Guide For Requesting Funds


An important part of the mission of Suncoast Voices for Children is to meet the needs of children in the child welfare system when there is no other resourse available. When a Case Manager, CPI or Guardian becomes aware of such a need Suncoast Voices for Children is there to help. However there are procedures that must be followed to receive the funds and for accontability for these funds. Suncoast Voices for Children is a 501(c)(3) designated charity by the IRS. As such, we are required to exercise a high degree of accountability to the government, as well as our donors and grantors. We ask that you be aware that you be aware that much of the work at Suncoast Voices for Children is done by volunteers who donate their time to provide these valuable services for you and the children.
 
MAKING A REQUEST
Request forms are available through the link below. If you have a question or would like more information before you complete an application, do not hesitate to call our office at 727.582.3667.
Office hours are 10:00 to 3:00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Please complete all the information on the application. Pay special attention to the section for alternate resources explored. Remember SVC provides funding when there is no other resourse available.
Include your cell phone number and email address. This can make all the difference in having the request handled in a timely manner. Tell your child's story well.  Give your completed request to your supervisor. Your supervisor will arrange for other approvals and deliver the request to SVC.
When your request is receive in the SVC office, it is logged in and assigned a request number. Please refer to the Request Number in all communications.


The Office Staff will review the form for completeness and may call or email you with suggestions for other resources. They will then prepare the the request for the Approvals Committee.
The Approvals Committee meets at noon every Friday and reviews the requests. They may call you for for additional information.  You will be notified no later than Monday if your request has been approved or denied.


PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE FOR A CHILD'S NEEDS OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKET AND THEN ASK FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNLESS YOU HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL FROM SVC.

RECEIVING AND ACCOUNTING FOR FUNDS
SVC makes checks available for approved requests on Mondays. You may have the check mailed to you or pick it up at the SVC offices. SVC is located in the Sheriff's Office, Child Protective Investigation Office in the Honeywell complex on the corner of US19 and Ulmerton Road.
When you receive the funds, you become responsible for accounting for how those funds have been spent.

NEVER GIVE THE MONEY TO THE FOSTER PARENTS, BIOLOGICAL PARENTS, RELATIVE CAREGIVERS OR THE CHILD.  The use of the check or gift card is limited ONLY to the purpose for which it was approved.

You will receive a 30 Day Follow-Up Form and a tax exempt certificate along with the funds. SVC does not pay sales tax.


The person who made the request on behalf of the child should make the purchase and deliver the items to the child. Make sure the child and caregiver understand the items wrere provided by Suncoast Voices for Children.
RECEIPTS, UNUSED FUNDS AND THE FOLLOW-UP FORM ARE TO BE RETURNED TO THE SVC OFFICE WITHIN 30 DAYS.
Failure to return the above within the 30 Days WILL jeopordize your ability to submit future requests to SVC.
If possible, have the child write a thank you note to SVC. We have a heartrending collection of these notes and we chare them with the donors and grantors.

REQUESTS FOR BIRTHDAY CAKES
A Grant from Sweetbay Supermarkets makes it possible to Provide Birthday Cakes for the Children. We make it as easy as possible. Call or Email our office and request a cerficate. You can pick up the certificate or have it mailed to you. Please allow three days lead time. The certificate provides for a 1/8 sheet cake. Take the certificate to any Sweetbay and they will work with you on the design with the child's name. Do Not give the certificat to the foster family or anyone else to get the cake.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
May I make a donation to cover the cost of a Request?
We welcome and need donations. However, a donation does not assure your request will be granted.

How long does it take for a request to be granted?
Most requests are granted within a week. Sometimes only one or two days after receiving the request. Delays occur when we are checking other sources or because more information is needed.

If you know of a source to help us cover the expenses we welcome your assistance.


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