by Anita Brown, Program Officer

“We have come to rely on the CASA Resource Grants provided by PVF, and we cannot express enough our gratitude and appreciation for this resource. It is an indispensable component of the work that we do. The quality and reliability of insight into the needs of our children that our volunteers provide, coupled with the resources and efficiency of the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, has led to an extremely successful partnership that benefits the neediest children in the community.” –John, supervisor at CASA of San Mateo

PVF’s Social Worker/CASA Resource Grant program provides $250 grants to social workers and CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to support the critical needs of foster youth, in dependency due to abuse, neglect, incarcerated parents, etc.

In 2018, we gave over $60,000 in 247 grants to benefit foster children’s critical and extracurricular needs, from phone plans and laptops to swimming/dance/drawing/driving lessons, gym memberships, and tutoring sessions to new clothes, prescription glasses, bikes, school supplies, and furniture. We have seen these small grants make a big impact in the lives of our communities’ children and youth. Below are a few notes from reports we’ve received from CASAs, social workers, and foster children.

“My CASA youth was so pleased to be able to participate in the SAT classes and enjoyed them. He just took his SAT last week and felt good about how he did. He said he felt prepared. I know the prep classes made a huge difference in his comfort level going into the SAT test. I am so happy that he was able to be as prepared as other students his age, with the help of this grant! Thank you from both of us!” –Donna, CASA volunteer, Contra Costa County

“Thank you for paying for the camp. What I like about camp was the food, swimming, and making new friends. If you hadn’t paid for the camp I wouldn’t have been able to have a lot of fun.” –Foster youth

“Thank you so much for paying for A’s gymnastics at Cal Gymnastics. It is a pure joy to watch her learn new things and be so proud of how well she does them!” –Kristi, CASA volunteer, Alameda County

“Thank you so much for the funds for clothing. It has helped me so much. I had only one pair of leggings left; now, I have five leggings and three pairs of jeans. I can feel less stress over money for clothing.” –Foster youth

“J just started high school and he was very happy to receive the laptop computer and software. He looks forward to using his new computer to do his homework, conduct research, communicate with friends and family, etc. We are continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of donors like you who answer the call to give again and again. You have made a difference in the lives of the kids we serve.” –Angie, Social Worker, San Francisco County