VOCA

Grant Programs Overview

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About VOCA Funding

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
Safety planning
Advocacy and help navigating the criminal justice system
Counseling or referrals to counseling services
Emergency shelter or housing support
Help applying for victim compensation
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.

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Types of Crimes Supported by VOCA

VOCA-funded programs may serve victims of many types of crime, including:

Domestic or family violence
Sexual assault
Child abuse or neglect
Elder abuse
Human trafficking
Teen dating violence
Bullying
Kidnapping

Stalking or harassment
Identity theft, fraud, or financial crime
Survivors of homicide
Hate crimes
Burglary or robbery
Vehicular crimes, including DUI
Mass violence or terrorism
Arson

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Learn More About VOCA

To learn more about federal VOCA regulations, visit the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).

Eligibility

Organizations applying for VOCA funding must meet federal and state requirements to ensure effective services for crime victims.

Eligible programs should have a history of providing effective, cost-efficient services to victims of crime.

Programs must:

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

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.