They say there’s no harm in asking, so, if you run a non-profit that’s doing good work in Guilford County, time is almost up to put in your request through the brand new funding process that was established by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners earlier this year.
County staff and commissioners are currently creating the 2023-2024 fiscal budget, which is scheduled to be adopted in June, and county officials expect more than $1.5 million to go toward funding for non-profits that do things like enhance youth and community development, and promote education, arts, culture and job creation – among other things.
Last month, a portal on Guilford County’s website began taking applications and that portal will close at the end of March. The notice from the county states, “Community non-profits seeking to improve the quality of life for Guilford County residents are strongly encouraged to review and complete the Community Based Funding application before March 31, 2023.”
In the past, the application and selection process has been a complete mess, with taxpayer money often going to organizations that commissioners want to fund whether or not the service provided fit in with the county’s goals and regardless of whether that organization had stellar recordkeeping practices, a history of service, or had submitted its request after the deadline.
This year, county staff is attempting to bring some order to the chaos with a new, more clearcut policy; however, in the end, five votes are needed to pass a county budget, and non-profit funding for commissioners’ pet projects has always been one of the main negotiating chips for enticing a commissioner to vote for a budget.
Here’s how the process is supposed to work this year according to county staff: “A panel of county department representatives most closely affiliated with the proposed service will review applications and make recommendations for funding. Funding recommendations will be included in the County Manager’s [2023-2024] Recommended Budget and presented to the Board of Commissioners on May 18, 2023. The Board of Commissioners will review the recommendations as part of the budget adoption process. The County will notify non-profits that are awarded funding and begin the contracting process before July 1, 2023.”
Funding awards of up to $100,000 will be distributed upfront, and the organizations that receive those funds must submit quarterly reports stating how the money is spent and documenting that spending. Non-profits with awards of over $100,000 will be eligible to receive $100,000 upfront with the remaining funds distributed quarterly.
In addition to submitting quarterly reports, awardees receiving more than $100,000 must provide the county with an external audit.
Hey, doesn’t matter. Skip and company already have made the decision and know who will get the funds.
Dear Scott,
How do i find out more information about these grants?
thank you,
Marilyn
No need to apply Marilyn, these politicians had their mind made up before the 1st person or organization applied. It’s all political smoke and mirrors. There is one way to correct that: With a ballot.
Marilyn, the 3rd paragraph of Mr. Yost’s article clearly states that the information about how to apply for the funding is on the Guilford County website and the deadline for applications is today. I have some degree of experience with nonprofit organizations and fundraising, so you should have your agency 501(c) 3 documentation and other materials in hand before you attempt to make this happen. List of important staff members and financial details will be required. You should also be prepared to write a brief summary of what you do for the community and how your results are different from the other organizations already receiving funds. Make sure before you apply THAT what you do is congruent with the interests of the funding body. Good luck! For future reference, the central branch of the Greensboro Public Library has a Nonprofit Resource Center and access to a very expensive subscription for Candide. It is online foundation searching for grants both agency based and for individuals. They offer free courses in order to help you become more competitive in the fundraising process! GPL has a dedicated staff librarian whose focus is solely on Nonprofit and Business concerns. ALL you need to access these wonderful resources is a public library card!
I am forced into non-profitancy, can I get on, Skip?
Refund it all to the taxpayers and let them vote with their wallets and own conscience.
My business has barely made a profit since COVID. I need free money (from other taxpayers).
No need to apply Marilyn, these politicians had their mind made up before the 1st person or organization applied. It’s all political smoke and mirrors. There is one way to correct that: With a ballot.