Kappa Alpha Theta’s National Philanthropy Restores Federal Grants

Belmont Vision Multimedia, Emily Garver

Kappa Alpha Theta’s national philanthropy successfully appealed funding cuts made by the Department of Justice in the spring.  

Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem is a national organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system. Kappa Alpha Theta’s primary philanthropy has been CASA/GAL since 1989.  

CASA/GAL’s funding was terminated immediately on April 22 by the DOJ. 

Following the three grants that were cut, CASA/GAL released a statement on their website.   

“The impacts are terminating current grants to 101 state and local CASA/GAL organizations and preventing the award of an additional 275 grants to state and local CASA/GAL organizations nationally,” said Sally Wilson Erny, deputy chief executive officer of CASA/GAL.    

CASA/GAL filed an appeal to have their grants restored.   

In August, they released another statement saying its three federal grant termination appeals were successful, as they ruled CASA’s goals “align sufficiently with the Department’s priorities, including protecting American children,” Erny said.   

The decision not only impacted CASA/GAL and its mission, but it became personal for people.   

“Many Thetas closely followed the issue and engaged in advocacy efforts to support the reinstatement, including letter-writing campaigns and social media awareness,” said Julianne Butler, the chief marketing officer of Kappa Alpha Theta.  

Kappa Alpha Theta, with CASA/GAL as its primary philanthropy, raises money, awareness and hosts events for CASA/GAL, as it “remains committed to its philanthropic partnership,” Butler said.  

Belmont’s chapter remains committed to CASA/GAL, as its proceeds from fundraisers go directly to the organization. 

“It was heartwarming to see how committed our members are to national CASA/GAL. Members rallied around the cause, reinforcing that our philanthropic efforts are not just symbolic, they're impactful and urgently needed,” Butler said.  

Current members and alumnae of Kappa Alpha Theta are not permitted to speak on behalf of the organization.  

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This article was written by Emily Garver