Supporting Victims of Crime
Violent Crime Victim Assistance (VCVA)
Mission Statement
The Violent Crime Victim Assistance (VCVA) Bureau is dedicated to:
- developing and improving activities and services that promote the recognition of rights, needs, and interests of crime victims in Illinois
- providing victims access to programs that supply needed information, assistance, and advocacy
- educating the public about victim services; and ensuring that grantee agencies provide quality services
VCVA Overview and History
This program is financed in part by a special State Treasury Fund: The Violent Crime Victims Assistance Fund. Since January 1, 1984, any person in Illinois convicted of a crime of violence, any other felony or misdemeanor, or certain other offenses listed in the Illinois Vehicle Code, will be assessed a fine. These fines are deposited in the Violent Crime Victims Assistance Fund, which finances crime victim services throughout the state. Additional funding for the program is provided by the State’s General Revenue Fund.
VCVA Grant Funds
On January 1 of each year, applications will be accepted/considered from the following agencies that offer Victim/Witness Assistance Center services:
- An agency of the United States, the State of Illinois, or a unit of local government that provides, operates or coordinates victim and witness assistance programs
- A private non-profit agency that provides, operates or coordinates a victim and witness assistance program, only if:
- The agency has a tax-exempt ruling from the Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 501(c)(3)), and
- Is compliant with the Charitable Trust Act and the Solicitation for Charity Act or is exempt from these Acts
- Charitable Trust compliance documentation is required at the time of application
- Selected agencies will be awarded VCVA grants funds for the upcoming grant year: July 1 through June 30.
For more information on the services required to offer/administer under this grant funding, please review the Grant Administrative Rules located under “Program Resources” below.
Apply for VCVA Grant
The FY2026 VCVA Grant Application will launch on Monday, January 1, 2025, and close on Friday, February 7, 2025. This Application Link will take you to the online application portal. When you open the link, click on the Apply button in the upper right-hand corner. Create your online account to complete the application. If you already have an account in the AmpliFund system, you may use that log in to begin the application.