The funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan is complicated, but it is working to ensure that we can continue to offer such critically needed services absolutely free of charge.
Federal Funding
We receive federal funds from the Crime Victims Fund.
The Crime Victims Fund was established through the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) of 1984 and funds victims of crime throughout the nation. Every year, millions of dollars are deposited into this fund from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalty fees, and special assessments collected by the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Courts and U.S. Attorney’s offices. Because these dollars come from offenders who have been convicted of Federal crimes, not from taxpayers, the amount of dollars in the fund fluctuates annually. Nevertheless, VOCA has been a consistent funding source for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan.
State Funding
Funding from the state of Michigan used to support nearly all of the Children’s Advocacy Center’s services flows from the Michigan Domestic Violence and Treatment Board. In 1982, the Michigan Legislature also established the Children’s Trust Michigan to fund effective local initiatives that promote the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan children. Funds from this source support the prevention services offered by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan.
Local Funding
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan is fortunate to have the financial support of the United Way of Southwest Michigan as well as the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office.
Philanthropy
We’ve said it before, but we can’t say it enough —Thank you so much to the foundations, corporations, organizations and individuals who contribute to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan.
Foundations
Frederick S. Upton Foundation
Berrien Community Foundation
Hanson Family Foundation
McLoughlin Family Foundation
Heart of Cook Foundation
The Pokagon Fund
Corporate Donors
Whirlpool Corporation
United Federal Credit Union
Spectrum Health Lakeland
JR Automation
Honor Credit Union
Fairmount Santrol
Individual Donors
Hundreds of individuals donate their time and resources to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan. We are especially honored to recognize our donors publicly at our facility for their contribution to our successful capital campaign that has raised nearly $1 million. Thanks to their generosity, we are able to provide services in a child-oriented, appropriately designed facility that provides for confidentiality, group sessions, courtroom preparation, play therapy and so much more. Look for the names of our wonderful donors when you tour our facility.
