The Importance of Relationship-Building With Your State’s VOCA Office
Relationship building plays a key part in seeking any kind of funding. This helps make sure funders know your organization, what you do, and how you benefit the community.
Get to know your state’s VOCA Administrator. Your first contact with the VOCA office should NOT be your grant application. When the office opens your application, their reaction should be “Oh yes, that’s (your organization) in (your city). I had a good conversation with them last month.”
Many VOCA Administrators are open to talking with organizations about their programs and how they fit into VOCA’s guidelines. Here are some outreach tips to get you started:
- Set up a meeting or phone call with a VOCA Administrator to talk about your program. The National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators maintains a list of each VOCA contact by state. See our Sample Materials and Resources
- If you already have a good relationship with another victim service provider that receives VOCA funding, ask if they are willing to make an introduction to the VOCA office for you.
- Prepare for the call. Jot down a few talking points about your organization’s mission, work in the community, the population you serve, and the direct services you provide. Remember to highlight the services you provide to crime survivors specifically, even if you serve many other types of people as well.
- Conduct a mock call. Practice your talking points with a colleague, family member, or friend.
- When you’re ready to call, relax. If you feel nervous talking about funding, remember: you’re calling a regular person who cares about helping crime survivors. You’re on the same side.
What do I say when I call my VOCA Administrator?
- Introduce yourself and your organization. Create a short synopsis (a few sentences) of your organization’s mission and work with crime survivors.
- Know the goal of your call. Explain that you want to discuss your work supporting crime survivors and how your work fits into VOCA’s guidelines.
- Stand out. Talk about how your services with crime survivors fill unmet needs in your community.
- Share how VOCA funding will enhance the great work you already do.
- Listen at least as much as you talk. This is your chance to seek help and information from your state. Explicitly ask for advice and feedback on how your program fits. VOCA Administrators are open to new ideas and talking through challenges. Don’t be afraid to ask any and every question. This may be your best shot to show them that you’re serious and thoughtful about your work.
- End the call with an action. Ask for their email address, if you can contact them with further questions, and if they can provide guidance during the VOCA application process.
- Follow up, follow up: at the end of call, make sure you have all of their contact information. A quick thank you email goes a long way. Make sure you’re on their contact list for updates, RFPs, trainings, etc. They may even reach out to you with more questions or curiosity about your program.