SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Provide direction regarding establishing Non-Profit/Charitable Funding Policy.
Body
SUMMARY:
In an effort to streamline funding requests from local non-profit and charitable organizations, staff is presenting the following options:
1. Establish a formal grant application process.
It is a policy of the City Council to provide fair and equitable grant funding to charitable and nonprofit organizations. These organizations must provide services and activities that provide economic, social, medical, cultural, or educational benefits to Clearwater residents.
It is important to limit the use of general funds as it is the primary source of revenue for all city operations. An amount not to exceed $70,000 of the proposed general fund budget will be considered available to provide support for grant requests. Grant requests will be eligible to receive a maximum of $5,000.
Organizations seeking funds through the City’s Special Events process will not be eligible.
The city will accept applications intended to augment the efforts of non-profit organizations to benefit Clearwater residents. Grant requests will be evaluated through an application review, ensuring all approved requests enter into agreements for specific measurable services and timeframe. Debt service is not a permissible use of these funds.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:
• Tax exempt.
• Non-Profit (be able to provide 501(c)(3) status form).
• Provide evidence of insurance.
• Been in operation for a minimum of three years.
• Propose an activity or service that addresses one of the following strategic plan priorities:
§ Economic & Housing Opportunity - foster a prosperous and enduring economy that promotes opportunity for all.
§ Community Well-Being - ensure exceptional communities and neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.
§ Environmental Stewardship - implement proactive solutions and emerging technologies for a sustainable and resilient community.
Staff will present the awarded grants as part of the budget process.
Applications for Non-Profit/Charitable Grants will be made available online. The cost to create an online application similar to the one used for the ARPA Education Grants will be approximately $3,000.
2. Post a call for Non-Profit/Charitable funding requests.
The City would accept letters from local non-profit/charitable organizations needing donations to provide services or events that benefit Clearwater residents.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:
• Tax exempt.
• Non-Profit (be able to provide 501(c)(3) status form).
• Provide evidence of insurance.
• Been in operation for a minimum of three years.
• Propose an activity or service that addresses one of the following strategic plan priorities:
§ Economic & Housing Opportunity - foster a prosperous and enduring economy that promotes opportunity for all.
§ Community Well-Being - ensure exceptional communities and neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.
§ Environmental Stewardship - implement proactive solutions and emerging technologies for a sustainable and resilient community.
An amount not to exceed $70,000 of the proposed general fund budget will be considered available to provide support for grant requests.
The call for letters will remain open until all funds are awarded.
3. Status quo.
Continue funding the following organizations:
|
Vendor Name |
Amount |
|
BETH DILLINGER FOUNDATION INC - Annual "VALUE ME" Luncheon |
$ 5,000 |
|
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PINELLAS COUNTY - SILVER Sponsor |
$ 4,000 |
|
CHARITY WORKS INC - Monopoly Night Fundraiser |
$ 500 |
|
CHARITY WORKS INC - Annual Charity Works Clip |
$ 2,200 |
|
CHI CHI RODRIGUEZ YOUTH FOUNDATION INC - CHI CHI Charity Classic Sponsor |
$ 2,750 |
|
CHILDREN'S DREAM FUND - Sponsor Dream Maker luncheon |
$ 2,500 |
|
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM - Formerly known as "Winter on The Beach" Event Dinner Sponsorship |
$ 3,100 |
|
CLEARWATER MARTIN LUTHER KING JR NEIGHBORHOOD - City Council Table Sponsorship |
$ 1,000 |
|
HOPE VILLAGES OF AMERICA INC - Partnership Commitment |
$ 2,500 |
|
INTERCULTURAL ADVOCACY INSTITUTE - Annual Diversity Luncheon Sponsorship |
$ 3,300 |
|
MT CARMEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - North Greenwood Back to School Sponsorship |
$ 2,500 |
|
NAACP - Annual MLK Day Celebration Sponsorship |
$ 500 |
|
PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE INC - Annual Benefit Breakfast Sponsorship |
$ 2,500 |
|
PINELLAS EDUCATION FOUNDATION - Sponsorship of 4 Events |
$ 24,000 |
|
READY FOR LIFE INC - CHANGING LIVES LUNCHEON |
$ 2,500 |
|
WILLA CARSON HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER INC - Platinum Sponsorship |
$ 2,500 |
|
YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST INC - ANNUAL PRAYER BREAKFAST |
$ 5,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$ 66,350 |