Supervisors revise Community Betterment Grant Program guidelines amid rising application requests

The Polk County Board convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss the Community Betterment Grant Program, which aims to support nonprofit organizations in areas such as culture, education, healthcare, and basic human services. The program currently operates on an annual cycle, with applications accepted from December 1 to February 28, and offers grants ranging from $500 to $10,000, with a total budget of $1 million.

During the meeting, officials noted a significant increase in applications for the grants, with the number of requests tripling in 2025 compared to previous years. Each supervisor is allocated $200,000, but the average grant awarded in 2024 was $5,558, highlighting a growing disparity between the funds requested and those available. This trend has been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19, which caused a dip in both requests and available funds.

The board anticipates that the demand for grants will continue to rise, particularly as federal and state funding sources diminish. This situation poses challenges for decision-making regarding grant allocations, as the available funds are unlikely to increase in the near future.

In response to these challenges, the board is considering implementing formal guidelines for the Community Betterment Grant Program. This move aims to enhance transparency and establish clearer standards for grant applications, similar to those used in the Community Development Grant Program. A draft of these proposed guidelines was shared with attendees, indicating a proactive approach to managing the increasing demand for community support.

As the board prepares for the next grant cycle, the discussions underscore the importance of adapting to changing funding landscapes and ensuring that local nonprofits receive the support they need to serve the community effectively. The anticipated growth in grant requests will require careful consideration and strategic planning in the coming years.