” grant, we were able to support advocacy efforts led by Amber’s mother and fund a billboard in the area where Amber went missing.
Amber’s family believes someone has information about what happened and is urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information related to Amber’s disappearance. Tips can be submitted by contacting the Lansing Police Department at 517-483-4600.
This week, April 19–25, marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor the strength and resilience of survivors while raising awareness and access to resources that support victims’ rights.
This year’s theme `Listen, Act, Advocate` is especially meaningful to us at Mile Higher Media & Higher Hope. It calls for intentional, trauma-informed action and reminds us to emphasize advocacy and awareness. When we share victims’ stories, it should always be done with care, centering their needs and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
Being trauma-informed means recognizing and understanding the lasting impact of trauma on survivors of violent crime. It challenges us to approach advocacy with empathy and responsibility, ensuring that our efforts support healing rather than unintentionally causing further harm.
As you engage this week, take a moment to reflect on how your advocacy can be more thoughtful, informed, and survivor-centered.
#crimevictimsrightsweek #traumainformedcare #victimadvocacy
John Cornelius “JC” McGhee, a 45-year-old father of two, was fatally shot in the doorway of his home in Bridgeport during the early morning hours of July 11, 2002.
Witnesses told police the shooting may have been connected to a robbery next door, but despite this lead, the case remains unsolved. More than a decade later, John’s daughter Madison began investigating his cold case.
Early on, she located a key witness police had been unable to reach and even interviewed them on her podcast Ice Cold Case. Her findings have led her to believe the investigation into her father’s death was not handled properly.
Despite speaking with the primary witness, Madison’s search for answers is far from over.
Through our “Hope” grant, we’ve been able to support her ongoing pursuit of justice by funding key advocacy efforts, including billboards and conference participation to help raise awareness about John McGhee’s case.
If you have any information on the murder of John McGhee, please contact the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office at (740) 695-5124.
To support Madison’s path to justice:
www.icecoldcase.com/listenwatch
Spring is here, and so is our newest merch drop! 🌸 🌱
The Mile Higher Media Spring Merch Collection is officially LIVE at milehighermerch.com, featuring fresh, spring-inspired designs for all shows!
Even better? Every purchase makes a difference.💛
100% of proceeds go directly to the Higher Hope Foundation to support grant funding and create real impact for those who need it most.
Shop with purpose at MileHigherMerch.com
Testimonials like Cathy`s are a humbling reminder of why we started Higher Hope.
We are deeply honored to walk alongside families, amplifying their voices and reminding them they are never alone. Cathy, thank you for your courage, strength, and trust on your path to justice for Eric.
Your resilience inspires us every single day💙
Our most recent Empower grant recipient, Proyecto Alcance Maunabo, is a trusted and compassionate presence in rural communities of Puerto Rico, responding to the urgent needs of women, children, and families impacted by domestic violence, abandonment, and trauma. They offer a wide range of essential services (always free of charge) while prioritizing confidentiality, dignity, and cultural sensitivity in every interaction.
As the need for resources continues to grow, our ‘Empower’ grant will help Proyecto Alcance Maunabo expand critical outreach efforts, provide emergency relief, and strengthen their capacity to serve victims with urgency, care, and hope. For those who have lost faith in receiving help, their impact extends far beyond the services provided—it lives in the trust they’ve built and the lives they’ve helped reclaim.
To learn more and support Proyecto Alcance Maunabo visit ProyectoAlcance.org
2025 was a year of showing up, planting roots, and building meaningful connections!
We sponsored/ attended seven community events locally and supported two more out of state- each one giving us the opportunity to listen, learn, and stand alongside diverse communities united in support of victims, survivors, and families.
These moments reminded us why this work matters and helped us better understand the true reach of the collective impact we’re making together.
Learn more about the events we were part of and our 2025 community outreach at the link in our bio or at higherhope.org/impact
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.
