As many of you know, SB 78, a bill championed by Texas CASA and passed during the 85th Legislative Session, allows youth in foster care to receive computer equipment through the state’s surplus supply. Computers are requested by local programs and then distributed to children, and the computers are theirs to keep wherever they go.
Because the computers do not come preloaded with software, Texas CASA is able to reimburse local programs for IT support and software through a grant from the Reissa Foundation. However, this reimbursement opportunity will end Aug. 31, 2019. Once the funds are expended, reimbursement requests for IT and software will no longer be available.
Texas CASA currently has approximately $4,500 remaining for reimbursement for IT support and software. Allowable reimbursement is up to $400 per computer. Requests for reimbursement will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so take advantage of this opportunity now!
Visit the Computers for CASA webpage for a step-by-step overview for requesting a computer, the Computers for CASA 101 training, and the IT and software reimbursement guidelines and request form.
Should funds become depleted before you’re ready to submit a request for reimbursement, consider asking local businesses for donations or discounts on software. Perhaps one of your volunteers has experience working with refurbished computers and is willing to load software. You can also reach out to your community or local college to ask if someone with IT experience is willing to donate their time to help a child receive a computer.
Please contact Grants Management Specialist Elizabeth Mast with any reimbursement questions: [email]emast@texascasa.org[/email] or (512) 610-6107.