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)
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. 🥂
As we get ready to celebrate Higher Hope Foundation’s 2nd anniversary tomorrow, we’re taking a look back at some of the moments that have shaped this journey along the way.
From launching in September 2024 and supporting our very first family, to growing meaningful partnerships, expanding our reach, and creating new ways to connect resources with those who need them most - these past two years have been filled with so many moments worth celebrating.
This timeline captures just a few of the milestones along the way. Behind each one, there are dozens of families, grantees, partners, supporters, and an incredible community who have helped make this work possible.
We’re so grateful for how far we’ve come together, and tomorrow, we’ll celebrate the impact we’ve created, while looking ahead to all that’s still to come. ✨
Two years of hope, made possible together.
#HigherHopeFoundation #TwoYearsOfHope #CheersToChange
Empower Grant Update
Due to a high volume of applications, we will be temporarily pausing Empower grant submissions beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 10 PM MST.
We know the current funding climate for nonprofits is incredibly competitive, and we truly wish we had the capacity to process every application we receive. In order to give our current applicants the time and consideration they deserve in our review process while creating space for future grants, we need to pause submissions at this time.
Thank you to every organization that has trusted Higher Hope with their work and shared the impact they’re making in their communities. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support you.💙
We’ll share updates when Empower grant submissions reopen!
Chance Edmiston was a 27-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran who tragically died from a gunshot wound in the front yard of his home in Windsor, Missouri, on July 7, 2023. Authorities classified his death as a suicide and closed the case as non-criminal, a determination his family says was made within minutes of the 911 call, before any real investigation took place.
This ruling came with a string of alleged failures by the Henry County Sheriff`s Department and then-Coroner Dain Sisk. The scene was never secured or properly processed, no autopsy or gunshot-residue testing was conducted, no bullet or casing was recovered, and the firearm entered into evidence reportedly appears to have been altered after being logged.
Chance`s family strongly disputes the suicide ruling and believes he was murdered. They are seeking an extensive investigation into his death, to hold Law Enforcement accountable and to make changes within the failed judicial system.
To learn more about the path to justice for Chance and how you can support the ongoing efforts, visit Justice4Chance.com or follow @justice4chance22 for updates.
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.