Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Board Grant Program

The Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Board grant program is administered within the Eighth Judicial District of Colorado, serving Larimer and Jackson Counties. The program originates from legislation enacted by the Colorado Legislature in 1984, which established a funding mechanism supported by fines assessed through the court system. These funds are governed under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24, Article 4.2, and are overseen locally by a five member board appointed by the Chief Judge of the District Court. The District Attorney’s Office administers the program and coordinates the competitive grant process to allocate funds to eligible agencies providing victim services. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support the implementation of rights afforded to crime victims under Colorado law and to fund services that directly assist victims and witnesses of crime. Funding is intended to enhance programs aligned with statutory requirements outlined in sections 24-4.1-302.5, 24-4.1-303, 24-4.1-304, and 24-4.2-105. Priority is given to programs that deliver core victim services, including direct assistance, crisis response, and emergency support. Additional priority considerations include innovative or unmet service needs, demonstrated effectiveness, and non duplication of existing services within the district. The anticipated funding available for the 2027 grant cycle is estimated to range between 750000 and 800000 dollars. However, the exact amount cannot be guaranteed because funds are derived from court assessed fines. Awards are competitive and contingent upon both the availability of funds and the volume of applications received. Grant funds are restricted in use and may not be applied toward routine or ongoing operational expenses. Instead, they must support specific services, programs, or equipment directly related to victim assistance. Eligibility for funding is limited to agencies or organizations that provide services to individuals residing in or victimized within Larimer and Jackson Counties. The board is authorized to contract with entities it deems appropriate for delivering victim and witness services. However, applications from state agencies are generally not accepted, with limited exceptions for court administrators and local probation departments when directly supporting victim rights implementation. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed services align with statutory requirements and address identified needs within the district. The application process is conducted through an online submission system. Applicants must complete and submit their proposals no later than midnight on August 31, 2026. Supporting guidelines and application access are provided through the District Attorney’s Office website and the Zoomgrants platform. A virtual question and answer session is scheduled to assist applicants, requiring advance RSVP. The process may also include applicant presentations before the VALE Board if requested during the evaluation phase. Evaluation of applications is based on multiple criteria, including alignment with funding priorities, clarity of project goals, demonstrated need, collaboration with other agencies, and the strength of the proposed budget and evaluation plan. The board also assesses long term sustainability and management capacity. Funding decisions are expected in October 2026, followed by a notification and reconsideration period. Applicants denied funding may request reconsideration within fourteen days of notification if new information or changed circumstances can be demonstrated. The grant period for awarded funds spans from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. Final award letters and contracts are distributed after the reconsideration process concludes. While the program operates annually, each funding cycle is independent, and prior funding does not guarantee future awards. Applicants are encouraged to carefully align their proposals with statutory priorities and demonstrate measurable impact on victim services within the judicial district.

Align proposal with statutory victim rights priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes; show collaboration and non duplication of services