CASA Minnesota

One year ago, the CASA MN community lost a wonderful leader and champion for volunteers and children in foster and kinship care. Marti Swanson was a fierce advocate for kids and volunteers for more than 25 years. 

CASA MN is deeply honored that Marti’s family and friends established the Marti Swanson Memorial Fund to continue her legacy. From the incredible initial response to the continued support over the last year, it is clear that Marti's legacy was - and remains - an inspiration to so many who care about serving volunteers and children in foster and kinship care. 

If you would like to support CASA Cares through the Marti Swanson Memorial Fund, 
you can designate your gift to the Memorial Fund when donating online. 

At CASA MN, our mission is to serve children and youth in the child protection system by enriching their lives through advocacy, access to resources, and fostering meaningful connections.

We help recruit, recognize and retain volunteer Guardian ad Litem's, to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children during court proceedings. We also seek to enrich the lives of children in foster care through CASA Cares grants that provide opportunities such as technology, camps & extracurricular activities.

While various government programs provide funding to meet basic needs, CASA MN is the only agency providing funding for enrichment opportunities. Our CASA Cares program provides grants to children for activities and opportunities many consider hallmarks of childhood: swimming lessons, a pair of rollerblades, or day camp at the local YMCA. 

All children deserve the space to be a kid. Play is an essential need when you’re a child. CASA Cares gives children in foster care more than a material gift. The grant program gives them respite from their stressful and uncertain lives – it gives them moments of joy. 

While children are in foster care, CASA grants provide resources that benefit their personal growth and development that are not funded by any other government programs. Since the program began, CASA Minnesota has distributed more than $170,000 in grants to kids. 

Your donation will make a long-lasting difference in the lives of youth. On behalf of every child that we serve, thank you for your generosity.