The Springfield Urban League’s Rapid Intervention for Survivor Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) provides financial assistance, advocacy, and support to immediate family members of victims of violent crimes and violent crime survivors. R.I.S.E. is designed to alleviate the hardships families face due to homicides and severe gun violence.
Fill out the form to inquire about R.I.S.E services
Available Financial Assistance: Each qualifying household may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 in vendor‐paid support for funeral/burial costs, utilities and rental assistance, until funds run out.
How to Apply
Immediate family or next of kin must work with a victim advocate to determine eligibility for emergency stabilization payments.
A special voicemail box is available when you dial our front desk, to keep your inquiry about this program secure.
Eligibility Criteria
Financial assistance through the Rapid Intervention for Survivor Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program is available to immediate family or next of kin of victims of homicide and severe gun violence in Sangamon and Menard County.
- You are a victim of a violent crime or an immediate family member.
- You are facing an emergency financial need because of the crime.
- You need help with rent, utilities, or funeral expenses related to the incident.
- You can provide documentation to verify the crime and the expense. (Hyperlink to the info below to upload documents)
- Identification (State ID, Driver’s license, Military ID, Passport)
- Funeral or burial costs (quotes/receipts)
- Verified utilities – city water, electric, gas bills
- Rent statements
- You must be a resident of Sangamon or Menard County
Please Note:
- Payments are paid directly to approved vendors.
- A victim advocate will review eligibility and contact applicants with additional resources.
Victims of Violent Crimes Support
Rapid crisis stabilization and financial support for victims of violent crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility:
Who qualifies for the Rapid Intervention for Survivor Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program?
Residents of Sangamon and Menard counties who are victims of nonfatal shootings or homicide may be eligible.
Can I apply for this program if I was injured in a gun violence incident that occurred in a different calendar year?
Victims who were affected by violent crimes on/after July 1st, 2026, can apply for this program.
If more than one family member is injured in the same incident, are they eligible to apply?
The incident eligibility and criteria will be determined based on the severity of the situation. Each affected individual will be considered when determining eligibility; however, emergency stabilization payments are available for application once per household.
Can I apply without working with a victim advocate?
You can apply online, but once an application is submitted, a victim advocate will contact you to determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.
How does relocation eligibility work?
Relocation may be available to victims of violent crime when it is determined to be appropriate and beneficial based on the circumstances of the situation.
What supporting documents are needed to apply for funding?
Must have BOTH of the following documents dated within 3 months prior to the incident
- Driver’s License/State ID
- Bills with name and residence address within Sangamon & Menard Counties
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