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)
Missed our August newsletter earlier this month? Here’s a quick recap!💜
This month, we highlighted meaningful ways to turn true crime awareness into action. From supporting families seeking justice to learning more about the realities of human trafficking and finding simple ways to support Higher Hope.
Justice for Christa Gilley: https://justiceforchrista.com/
Support Ashley Flynn’s family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/f9345-in-loving-memory-of-ashley-flynn
Watch our latest impact spotlight: https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dbb50GeO3tm/
Free ways to support Higher Hope: https://higherhope.org/blog/articles/free-ways-to-support-higher-hope/
Our community is always grateful for your support as an Active True Crime Consumer. Every share, action, and conversation helps turn awareness into advocacy and real change.
#HigherHope #TrueCrimeCommunity #VictimAdvocacy #Advocacy
Brittany McGlone was just 19 years old and preparing to begin nursing school when her life was tragically cut short. In 2006, Brittany was living with her mother in Winnsboro, Texas. She was known for making good decisions, working hard, and staying out of trouble.
On May 4, 2007, Brittany was found deceased in her boyfriend’s bed, having suffered blunt force trauma to the head.
Suspicion has long surrounded Chad Carr, the boyfriend of Jeff’s (Brittany`s boyfriend) younger sister. Carr was arrested and charged in connection with Brittany’s murder, but a grand jury ultimately declined to indict him. He was released in 2022, and no one has ever been charged in Brittany’s death.
Investigators have documented inconsistencies in Carr’s alibi, a failed polygraph examination, and a criminal history that have continued to draw attention to his potential involvement. However, despite more than two decades of investigation, Brittany’s family is still waiting for answers and accountability.
Higher Hope is committed to supporting Brittany’s family in their ongoing fight for justice. We partnered with her sister, Hope, to help share Brittany’s story on True Crime with Kendall Rae. Through a Higher Hope “Hope” Grant, we also helped fund a billboard campaign intended to bring renewed attention to Brittany’s case and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
If you have information about Brittany’s death, you are urged to contact Wood County Crime Stoppers at (903) 760-1008. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and even the smallest detail could help move this case forward. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward.
You can support Brittany’s family and follow their continued fight for justice on the Facebook page Who Killed Brittany McGlone: facebook.com/justiceforbrittanymcglone
You can also listen to Brittany’s story on True Crime with Kendall Rae:
youtube.com/watch?v=xYCNMjknyII
#JusticeforBrittanyMcGlone #WhoKilledBrittanyMcGlone #HigherHopeFoundation #SeekingJustice
No parent should have to carry the fight for justice by themselves.
The emotional toll of advocating for a missing or murdered loved one is immeasurable, and we`re incredibly grateful that our Hope Grant could help ease that burden for Steven and Renee as they continue seeking justice for Morgan.
Thank you, Steven and Renee, for sharing your story—and for allowing us to be a small part of your journey to justice💙
Listen to Steve and Renee Patten tell Morgan`s Story on True Crime With Kendall Rae, and support their efforts at MorgansMilesToGo.com
For World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, our foundation coordinator sat down with Covered Colorado to talk about the realities of trafficking and how our Empower grant is being used to help survivors rebuild and heal.
The reality is, trafficking isn’t what you see in the movies. It has many forms and is happening in our local communities, being educated on the topic helps prevent trafficking and protect our communities.
#GlobalDayAgainstTrafficking #endhumantrafficking #victimadvocacy #supportsurvivors
Today, on Global Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Higher Hope is standing with every survivor and every organization working to end human trafficking.
By spreading awareness of the realities of trafficking, we can challenge harmful misconceptions, recognize the signs, and help protect those at risk. And by supporting survivors as they rebuild their lives, we can ensure they have the resources, dignity, and hope they deserve on their path to healing.
#EndHumanTrafficking #WorldDayAgainstTrafficking #HigherHopeFoundation #SupportSurvivors #HopeInAction
37 years is far too long to wait for answers.
As part of United Search Corps’ cross-country search efforts, made possible in part through our Empower Grant, their team is in Colorado helping aid in the search for Richard Stanley Meyer, known to his loved ones as Rickey, a 39 year old electrician and preacher.
At the time of his disappearance, he was a volunteer camp host for the U.S. Forest Service, and was en route back to where he was staying at the Columbine Campground .
Rickey, along with his 1978 Dodge Monaco, has been missing from Nederland, Colorado, since July 29, 1989.
This week marks 37 years since he was last seen — 37 years of unanswered questions and a family still searching for answers.
United Search Corps is bringing specialized search resources to Colorado in hopes of uncovering answers and, most importantly, reminding Rickey’s family that he has not been forgotten.
Because every missing person deserves to be searched for, every family deserves answers, and no case should be forgotten.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact the Colorado Bureau of Investigation at 303-239-4211
#HigherHopeFoundation #UnitedSearchCorps #MissingPersons #ColdCase
We recently had the opportunity to join @unitedsearchcorps at Chatfield State Park and witness the impact of our Empower Grant firsthand during one of their water search operations.
Seeing their team in action was an incredible reminder of the expertise, dedication, and persistence these searches require. Every detail matters when bringing families closer to answers.
We’re honored to support United Search Corps as they provide critical search resources that many families wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Seeing this work in action reinforced exactly why their mission is so important and why we’re proud to support their operations.💙
#HigherHopeFoundation #UnitedSearchCorps #EmpowerGrant #MissingPersons #SearchAndRecovery
Imagine living through the daily nightmares of not knowing what happened to a missing family member.
For many families, this agonizing uncertainty stretches from days into years, and sometimes even decades. Local law enforcement doesn’t always have the resources to continue their efforts after a certain amount of time, and in these instances, cases go cold, leaving families with unanswered questions. This is where United Search Corps steps in…
Read the full article about how our Empower grant is supporting United Search Corps` cross-country cold case project at the blog link in our bio!
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.