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.
Sinethemba “Victor” Mkhubukeli is proof that empowered youth become powerful changemakers.
From a small rural village in Matatiele to leading legal and community development initiatives, Victor has dedicated the last four years to advocacy, project coordination, and policy work that tackles gender-based violence, human trafficking, and education reform.
Currently completing his Law Diploma at the University of South Africa, Victor brings legal knowledge, cultural insight, and grassroots experience into every space he enters — bridging gaps and breaking down barriers for underserved communities.
With a rare ability to translate complex legal ideas into local language, Victor ensures that critical information reaches those who need it most. His leadership is already transforming awareness campaigns, supporting young people, and making justice more accessible.
Higher Hope has partnered with ASAP to fund Victor’s salary, allowing him to stay rooted in the community.
His success isn’t just personal - it’s a ripple effect of hope, change, and possibility.
#LegalAdvocacy #CommunityDrivenChange #GenderEquity
Combat Sexual Assault provides legal representation, holistic healing programs, and unwavering advocacy to Service Members, Veterans, and their families who have been retaliated against for reporting sexual assault.
They have empowered survivors to seek justice, facilitated their healing processes, and contributed to meaningful changes within the military system to better protect and support those who have experienced sexual assault.
Each client is supported in building a network of care and offered holistic protocols that address the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of trauma. This often includes yoga, meditation, and movement-based therapies through their Empowerment Protocol.
Thanks to our `Empower` grant, all six of the 2025 Empowerment Protocol series are fully funded.
Learn more or support their mission at CombatSexualAssault.org.
#YouGotThis #IAmDenishaMontgomerySmith
The Grieve with Me Community Center is a powerful example of how community nonprofits can create a ripple effect of healing and hope for families affected by violent crime.
We’re so grateful to witness the meaningful change Jamie is already making in her community.
#testimonial
Today, May 5th, marks REDress Day or Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People Awareness Day.
REDress Day raises awareness of MMIWG2S by displaying red dresses in public spaces. The empty dresses serve as powerful symbols of the Indigenous lives lost to disproportionately high rates of violence, making their absence visible and impossible to ignore.
Mile Higher Media and the Higher Hope Foundation stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, calling for meaningful action and systemic change to end the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP).
In honor of REDress Day, we are not only displaying symbolic red dresses to raise awareness, but we have also dedicated our first grant of May to support a nonprofit making a significant impact in the fight for MMIP.
Here are some critical MMIP resources:
TribalResourceTool.org
ovc.ojp.gov/program/tribal/ovc-support-for-tribal-communities
CSVANW.org
Eric Nelams, a military veteran and devoted father, was tragically shot on the morning of September 26, 2003 in a senseless act of violence, as he left his home for work.
More than 20 years later, his case remains unsolved, leaving his family still searching for answers. We stand with the Nelams family in their fight for justice and have contributed to the Central Alabama Crimestoppers reward fund, bringing it to $15,000 to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
To report an anonymous tip for this case, call 334-215-7867 or 1-833-251-7867
Today, our team hosted a resource table at the annual Jefferson County Courage Walk, an event held at the county courthouse by the Victim Services Unit to honor crime victims and provide valuable resources. This walk marks the close of Crime Victims’ Rights Week and brings the community together in remembrance and support.
Building connections, broadening our impact, and supporting our local Colorado communities remain key goals for us this year—and participating in events like this is just one meaningful way we’re making that happen.
This National Crime Victims` Rights Week, the Mile Higher Media and Higher Hope team stand in solidarity with survivors, victims, and their families — honoring their strength and supporting their pursuit of justice and healing.
This year’s theme, "Kinship: Connecting & Healing" highlights the power of community and connection in supporting victims of crime.
To show our support, the Mile Higher Media team is wearing this year’s theme colors throughout the week — a visual reminder that healing happens when we come together.
To learn more or access resources, visit the U.S. Department of Justice`s Office for Victims of Crime: https://ovc.ojp.gov/
Supporting the Higher Hope Foundation has never been easier! With our latest merch update, 100% of proceeds from all Mile Higher Media podcast merchandise will now go directly to Higher Hope.
Now, you can support both your favorite podcasts and victims of violent crime at the same time - making every purchase more meaningful.
Shop all collections at milehighermerch.com
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.