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Apopka council adopts nonprofit grant program with 50% match, hands selection to outside committee
Summary
The council adopted a City of Apopka nonprofit grant program July 2, setting a primary application window, a 12-month award term, and a minimum 50% applicant match; council also named a five-member selection committee to score proposals.
The City Council on July 2 adopted a framework for a City of Apopka nonprofit grant program intended to support youth and senior-focused programming and authorized a staff-administered application portal and a selection committee to score applications.
Council directed staff to finalize the program with a primary application window of Oct. 1'Oct. 30 and a secondary window April 1'April 30, set awards for 12 months from the date of award, limited applicants to one active grant at a time, and established a minimum 50% match requirement of cash and/or in-kind contributions for applicants. The council also changed program language to allow federally tax-exempt organizations beyond only 501(c)(3) entities.
Staff said an online application portal will collect project scopes, attachments and contact details. Adam Bracker of staff explained scoring would be used to rank applicants; council decided not to require a minimum score to be eligible for award but to allow the selection committee to recommend awards in rank order depending on available funds. Council budgeted $100,000 for the program in FY 2024—25. The ordinance as adopted instructs the selection committee to provide recommendations to council, which will make final awards.
Council debated grant-match thresholds and scoring, then approved program changes including a 50% minimum match and reworded project-criteria language. Commissioner Smith and others asked staff to produce the final award agreement and to circulate it to commissioners before the grant window opens. The council appointed five selection-committee members (Lorena Potter, Maribel Brinkle, Martha McCray, Sylvester Hall and Greg Jackson). The first committee term is limited to two award cycles.
Public commenters urged careful vetting of applicants and flagged the administrative cost of government-conducted audits for small organizations; staff said the grant agreement will include an auditing clause to be invoked if misuse of funds is suspected. Council approved the program by unanimous vote.
