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
Violent Crime Victims Assistance (VCVA) Grant 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.
Eligible Applicants
County Governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Private institutions of higher education.
FY27 VCVA Grant Application
The VCVA Grant Application will open on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and close on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Supports agencies that deliver victim and witness services, including comprehensive victim advocacy.
For details about the application process, we encourage attendance at the Application Technical Assistance Webinars:
- Thursday, January 8, 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
To register for a webinar, please email: special.events@ilag.gov
Violence Prevention Special Project (VPSP) Grant
On October 24, 2025, the Violent Crime Advisory Commission (under Illinois State Statute 725 ILCS 240, Section 8. Centers – Services provided) approved the inclusion of agencies and organizations offering services to individuals that are victims or witnesses of violent crime and have become involved in the criminal justice system. Addressing the root behaviors of individuals who have experienced victimization or witnessed violence can help foster healthier outcomes and interrupt cycles of harm. Agencies that offer these services are encouraged to apply for this grant funding.
Eligible Applicants
County Governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Private institutions of higher education.
FY27 VPSP Grant Application
The VPSP Grant Application will launch on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and close on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Supports agencies that provide services to individuals that are victims/witnesses of violence and have become involved in the criminal justice system.
Grant Recipient Reporting
- FY26 Grant Compliance Guidance
- FY26 New Grantee Orientation
- AmpliFund Quarterly Reporting Instructions
- AmpliFund Password Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Grant Recipient Reporting Forms
- FY26 Grant-Funded Personnel Time Report
- FY26 Non-Personnel Grant Expense Details
- FY26 Grant-Funded Personnel Vacancy
- FY26 Grant-Funded Personnel Change
- FY26 Budget Amendment Request Guidance
- FY26 Authorization to Sign or Address Change
- FY26 Change in CEO