VOCA Grant Program

VOCA Grant Program is sponsored by Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC). The VOCA Grant Program provides federal funding to support programs serving individuals and families affected by crime and violence statewide. These grants help ensure individuals and families impacted by crime have access to safe, effective services in their communities.

VOCA | Utah Office for Victims of Crime How VOCA Funding Supports Victims Types of Crimes Supported by VOCA The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is a federal program that helps people who have been harmed by crime get support and services. VOCA was created in 1984 to make sure victims and their families can get help as they recover from the impact of crime. VOCA programs are not funded by taxpayer dollars.

Instead, the program is funded by fines and penalties paid by people convicted of federal crimes. The money goes into the Crime Victims Fund and is then distributed to states and territories. In Utah, VOCA funding supports organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime.

How VOCA Funding Supports Victims Organizations that receive VOCA funding may provide services such as: Crisis support and emotional support Advocacy and help navigating the criminal justice system Counseling or referrals to counseling services Emergency shelter or housing support Information about rights and available resources Referrals to community services Services are often free and confidential.

In many cases, victims can receive services even if the crime was not reported to law enforcement. Types of Crimes Supported by VOCA VOCA-funded programs may serve victims of many types of crime, including: Domestic or family violence Identity theft, fraud, or financial crime Vehicular crimes, including DUI Mass violence or terrorism To learn more about federal VOCA regulations, visit the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).

Organizations applying for VOCA funding must meet federal and state requirements to ensure effective services for crime victims. Who Can Apply State and local government agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and Native American Tribes may apply. Programs must provide direct services to victims of crime and offer the same services to victims of federal crimes as they do to all other victims.

Applicants should demonstrate community support and collaboration with other agencies serving crime victims. Program Eligibility Requirements Eligible programs should have a history of providing effective, cost-efficient services to victims of crime.

Provide direct services to victims at no cost Assist victims in applying for crime victim compensation benefits Meet required matching funds and demonstrate financial support from non-federal sources Maintain accurate program and financial records Comply with VOCA guidelines and all federal and state requirements Follow non-discrimination laws, maintain required civil rights data, and protect client confidentiality Report how funds are used and the impact of services Applicants must also maintain an active registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM).

New programs must demonstrate that 25–50% of funding comes from non-federal sources, and programs are encouraged to use volunteers and collaborate with other victim service providers.

How funds may be used by victim service providers VOCA funding supports a wide range of services and activities that directly assist crime victims, as well as certain administrative and operational costs that are necessary to deliver those services effectively. All costs must be directly connected to supporting victims and must follow state and federal guidelines.

For complete details on allowable and unallowable costs, program requirements, and funding limitations, please review the full VOCA Guidelines here: Victims of Crime Act Funding Guidelines Immediate Health and Safety VOCA funding supports programs that respond to urgent safety and crisis needs. This may include crisis intervention, safety planning, and hotline services. Advocates can accompany victims to hospitals or court.

Funding may also help cover emergency needs such as food, clothing, transportation, childcare, short-term rent, shelter, limited medical costs, and basic home repairs like fixing locks or windows. Emergency legal help — such as filing for protective orders or emergency custody in family violence cases — is allowed when it directly supports a victim’s safety.

Advocacy and Emotional Support Programs can provide ongoing advocacy and emotional support to help victims recover. This includes assessing the impact of the crime, identifying needs, and offering case management. Services may include referrals, follow-up support, and help solving practical problems caused by the crime.

Funding can also support traditional or cultural healing practices, trauma-informed counseling, peer support groups, and trained support animals used to comfort victims in crisis. Mental Health and Healing VOCA funds may be used for trauma-informed mental health counseling and therapy provided by qualified professionals.

This can include outpatient counseling and substance abuse treatment when it is directly related to the victimization. These services are designed to promote long-term healing and stability. Participation in the Criminal Justice Process Funding can help victims take part in the criminal justice system.

Programs may provide court accompaniment, transportation, childcare, lodging, and interpretation services. Advocates can help with victim impact statements, provide updates about court dates or parole hearings, assist in recovering property held as evidence, and support restitution efforts. Legal Assistance VOCA funding may support legal services that arise directly from the victimization.

This can include help with protective orders, stalking injunctions, immigration relief for trafficking or domestic violence victims, identity theft issues, housing matters, and custody concerns related to abuse. (In general, funding cannot be used for divorce proceedings, criminal defense, or personal injury lawsuits.)

Forensic Exams and Interviews In certain cases, VOCA may cover forensic medical exams and forensic interviews for children and adults when other funding sources are not available. These services must meet professional standards and be connected to broader victim support efforts. Housing and Relocation Housing stability is a key part of victim safety.

Funding may support transitional housing, relocation costs, rental assistance, security deposits, and utility start-up fees when a victim cannot safely return home. Transportation to receive services or attend court is also allowed. Services for Incarcerated Victims Programs may provide services to incarcerated individuals who are victims of crimes that are not directly related to the offense for which they are incarcerated.

These services can include counseling and forensic medical care. Public Awareness and Education VOCA funds may support outreach and education efforts that inform victims about their rights and available services. This can include presentations, brochures, and community education in schools and other public settings.

Coordination and Program Support Some funding may support the coordination needed to make direct services possible. This can include supervising advocates and volunteers, participating in multidisciplinary teams, contracting with specialized professionals, training volunteers, and using technology such as case management or victim notification systems.

Programs may also support restorative justice opportunities when requested by the victim and when safety and therapeutic value are carefully considered. Administrative and Program Support Costs VOCA funding can support limited administrative and operational costs when they are necessary to provide quality direct services to victims.

These costs must be essential to delivering services, and they may only be used when no other funding source is available. Allowable costs may include salaries and benefits for staff who provide direct services, as well as required insurance and hiring expenses. Funding can also support training for staff and volunteers so they are prepared to respond to victims in crisis.

Travel related to approved training may be covered when it supports core victim service work. VOCA funds may help cover essential organizational expenses such as prorated rent, utilities, phone service, insurance, local travel, and basic office supplies.

Equipment and furniture that directly support victim services — such as computers, case management systems, security systems, shelter furnishings, or accessibility equipment — may also be supported when costs are reasonable and properly allocated. Limited administrative time related to required reporting, recordkeeping, audits, and program evaluation is allowable.

Agencies may also request approved indirect costs under federal guidelines. In some cases, funding may support vehicle leasing (with approval), maintenance or repair of essential items that keep facilities safe for victims, and evaluation of victim service projects.

Overall, VOCA funds may be used to support the infrastructure needed to deliver strong, effective, and victim-centered services - as long as the primary focus remains on direct services to crime victims.