Navigating Funding Challenges: How CASA of Northwest Arkansas is Responding 

In recent months, CASA of Northwest Arkansas has been hit with two significant funding challenges that threaten our ability to provide critical advocacy services for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The first challenge is the drastic reduction in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, and the second is the termination of federal grant awards to the National CASA/GAL Association. As we navigate these turbulent times, we want to share the impact of these funding cuts on our next fiscal year budget and how our community can come together to support our mission. 

The Impact of VOCA Funding Cuts on CASA of Northwest Arkansas 

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was established in 1984 to provide federal funding to support state victim compensation and assistance programs. Over the years, VOCA funding has been a cornerstone for many organizations, including CASA of Northwest Arkansas, helping victims in the immediate aftermath of a crime and supporting them as they rebuild their lives. However, VOCA funding has been steadily dwindling, with significant reductions in recent years. 

For the upcoming fiscal year there is 37 percent cut to funding, continuing a trend of reductions. The Arkansas State Department of Finance and Administration has announced a new distribution plan to divide the available $6,950,627 equally among six regions: Central, North Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. This plan aims to minimize potential gaps in services across the state, ensuring that every district receives grants for essential victim services, including child advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs. 

Northwest Arkansas, which houses one-third of the state’s population, will receive only one-sixth of the federal taxpayer money earmarked for helping crime victims. This region, which includes 14 counties, will have $1,158,437 in grant money available, with no more than $250,000 going to any one agency.   

For CASA of Northwest Arkansas, this reduction in VOCA funding will result in up to a $291,000 loss for the 2025-2026 grant cycle, representing a significant portion of our $1.7 million budget. This funding currently supports seven vital program team members, including case supervisors, recruiters, and trainers, whose work is essential to maintaining our high standard of advocacy. We anticipate a reduction or even a complete loss of this funding, either of which will impact our ability to serve children in foster care. 

Moreover, this is a two-year grant, so these cuts will affect us for more than just one year. We anticipate continued reductions, making it crucial to find sources of income that will offset both the initial loss and ongoing financial shortfall expected in the coming years. 

Funding Cuts to National CASA/GAL Association 

Adding to the challenges, on April 22, the National CASA/GAL Association received notice from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the termination of its federal grant awards. The National CASA/GAL Association relies heavily on the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) for a significant portion of its funding. CASA of Northwest Arkansas is experiencing a minor impact as a result. We initially expected to receive funding for two national grants, originally scheduled to end in October 2025. Additionally, we had hoped National CASA/GAL Association’s upcoming grant cycle could be a solution for the loss of VOCA funding. 

Across Arkansas, the primary impacts of these cuts include reductions in technical support, branding resources, and immediate access to evidence-based volunteer preservice curriculum. While no advance notice of these cuts were given, our state Arkansas CASA entity remains mobilized and committed to continuing their 30-year legacy of service to children and families involved in the Arkansas child welfare system. 

Our Financial Health and Community Support 

Despite these challenges, CASA of Northwest Arkansas remains a healthy organization with reserves built up and available if needed. Our hope is to avoid any impact on the children and families we serve. To achieve this, we must find other sources of income to offset the initial loss and continue our due diligence in managing expenses ensuring the  sustainability of our programs as we anticipate these financial shortfalls over the coming years.