Organizations can apply for grants to help crime victims

Local organizations can apply for $8.6 million in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants to provide services to crime victims, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The MDHHS Crime Victim Services Commission is holding its second request for proposal for VOCA Targeted Victim Services funding this year and will award three- to five-year U.S. Department of Justice grants of $50,000 or more. The department will accept applications  through 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18.

The federal funding will be divided among the state’s 10 prosperity regions and targeted toward organizations that serve four categories including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and underserved victims. 

The purpose of the funding is to expand and enhance services to victims of crime, such as responding to the immediate needs of crime victims, reducing psychological consequences of victimization and helping restore victims’ sense of dignity and self-esteem.

Applicant agencies must be public or non-profit organizations — including faith-based organizations and American Indians tribes — that provide direct services to crime victims.

Eligible organizations could include, but are not limited to, sexual assault treatment centers, domestic violence programs, child abuse programs, children’s advocacy centers; and other community-based organizations, including those that serve survivors of homicide victims, drunken driving or elder abuse; and American Indian tribal victims or other underserved victims.

For additional information visit the MI E-Grants website and click the “About EGrAM” link on the left panel to access the Crime Victims Agreement training manual.

For questions, email MDHHS-CVSC-VOCA-GRANTS@michigan.gov by July 29.