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)
Over the years, you may have heard @kendallraeonyt mention being an `Active True Crime Consumer` while covering cases on True Crime with Kendall Rae and Mile Higher Podcast, but what does that mean?
It is no secret that true crime has become one of the most popular forms of media to consume, and over the last several years the amount of coverage has multiplied significantly.
This, in theory, means that more stories are being shared and more awareness is being raised. And while there has been a notable shift towards increased ethical true crime coverage, we are still seeing content that not only falls short of ‘ethical’, but content that outright ignores ethics altogether. So, what can we do about it?
Read more at the blog link in our bio!
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
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.
