VOCA Emergency Fund Program
Only victim advocates may request an emergency fund application on the behalf of a crime victim. We will not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime.
All applications must be pre-approved by COVA before funds can be dispersed.
All applications must be pre-approved by COVA before funds can be dispersed.
Contact Mandee McLane, Emergency Fund Program Manager, at 303-861-1160 for questions or to receive a copy of the Emergency Fund Application.
COVA has partnered with the Division of Criminal Justice, Office for Victims Programs (DCJ OVP), for the VOCA Emergency Fund. This program is intended to make life easier for crime victims in Colorado and for the advocates who work so tirelessly on their behalf. If you have any questions or need help submitting an application, please contact us!
For more information on the Emergency Fund requirements and eligibility, view this webinar and info sheet.
Nuts & Bolts
Some of the most important things to remember about the VOCA Emergency Fund are:
- Emergency fund applications MUST BE submitted to COVA by a crime victim advocate on the behalf of a crime victim. We will not accept applications directly from crime victims/survivors or from agencies whose primary function is something other than serving victims of crime (i.e. homeless shelters, therapists, substance abuse programs, etc).
- Applications must be filled out COMPLETELY and CORRECTLY.
- Every crime victim/survivor is unique and decisions on applications will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- The financial need must have a connection to a recent crime victimization or a recent emergency connected to a crime victimization. Crimes do not have to have been reported to law enforcement.
- Expenses must be reasonable and limitations will be set on a case-by-case basis.
- COVA will not pay for any past-due bills that pre-date the crime victimization. We also cannot pay for security deposits or mortgage payments.
- No itemized receipts = no reimbursement. In most cases, COVA can pay vendors (landlords, utility companies, airlines, etc) directly. 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 approved prior to purchasing items. We also must receive itemized receipts in order to reimburse your program!
- 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.
What will the VOCA Emergency Fund pay for?
The list below 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.
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 at the following:
