CASA Cares fund

CASA of SWMI is grateful for the support of the Berrien Community Foundation and the Sturgis Area Community Foundation to create funds to support child needs. The following policies and procedures will apply:

• The need requested must be for a child who has been assigned to the CASA SWMI program with jurisdiction in Berrien County or St. Joseph County. 

• The need must be one that can’t easily be provided by any other source. Easily is defined as readily available prior to the time the child needs the item or service and includes anything that supports the best interests of the child. This could include clothing items, sports equipment, school-related items, a special meal for a sibling visit and some extracurricular activities (for example, a school field trip).  It is unlikely that the fund will support large-scale items, such as a new computer. 

• The child may reside anywhere and in any type of placement so long as jurisdiction is in Berrien County. 

• Only the CASA Volunteer may request funds from the CASA Cares Fund. 

• A volunteer may access this fund for a child multiple times however, this fund is not appropriate for ongoing programs or needs (such as weekly tutoring) or expensive items (like computers). 

• All decisions are at the discretion of the CASA Cares Committee 

• If approved, payment will be made by the program to the service provider, store, volunteer or facility within 72 hours of receipt of the committee’s decision. Receipts or estimates must be included with the request. Payment may be made to the volunteer as reimbursement upon presentation of receipts. 

• Note that funding is limited and when funds are expended, we are unable to accept requests.