County Court Faces Backlash Over Nonprofit Consulting Costs

In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the allocation of $1.1 million in grant funding to support local nonprofits through a consulting firm, Kelley Nonprofit Consulting. Board members expressed skepticism about the effectiveness and transparency of the program, questioning the necessity of such a significant investment without a clear understanding of the specific needs of each nonprofit.

Denny Newell, a board member, highlighted the lack of a comprehensive needs assessment prior to selecting the organizations that would benefit from the consulting services. He argued that without identifying the unique requirements of each nonprofit, the funding could be misallocated, leading to inefficient use of resources. Newell emphasized the importance of understanding individual organizational needs before committing substantial financial support.

Concerns were also voiced about the consulting firm's billing practices, with some members questioning the justification for charging $120 per hour for coaching services when experienced grant writers could be hired for significantly less. The disparity in costs raised alarms about the potential for mismanagement of funds, particularly given that the consultants' qualifications were not clearly established.

Kayla Rayburn, another participant, defended the initiative, suggesting that while the overall cost appears daunting, it could be broken down into manageable amounts per nonprofit over the three-year contract. She argued that the diverse needs of the nonprofits necessitate a comprehensive approach, which may justify the higher costs associated with specialized consulting services.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for better communication and monitoring of the consulting services. Board members agreed to seek regular updates on the progress of the consulting firm and the specific assistance being provided to each nonprofit. They also discussed the possibility of inviting representatives from the nonprofits to future meetings to ensure their voices are heard in the ongoing evaluation of the program.

As the county moves forward with this initiative, the focus will remain on ensuring that the investment translates into tangible benefits for the local nonprofit sector, while maintaining accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.