Hope Grants are available to victims of violent crime, their designated advocates, or family members and must be able to demonstrate both their relationship to the victim and their financial need. Applicants must provide specific documentation, which can include death certificates, police reports, and proof of financial hardship. Our review process ensures fair evaluation while maintaining dignity and respect for each family’s unique situation. We accept applications worldwide, though documentation requirements must be met regardless of location.
The Hope Grant assists families of victims of violent crimes or missing persons with financial burdens. Examples of financial burdens can include (but are not limited to) private investigators, funeral expenses, search efforts, forensic testing, and more. All grants are open until December 31 of the current year.
*PLEASE NOTE – Higher Hope is not directly providing or connecting applicants to any resources. You must already have these resources ready/selected and if selected we will provide the financial assistance to help fund the needed resources.
IF YOU NEED EXPEDITED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUCH CRIMES & TRAUMATIC EVENTS, PLEASE READ OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.
- Must be a victim or family member/ advocate of a victim affected by violent crime or a missing person case
- Must be directly involved in the qualifying factors of financial hardship
- Must be able to provide examples of hardship (I.e. invoices, bills, expense quotes, etc.) and have already pre-determined where the funds need to go
- Must be 18+ to apply
- Must provide proof of qualifying crime and financial hardships
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, invoices for unpaid services, expense quotes from vendors or selected professionals, and expense spreadsheets outlining specific expected costs. Proof of qualifying crime includes, but is not limited to: police reports, death certificates, news articles (IF accompanied by other qualifying documentation)
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
It’s officially Giving Tuesday, which means we’re kicking off our annual Mile Higher Season of Giving! 🎉
We’re excited to announce that from now through December 26th, Mile Higher Media is matching every single donation made to the Higher Hope Foundation — up to $50,000!
This year alone, we’ve already provided over $210,000 in grants, and we’re just $40k away from reaching our year-end impact goal. Hitting that number means we can fund 8 more Hope & Empower Grants for families, victims, and organizations still waiting for support before 2025 wraps up.
Your donation is doubled. Your impact is doubled.
And together, we can change even more lives before the year ends.
Donate at HigherHope.org/DONATE
or start your own fundraiser at HigherHope.org/GETINVOLVED
Thank you all for your support and for being a part of this mission with us!
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 do I need to apply?
Required documentation includes death certificates, police reports, proof of financial hardship, and evidence of your relationship to the victim. Additional documentation may be required based on your specific situation and funding request.
Please do NOT submit: Screenshots of text messages, news articles without correlating qualified documentation, graphic images: including autopsy and crime scene photos, or blank documents
How long does the application process take?
Applications go through a thorough, multi-step review process. We strive to process applications as quickly as possible while ensuring thorough review.
What expenses can the Hope Grant cover?
The grant can cover various expenses directly related to the aftermath of a qualifying crime, including but not limited to funeral costs, private investigator fees, and other documented financial burdens resulting from the crime. We unfortunately cannot cover expenses relating to housing costs, expenses related to custody matters, lost wages/ income support, or childcare.
Do I need to live in Colorado to apply?
No, we accept applications from across the United States and internationally. We support families regardless of location, provided they meet our documentation requirements and eligibility criteria.
How will I know if my application is approved?
Our team will communicate with you throughout the review process even if your application is declined. If approved, we’ll provide clear information about fund distribution and any additional steps needed to receive assistance.