VOCA Emergency Fund Program
COVA Office (8a.m.-5p.m., M-F): 303-861-1160
As of February 01, 2021, the Emergency Fund Application has been updated. Call 303-861-1160 to receive a copy of the updated application or e-mail the following:
Only Victim Advocates may request, fill out, and submit the Emergency Fund Application. All applications must be approved prior to funding.
COVA will not accept applications filled out by crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (e.g. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc.).
COVA will not accept applications filled out by crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (e.g. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc.).
Nuts & Bolts FAQ
Who can request an application?
Only Colorado victim advocates may request and submit an emergency fund application on the behalf of a crime victim.
We cannot not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (e.g. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc.). We also are unable to discuss the status of an application directly with the crime victim/survivor.
As of February 01, 2021, the Emergency Fund Application has been updated. E-mail VictimEmergencyFund@coloradocrimevictims.org or call 303-861-1160 to receive a copy of the updated application. Do not disperse the form to victims/survivors/clients.
We cannot not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (e.g. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc.). We also are unable to discuss the status of an application directly with the crime victim/survivor.
As of February 01, 2021, the Emergency Fund Application has been updated. E-mail VictimEmergencyFund@coloradocrimevictims.org or call 303-861-1160 to receive a copy of the updated application. Do not disperse the form to victims/survivors/clients.
Does the crime need to be reported In order to apply?
Crimes do not have to be reported to law enforcement. However, requests must be directly related to the crime and the crime victimization needs to be recent (e.g. less than 4 months ago).
How do I know if THE request will be funded?
Completed applications, with appropriate documentation, are processed in a timely manner (please keep in mind that the COVA office is closed on weekends and holidays). In the event of a safety emergency, call ahead, or right after the application has been submitted, and COVA staff will expedite. Incomplete applications, or applications submitted without payment documentations, will not be processed in a timely manner.
Every crime victim/survivor's situation is unique, and decisions on applications will be made on a case-by-case basis, so contact COVA staff to run the situation by us first.
Keep in mind two things:
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) The financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization.
Every crime victim/survivor's situation is unique, and decisions on applications will be made on a case-by-case basis, so contact COVA staff to run the situation by us first.
Keep in mind two things:
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) The financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization.
What Do You Mean by "The financial need Must be Connected to the Crime"?
All Emergency Fund requests must be directly related to the victimization.The victim's financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or be a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization. Unfortunately, COVA cannot pay for financial hardships which are not connected to the crime.
For example, client needs rental assistance because:
Ineligible (Financial Hardship): It’s the slow season and they’ve only worked a few days.
Eligible (Connected to Crime): Perpetrator harasses them while at work and they’ve only worked a few days.
For example, client needs rental assistance because:
Ineligible (Financial Hardship): It’s the slow season and they’ve only worked a few days.
Eligible (Connected to Crime): Perpetrator harasses them while at work and they’ve only worked a few days.
How Long Does it Take to process an application?
Completed applications, with appropriate documentation, are processed in a timely manner. In the event of a safety emergency, call ahead, or right after the application has been submitted, and COVA staff will expedite.
Why are you Saying The Application is incomplete?
An application is considered incomplete in situations such as:
1) There are missing or blank answer fields on the Emergency Fund Application form.
2) An application is submitted without appropriate documentation. Refer to the Reference Guide chart below to see what type of documentation is needed.
3) No itemized receipts = no reimbursement.
4) The client's name is missing on the payment documentation. The client MUST be listed on documents such as lease / bill / invoice etc.
1) There are missing or blank answer fields on the Emergency Fund Application form.
2) An application is submitted without appropriate documentation. Refer to the Reference Guide chart below to see what type of documentation is needed.
3) No itemized receipts = no reimbursement.
4) The client's name is missing on the payment documentation. The client MUST be listed on documents such as lease / bill / invoice etc.
How long can you Assist a Client for?
COVA can assist with most types of assistance up to a month at a time. For example one month worth of groceries, utilities, childcare, etc. Remember that the Client MUST be on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice etc.).
Expenses must be reasonable and limitations are set on a case-by-case basis.
Expenses must be reasonable and limitations are set on a case-by-case basis.
The application is approved! How are funds dispersed?
Upon approval of an application, there are three possible ways in which emergency funds will be dispersed:
1) Payments are made by check or by credit card.
o Payments made by check are mailed via USPS.
o Credit card payments are made over the phone or through a payment website.
2) Payments can be made directly to the vendor (e.g. landlords, utility companies, airlines, etc.).
3) Payments can be made to reimburse Victim Advocate or Agency/Organization with proof of payment.
o No itemized receipts = no reimbursement.
o Cannot directly reimburse victim(s) or their family/friends.
o Sometimes, advocacy agencies will need to purchase items for their clients and be reimbursed by COVA. Advocates must send an application to COVA and have it pre-approved prior to purchasing items. COVA must receive itemized receipts in order to reimburse.
1) Payments are made by check or by credit card.
o Payments made by check are mailed via USPS.
o Credit card payments are made over the phone or through a payment website.
2) Payments can be made directly to the vendor (e.g. landlords, utility companies, airlines, etc.).
3) Payments can be made to reimburse Victim Advocate or Agency/Organization with proof of payment.
o No itemized receipts = no reimbursement.
o Cannot directly reimburse victim(s) or their family/friends.
o Sometimes, advocacy agencies will need to purchase items for their clients and be reimbursed by COVA. Advocates must send an application to COVA and have it pre-approved prior to purchasing items. COVA must receive itemized receipts in order to reimburse.
Are there restrictions or Items the fund cannot pay for?
Refer to the chart to see a detailed list of what the COVA VOCA Emergency funds can pay for. Some restrictions to the fund include:
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) Cannot pay past due bills that pre-date the date of the crime. NOTE: Exceptions may be made when the past due amount is directly related to the victimization.
3) Cannot pay if the client's name is not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice).
4) Cannot pay for reimbursement for the following: Security deposit, incidentals, or damage coverage (e.g. incidentals for hotels, damage coverage for a moving truck, etc.), alcohol / tobacco / cannabis products, cable / internet / streaming services, childcare that is not from a licensed provider, gift cards, or luxury items.
1) This is a fund of last resort. COVA will not pay for needs that can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
2) Cannot pay past due bills that pre-date the date of the crime. NOTE: Exceptions may be made when the past due amount is directly related to the victimization.
3) Cannot pay if the client's name is not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice).
4) Cannot pay for reimbursement for the following: Security deposit, incidentals, or damage coverage (e.g. incidentals for hotels, damage coverage for a moving truck, etc.), alcohol / tobacco / cannabis products, cable / internet / streaming services, childcare that is not from a licensed provider, gift cards, or luxury items.
Why was The application declined?
There are various reasons why an application may be declined. Since every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the reason for being declined varies from situation to situation. Our goal is to help as many eligible crime victims as possible; if an application is declined, we encourage advocates or agencies to contact COVA staff to determine why.
Common reasons for applications to be declined include, but are not limited to:
1) The request was not directly related to a recent crime.
2) The application was incomplete or missing documentation / receipts.
2) The financial need or request can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
3) The financial need or request does not fit the VOCA fund guidelines (refer to the question above or the below Guidelines chart to see a list of restrictions or items that the fund cannot pay for).
4) The financial need is considered a hardship and is not connected to the crime.
5) The victim has already received emergency funding from COVA for the same crime victimization.
6) The victim's name was not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice, etc.).
7) The agency or organization did not pre-approve their reimbursement request with COVA before paying out-of-pocket.
8) For a transportation request, the client does not have a place to stay or live once they arrive to their desired location.
Common reasons for applications to be declined include, but are not limited to:
1) The request was not directly related to a recent crime.
2) The application was incomplete or missing documentation / receipts.
2) The financial need or request can be met through other sources, such as Victim Compensation, DHS services, etc.
3) The financial need or request does not fit the VOCA fund guidelines (refer to the question above or the below Guidelines chart to see a list of restrictions or items that the fund cannot pay for).
4) The financial need is considered a hardship and is not connected to the crime.
5) The victim has already received emergency funding from COVA for the same crime victimization.
6) The victim's name was not listed on the payment documentation (e.g. lease / bill / invoice, etc.).
7) The agency or organization did not pre-approve their reimbursement request with COVA before paying out-of-pocket.
8) For a transportation request, the client does not have a place to stay or live once they arrive to their desired location.
What will the VOCA Emergency Fund pay for?
The below list shows some of the most common expenses that will be paid by the VOCA Emergency Fund. If you are an advocate and a crime victim needs something that is not on this list, please call COVA at 303-861-1160 and run the situation by us.
Additional Documentation - MUST be submitted with all applications. Client MUST be listed on the payment documentation as account holder/tenant.
Type of Assistance |
Documentation Needed |
Helpful Hints |
Childcare |
Copy of current bill / invoice from licensed childcare facility. |
Must be from a licensed providers. |
Utilities |
Copy of current utility bill. |
Can only pay for basic utilities (e.g. water, gas, electricity). Cannot pay for cable, internet, streaming services. |
Moving Expenses (truck rentals and moving companies) |
Quote/Invoice from licensed moving company. |
Not all moving companies accept third party payments (e.g. U-Haul, Penske). Ensure the quote/invoice is accurate by providing information such as number of rooms, supplies needed, heavy objects, etc. |
Emergency Shelter/Hotel |
Credit Card Authorization Form and copy of victim’s ID. COVA can only pay room and tax, client will need a credit card for incidentals. |
When no other safe residence is available. Hotel is for immediate safety needs only! Emergency shelter is utilized for immediate safety needs. |
Rent |
Copy of full, current, and signed lease. If utilities are included in rent please include current ledger. |
Obtain lease/ledger directly from agency or landlord. They have full/signed/current copies while victims usually do not. Cannot pay mortgage or deposits. |
Transportation (bus, plane, train tickets) |
No paper documentation needed, but include on the application the method of transportation and date/time of departure. |
Ensure that client has a place to stay/live once they arrive by confirming with shelter, family member, etc. |
Hygiene and Basic Necessities (food, clothing, detergent, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, feminine products, diapers/wipes, etc.) |
A basic grocery list. Ask what they need to get them through the month. (E.g. 2 gallons of milk, 1 carton of eggs, etc.) |
We can reimburse Agency or order online and have items delivered. Cannot pay for alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis product; gift cards, or luxury items. |
Short-term Nursing |
Bill / Invoice from licensed nursing facility. |
N/A |
Other: Call COVA! 303-861-1160 |
Official payment documentation showing amount due and client's name. |
If the type of assistance client needs is not listed in this chart, call COVA staff and ask! |
Contact Mandee McLane, Emergency Fund Program Manager, at 303-861-1160 with questions or to receive a copy of the Emergency Fund Application. Or e-mail the following:
