May 30, 2025
National CASA/GAL responds to funding cuts and continues service and commitment to nationwide network
NEWS
SEATTLE, Wash.–Last month we shared that on April 22, 2025, National CASA/GAL received notification of the termination of our Department of Justice (DOJ) funding. We want to provide more detail on how these cuts impact the national CASA/GAL network and children and youth served, our current plan, and how you can help. Most importantly, we want to assure you that National CASA/GAL continues to operate.
Impact of funding cuts
The DOJ’s decision to terminate three federal grants forced National CASA/GAL to significantly reduce services and support to the CASA/GAL network. This loss of funding impacts the training, technical assistance and subawards to member programs across the country. Included in the impacts are terminating current grants to 101 state and local CASA/GAL organizations, including halting grant-funding for many new or expanding programs and preventing the award of an additional 275 grants to state and local CASA/GAL organizations nationally. The funding loss also greatly impairs National CASA/GAL from offering training to CASA/GAL organizations and volunteers across the country as well as national support for volunteer recruitment.
Our current plan:
The CASA/GAL network serves more young people in the child welfare system than any other organization. To continue to do the vital work we do in supporting CASA/GAL organizations across the country in their service to children and families, we have appealed the grant terminations and anxiously await a decision on reinstatement of funding.
Our top priority is service and support to the CASA/GAL network, and we will do whatever necessary to continue to advance our mission. To that end, and with a much smaller staff, National CASA/GAL is offering various trainings, network engagement events, affinity group calls and support for new program development, program expansion and sustainability.
How you can help:
We ask supporters and stakeholders, to join us in sustaining our mission to partner with state and local member programs to support court-appointed volunteers who advocate for a child’s best interest and work to strengthen families. Our commitment to serve and support the CASA/GAL network remains the top priority, and we will continue to do everything we can to advance our mission. That will not change. Please activate your support of the CASA/GAL network by:
- Contact your federal elected officials and urge them to reinstate funding for the CASA program.
- Donate: your financial support is crucial. Every dollar helps us continue our mission at the national level.
- Volunteer: become a CASA/GAL advocate and make a difference in a child’s life in your community.
- Find a local program or state organization to support through donations or volunteer work.
We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from individuals like you all across the country. Your longstanding and unwavering commitment mean the world to us. We are incredibly grateful for all those who are standing by our side during this critical time. Together, we will continue to make a real difference.