Applications for the 'Empower' Grants are Temporarily Paused
NOTICE: Due to a high volume of applications, Empower grant submissions are currently paused to allow our team time to process those already in our queue. We’ll share an update on our social channels as soon as Empower grants reopen.
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
On August 6, 1989, 13-year-old Blanca “Elisa” Roberson disappeared while walking to meet a friend in Aransas Pass, Texas. Despite years of investigation, her disappearance remains unsolved.
After more than 37 years of unanswered questions, the Higher Hope Foundation provided a Hope Grant to support Elisa’s family in their continued search for answers. The grant helped fund their return to Aransas Pass, where Elisa was last seen, to meet with law enforcement, advocate for renewed attention to her case, and raise awareness within the community in hopes of generating new leads.
We were honored to support Elisa’s family in their ongoing pursuit of answers and help ensure her story is not forgotten. Please follow @missingelisaroberson1989 to learn more about Elisa’s case and help amplify her family’s ongoing efforts.
Anyone with information about Elisa’s disappearance is encouraged to contact Aransas Pass Police Department Captain Kyle Rhodes at 361-758-5224 or submit an anonymous tip through Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 361-758-8477.
We’re deeply privileged to support Megan Trussell’s parents, Vanessa and Joe, through a Hope Grant as they continue to seek answers and justice for their daughter. 🩵
Since losing Megan, Vanessa and Joe have continued advocating for her while navigating the immense emotional and financial weight of their search for answers. This grant will help reimburse legal expenses they’ve incurred along the way, with the hope of easing even a small portion of that burden.
Megan was a deeply loved daughter whose life and story deserve to be remembered. While nothing can lessen the heartbreak of losing her, we hope this support serves as a reminder to Vanessa and Joe that they do not have to walk this difficult road alone.
For those looking to stand alongside Megan’s family, there are meaningful ways to help. We encourage you to watch Vanessa and Joe’s conversation on the latest episode of Mile Higher, consider donating to their GoFundMe to support their independent investigation, and sign the petition calling for greater transparency and a comprehensive review of CU Boulder’s campus safety protocols.
Every act of support helps keep Megan’s story at the forefront and reminds her family that they are surrounded by a community of people who care deeply and stand alongside them in their pursuit of answers and justice. @justiceformegantrussell
The full episode, GoFundMe, and petition are all linked in our bio.
💜 October’s Highlighting Hope recap is here!
This month, we’re celebrating 2 years of Higher Hope, recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and highlighting ways to support families still fighting for answers and justice.
- Celebrate two years of impact with Higher Hope
- Support the search for Arelia Garcia and watch her case coverage
- Help fund new investigative efforts in the death of Megan Trussell
- Read our Article of the Month on the often-overlooked non-physical side of domestic abuse
Read the full October newsletter and join us in continuing to make a difference! https://mailchi.mp/3e897de972af/highlighting-hope-october-2026
It means so much to hear these words from our partners at @coveredcolorado 🩵
We’re incredibly proud to help fund their job readiness program, which supports survivors of sex trafficking as they build skills and work toward sustainable employment.
The compassion and dedication their team brings to this work every day is truly inspiring. We’re grateful to play a part in supporting their efforts and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership. ⛰️🫶
Come with us to Covered Colorado’s Lighting the Way Gala 🫶🏻
A room full of people showing up for survivors, listening to their stories, and standing behind the work that supports them. By the end of the night, more than $60,000 was raised to help further Covered Colorado’s mission.
We’re honored to support that work as a Luminary Sponsor and through our ongoing partnership with @coveredcolorado ✨
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜
At Higher Hope Foundation, we stand with survivors. This month — and every month — we’re committed to listening, learning, supporting survivors, and amplifying the organizations and resources working to create safer communities.
We also invite you to read our article "The Invisible Walls: Understanding The Non-Physical Side Of Domestic Abuse", to learn more about the forms abuse can take beyond physical violence. Link in bio!
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence — physical or non-physical — support is available:
|National Domestic Violence Hotline|
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
Chat: thehotline.org
|Love Is Respect — support for young people|
Call: 1-866-331-9474
Text: LOVEIS to 22522
Chat: loveisrespect.org
|State-specific legal information and resources for survivors of abuse. WomensLaw.org |
To every survivor: your voice matters, your story matters, and you are not alone.
#DomesticViolenceAwareness #SupportSurvivors #HigherHopeFoundation #EndDomesticAbuse
Remembering the people who are deeply loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten. Today and always, we honor their lives and the love they left behind. 🤍
Two years of Higher Hope Foundation🤍
Two years ago, Higher Hope was just a dream born from our time in the true crime space as a way to not only amplify voices but support them on their journey. Today, we’re incredibly grateful to look back on two years of turning that dream into real-life impact for victims, families, and communities affected by violent crime.
Every photo in this collage represents one of our grantees - each with their own story, their own loved ones, and their own reason for why this work matters. They are the heart of everything we do.
For two years, we`ve stood beside victims.
And for two years, you`ve stood beside us.
To everyone who has donated, shared our mission, supported our work, partnered with us, or simply believed in what we’re building: thank you. Your support empowers Higher Hope to provide resources, relieve the burden, and stand beside those affected by violent crime.
We’re so grateful for everything these past two years have brought, and even more grateful that we get to continue this work together.
Thank you for two years of helping us turn hope into impact.
Cheers to Change. 🥂
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.