At Sojourner, we provide safety, support, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. Each year, we serve nearly one thousand individuals seeking to escape abuse, rebuild their lives, and find stability. However, our ability to provide these life-saving services is at risk due to potential federal funding cuts in the non-profit sector.
Sojourner’s funding sources are diverse and robust. Federal funding accounts for approximately 15-20% of Sojourner’s budget. Government funds are part of nearly all healthy nonprofit budgets. These funds come from sources such as the Office of Justice Crime Victim Services Grant and FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Grants like this help provide crisis intervention, emergency shelter, housing support, legal advocacy and community outreach and prevention.
Without these funds, Sojourner could be forced to reduce services, turn away survivors, and struggle to meet the growing demand. A reduction or loss of federal funding could mean:
Fewer available shelter beds – Forcing victims to remain in unsafe situations.
Longer wait times for crisis intervention – Delaying the help survivors need in critical moments.
Reduced legal and advocacy services – Making it harder for survivors to protect themselves and their families.
Less opportunities for youth violence prevention – As general operating funds used for violence prevention education would need to be redirected to direct services.
Greater risk for first responders- Crime victim services reduce repeated violence and assist law enforcement, without these services, the community is less safe for everyone.
For some survivors, these services are the difference between life and death. Losing federal support would not just weaken our ability to help—it would put lives at risk.
How You Can Help
We need your voice and support to ensure Sojourner and our sister programs continue to receive the funding necessary to serve our community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Contact Your State and Federal Representatives – Urge them to support funding for crime victim services. See a sample email/script for the State of MN below.
Donate to Sojourner – Consider making a one-time or sustaining monthly donation.
Check for Matching Gifts – Many employers match employee donations—double your impact by checking with your HR department.
Recommend Us – If you know someone with a donor-advised fund or a family foundation, encourage them to support our work.
Corporate & Business Sponsorships – Advocate for your company to donate to or sponsor our programs.
With your help, we can continue to be a lifeline for those in need. Thank you for standing with Sojourner and creating a safer community for all. Have any questions about how to best support Sojourner and survivors of domestic violence? Reach out to Development Director, Becca Welna at Becca@sojournerproject.org or 952-351-4067.
Sample Email/Phone Script to Support Crime Victim Services Funding*
Senator/Representative [name] ,
My name is [your name], I am a constituent from [city]. I ask that you prioritize funding to support victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the final judiciary and public safety omnibus bill.
Funding for crime victim services is vital to the safety and well-being of victims of domestic and sexual violence. A substantial and robust increase in state level Crime Victims’ Services Funding is required to make up for federal cuts and allow for the maintenance and expansion of crucial public safety infrastructure such as Domestic Violence Shelters, Rape Crisis Centers, and Child Advocacy Centers.
Thank you,
[your name]
[your address] -if via email
*Source: Violence Free MN