To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
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Alex Nelson, Management Analyst I, Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Alex Nelson, Management Analyst I, Commissioners’ Office
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Subject:
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10:00 AM *2023 Aid to Agencies Overview
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to provide information on the 2023 Aid to Agencies Program and seek Board approval of this year’s approach, including updated evaluation criteria, refined service categories, and the application timeline.
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Background and Discussion: Each year, the Arapahoe County Commissioners dedicate funds to the Aid to Agencies Program to support nonprofit organizations in the county. In 2021, the Board approved revisions to the program to better align with the new Strategic Plan and focus on four key service areas: behavioral and mental health, homelessness, seniors, and domestic violence. The revisions also included additional reporting requirements and the implementation of a bifurcated funding model consisting of annual funding to nine safety net organizations and a competitive grant application for the remaining funds.
During the October 19, 2021, study session, the Board provided additional feedback about future updates to the program, including more descriptive funding categories and ensuring that funding awards are geographically balanced within the county. A link to this study session is attached for reference.
For this year’s Aid to Agencies program, staff is presenting a slightly revised approach to the competitive grant portion of the program in response to last year’s feedback, including revisions to the funding categories and application review criteria. Staff is proposing no changes to the safety net grants at this time.
Prioritized Service Categories
The four buckets have been expanded under this proposal to be more descriptive about what services are provided, including but not limited to transportation, substance abuse treatment, shelter, and food assistance.
Review Criteria
The criteria have been refined to increase weight on the services provided by an organization, how those services align with the prioritized categories approved by the Board, and geographic balance/accessibility. The final 2022 criteria and proposed 2023 criteria are attached for reference.
Timeline
• June 27 - Application Opens
• August 5 - Application Closes
• October 25 - Study Session: Review Recommendations with the Board
• December 6 - Adopt Allocations with 2023 Budget
Fiscal Impact: The total budget for the Aid to Agencies program is approximately $1.6 million; proposed funding recommendations will be presented at a later date.
Alternatives: The Board could choose to add or remove prioritized categories, make amendments to the revised criteria, and/or adjust the timeline.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommend moving forward with the 2023 Aid to Agencies approach as presented.
Concurrence: Human Services; Community Resources