Foundation donates from children's fund to CASA

The Whitefish Community Foundation has announced a $50,000 award from The Kids Fund grant program to CASA for Kids, a local nonprofit organization.

The award will fund an innovative Peer-to-Peer Youth Case Management Program to begin immediately.

The Kids Fund — Giving Voice to Children is a strategic initiative designed to address child homelessness in the Flathead Valley. The goal of this grant program is to fund innovative nonprofit programs designed to create opportunities for at-risk children in the areas of safety, health, and education.

The CASA for Kids Youth Case Management Program will serve children ages 14 to 23 as they age out of foster care. Older foster youth are among the most vulnerable populations in the Flathead. Many become homeless the day they age out of foster care, and 20% to 30% will become homeless before age 26. Creating a Peer-to-Peer case management system based on established CASA infrastructure will give one Youth Case Manager the ability to become the hub of the program, tying a team together to act as spokes delivering service to these youths. Together, the team expands service exponentially, moving the youth forward toward successful transition into adulthood. CASA has identified 70-100 youth that will be served by this program in the first year alone.

Whitefish Community Foundation works to strengthen our nonprofit community by building mission awareness and providing strategic funding.

In addition to the Kids Fund, grant programs currently fielding online applications include the Community Grant Program and the Great Fish Community Challenge. The Community Grant Program will accept applications until March 26, and the Great Fish Community Challenge will accept applications through Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. MST.

The Whitefish Community Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2020 celebrates past, present and future. Since establishment in 2000, the Foundation has facilitated over $42 million in grants to nonprofits. The Community Foundation serves as a catalyst for philanthropy by fostering collaborative and innovative giving in our community. For more information or to apply for a grant, go to whitefishcommunityfoundation.org, call 406-863-1781, or email contact@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org