County Board proposes $2.5M funding boost for regional project grants

Polk County officials are gearing up for a significant shift in grant funding, with plans to increase the allotment for each supervisor to $100,000 per fiscal year. This decision, discussed during the Polk County Board Grants Workshop on June 4, 2025, aims to enhance financial support for nonprofits and community events across the county.

The board highlighted the growing demand for sponsorships, noting that requests have surged to five times the available funds. Currently, each supervisor has access to $55,000, but the recommendation to raise this amount is driven by the need to better support larger-scale festivals and events, such as the Principal Charity Classic and Yankee Doodle Pops.

"These sponsorships have become a vital part of fundraising for nonprofits in our community," one board member stated, emphasizing the importance of increasing funding to meet the rising demand. The proposed changes also include streamlining the application process, allowing organizations to apply for sponsorships year-round rather than in set cycles.

In addition to the funding increase, the board discussed the possibility of allowing cities and school districts to apply for grants without needing a fiscal agent, which could simplify the process for local projects. This change is expected to empower municipalities to take ownership of their initiatives, further promoting regional collaboration.

The board plans to implement these changes by July 1, 2025, with updates on grant applications and funding allocations to be shared regularly. As Polk County continues to prioritize regionalism and community engagement, these adjustments signal a commitment to fostering growth and support for local organizations.