Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA), a St. Petersburg-based nonprofit working to end domestic violence, has received a $1 million gift to create the Virginia and David Baldwin Innovation and Growth Endowment, which provides long-term sustainability to the organization. The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay is multiplying the impact by contributing an additional $333,333 to Mr. Baldwin’s gift.
Endowments provide stability and a consistent source of income for nonprofits. The principal gift and matching funds from The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay grow over time and CASA receives annual income from the endowment, which is managed and invested by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay along with more than $278 million in other assets. CASA plans to use the endowment’s income to sustain operations of its programs.
Multiplying the impact
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay multiplied the impact of Mr. Baldwin’s gift through its Endowment Match Challenge. Through the Endowment Match Challenge, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay provides a 1-to-3 match when nonprofits or individual donors create a new endowment with the Foundation or add to an existing endowment.
“As a community catalyst, we’re excited to multiply the impact of Mr. Baldwin’s generous gift to support CASA,” said Marlene Spalten, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. “Our Endowment Match Challenge motivates donors to help nonprofits build a perpetual source of revenue and achieve financial sustainability. Since inception, the program has resulted in endowments for 87 different organizations totaling over $26 million.”
About domestic violence in Pinellas County
“While we are making major strides, we know the issue of domestic violence is vast and complex and the only way to solve it is by being innovative in our approach,” said Lariana Forsythe, CASA’s CEO. “With the transformative philanthropy of Mr. David Baldwin and the creation of the CASA Innovation and Growth Endowment, CASA will have a solid foundation to do just that.”
CASA’s work in the community continues to grow. In 2018, 6,300 reported cases of domestic violence occurred in Pinellas County. An average of 115 people every day — and half are children — receive services at the CASA shelter, totaling 37,513 bed nights last year. In addition, nearly 2,500 people annually receive services through CASA’s non-residential programs.
In addition to providing safety and resources to survivors, CASA challenges the societal acceptance of domestic violence. CASA stands up to the silence and stigma that surrounds it through advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services. Last month, CASA launched the #CallitWhatitis Campaign highlighting the larger societal issue of failing to name domestic violence in the media and throughout our communities.
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