Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to questions we hear most. If you have a question you don’t see listed, please contact us for more information.
What is CASA Cares?
CASA Cares is the grant program of CASA Minnesota, a nonprofit public charity. CASA Cares is dedicated to providing grants to benefit the growth, development, and wellbeing of foster children in the child protection system.
What kind of goods or services will you fund?
We provide foster children with items or activities that are not already paid for by public funds such as music lessons, dance lessons, camps, tutoring, and collect SAT/ACT prep courses. Items such as bikes, senior class yearbooks, senior prom needs, and class pictures may have a predetermined maximum allowance.
Who may apply for a grant on behalf of a child?
Anyone can apply for a grant. Applications are frequently received from the child’s GAL, social worker, foster parent, relative caregiving, or a child on their own behalf. Grants are available for children currently placed in foster care with open cases.
What supporting materials should accompany the grant application?
- A program brochure, link to the item requested, price list, or and documentation that describes the goods or services
- Caregiver Support Statement – Only if requesting an experience that requires the foster parents to drive the youth to and from, OR if the request is for a computer.
How much may I ask for?
This depends on the nature of the request. There are different maximums depending on the type of item or service requested. We will consider requests on a case by case basis if the request is for an amount that is above the maximum. If asking for more than the maximum, you will be asked to explain why the standard amount is not sufficient. No more than one large grant (>$500) per year.
– Bikes: $350 including helmet and bike lock
– Clothing: $250 for Elementary School and younger. $300 for Middle School. $400 for High School and above.
– Dance gear: $500
– Athletic Shoes: $150
– Camps: $1,000
– Computers: Depends on our ability to supply a refurbished computer. If refurbished is not available, $700 including tax.
– Other: Case by Case
May I request funds to purchase birthday or holiday gifts?
No. CASA Cares limits grants to items or activities that will contribute to the longterm growth and development of the child.
Can you give me grant money directly and upfront to spend on behalf of a foster child?
No. We will only make vendor payments for items or activities requested.
Does a child who has been reunited with his/her family with continued court supervision qualify for a grant?
No. Grants are made only to children who are living in foster care. We are not able to fund requests for children who are living with their parent(s), even if they remain under juvenile court jurisdiction.
May I spend my own money on behalf of a child and then submit an application for reimbursement?
No. CASA Cares will only reimburse for items or activities that have been approved in advance. We will reimburse once all receipts and documentation are received. We will reimburse in the amount of the approved grant only.
Can I get a grant immediately if there is a deadline?
In exceptional circumstances, CASA Cares will review emergency applications. Please be sure to note the need and deadline clearly on the application form.
How do I know if public funding is available?
Children in foster care are supported through a combination of federal, state, and county funds. Please check with the child’s social worker to help determine public funding.
If the county has funding for services, but it takes months to process and the child needs it now – may I still apply for a grant?
Yes, we will review funding requests that would ordinarily be supported by public funding, if the time required to access these public funds denies the child the benefit of the goods or services.
I still have more questions. How do I contact you?
Please send us an email at ccgrants@casamn.org
