Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Grant Opportunity
Opportunity Information: As part of its mission to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all, the Maryland Judiciary awards Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Grants to support CASA program operations. These grants are administered by the Department of Juvenile and Family Services (JFS). As a friend of the court, the CASA volunteer is appointed by the judge to represent the child's best interests. CASA programs train and support volunteer advocates who provide the court with information about the children they serve. This information helps the court make decisions in the child's best interest and ensures that the child receives appropriate case planning and services.
FY27 grants are being awarded to maintain the current level of service in many CASA programs and increase capacity in areas of highest need. CASA programs operate in Maryland subject to approved Standards and are authorized by Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-830.
Awarding Department: Administrative Office of the Courts, Juvenile and Family Services
Contact: Pen Whewell
Agency Contact Phone: 410-260-1262 Contact Email: DJFSGrants@mdcourts.gov
Posted Date: 1/12/2026
Funding Opportunity Number: FO-2027-JFS-002
Funding Information
Funding Source Description: Availability of funds is contingent on the Maryland General Assembly providing funds in the Maryland Judiciary's budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Applicants who are awarded funding will be notified by May 31, 2026.
Award Information
Award Start Date: 7/1/2026 Award End Date: 6/30/2027
Award Type: Competitive
Matching Requirement: CASA grantees must provide a 100% match for their total CASA grant award. Up to 25% of the match can be in-kind with the remaining 75% being cash match.
Submission Information
DUE DATE: 4/3/2026 11:59 PM
Support Letters: A minimum of two Letters of Support are required. A letter from each court served is required.
Question Submission Information: For general questions about this grant category, please review the Special Conditions for FY27 CASA Grants. For specific questions, Email: DJFSGrants@mdcourts.gov.
Technical Assistance Session
Session Date and Time: 2/12/2026 12:00 PM
Registration Link: CLICK HERE to register (You will receive the link directly from Zoom before the session. Check junk/clutter/spam folders!)
Eligibility Information
Eligible Entities: To be eligible to receive a CASA Grant, an applicant must be a:
i. State or local government administering a CASA program, or
ii. Non-profit organization administering a CASA program, or
iii. Institution of higher education administering a CASA program. AND,
the program must also:
i. Be a member in good standing of the National CASA Association and be in compliance with NCASAA standards;
ii. Be in compliance with Maryland CASA Program Performance Standards (Appendix A);
iii. Demonstrate the ability (i.e. experience and expertise) to provide the service (NOTE: Qualifications of all new Program Directors must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts prior to budget approval and release of funds);
iv. Demonstrate adequate internal financial controls to properly administer grant funds;
v. For CASA programs who have received AOC funding in the prior year, submit all required reports and documentation prior to submitting an application for funding in a subsequent year; and
vi. Be in compliance with all Grant Conditions.
Additional Information
Additional Information about Judiciary Grants: All grant applications and awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to the Maryland Judiciary’s General Grant Conditions, and the Special Conditions for FY27 CASA Grants. Review both documents in full prior to applying.
FY27 Juvenile and Family CASA Grants
Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Grant Opportunity
Opportunity Information: As part of its mission to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all, the Maryland Judiciary awards Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Grants to support CASA program operations. These grants are administered by the Department of Juvenile and Family Services (JFS). As a friend of the court, the CASA volunteer is appointed by the judge to represent the child's best interests. CASA programs train and support volunteer advocates who provide the court with information about the children they serve. This information helps the court make decisions in the child's best interest and ensures that the child receives appropriate case planning and services.
FY27 grants are being awarded to maintain the current level of service in many CASA programs and increase capacity in areas of highest need. CASA programs operate in Maryland subject to approved Standards and are authorized by Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-830.
Awarding Department: Administrative Office of the Courts, Juvenile and Family Services
Contact: Pen Whewell
Agency Contact Phone: 410-260-1262 Contact Email: DJFSGrants@mdcourts.gov
Posted Date: 1/12/2026
Funding Opportunity Number: FO-2027-JFS-002
Funding Information
Funding Source Description: Availability of funds is contingent on the Maryland General Assembly providing funds in the Maryland Judiciary's budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Applicants who are awarded funding will be notified by May 31, 2026.
Award Information
Award Start Date: 7/1/2026 Award End Date: 6/30/2027
Award Type: Competitive
Matching Requirement: CASA grantees must provide a 100% match for their total CASA grant award. Up to 25% of the match can be in-kind with the remaining 75% being cash match.
Submission Information
DUE DATE: 4/3/2026 11:59 PM
Support Letters: A minimum of two Letters of Support are required. A letter from each court served is required.
Question Submission Information: For general questions about this grant category, please review the Special Conditions for FY27 CASA Grants. For specific questions, Email: DJFSGrants@mdcourts.gov.
Technical Assistance Session
Session Date and Time: 2/12/2026 12:00 PM
Registration Link: CLICK HERE to register (You will receive the link directly from Zoom before the session. Check junk/clutter/spam folders!)
Eligibility Information
Eligible Entities: To be eligible to receive a CASA Grant, an applicant must be a:
i. State or local government administering a CASA program, or
ii. Non-profit organization administering a CASA program, or
iii. Institution of higher education administering a CASA program. AND,
the program must also:
i. Be a member in good standing of the National CASA Association and be in compliance with NCASAA standards;
ii. Be in compliance with Maryland CASA Program Performance Standards (Appendix A);
iii. Demonstrate the ability (i.e. experience and expertise) to provide the service (NOTE: Qualifications of all new Program Directors must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts prior to budget approval and release of funds);
iv. Demonstrate adequate internal financial controls to properly administer grant funds;
v. For CASA programs who have received AOC funding in the prior year, submit all required reports and documentation prior to submitting an application for funding in a subsequent year; and
vi. Be in compliance with all Grant Conditions.
Additional Information
Additional Information about Judiciary Grants: All grant applications and awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to the Maryland Judiciary’s General Grant Conditions, and the Special Conditions for FY27 CASA Grants. Review both documents in full prior to applying.