Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cbo Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Doral council approves changes to CBO grant program to boost small groups' access to funds
Summary
The Doral City Council voted to revise the community-based organization grant program to create two funding cycles, allow partial upfront payments, raise total program funds to $50,000, and increase the per-organization cap to $7,000.
The Doral City Council on June 4 voted to revise the Community-Based Organization (CBO) grant program to create two grant cycles per fiscal year, allow partial or upfront disbursements, and raise total program funding to $50,000.
Councilman Rafael Pinedo, who introduced the proposal, said the current once-a-year, reimbursement-only structure excludes smaller or newer nonprofits. "There’s a reason why these not-for-profit organizations, they apply for a grant. It's because they need the money," Pinedo told the council.
Under the council's direction, eligibility will be limited to one grant per organization per fiscal year and the maximum award per organization will increase to $7,000. The selection committee will be authorized to set guidelines that permit advance disbursements of between 25% and 50% of an award; the resolution also requires community outreach through educational workshops and promotional campaigns. The council and staff said budget changes to fund the program will occur during the next budget process.
Council members discussed leaving detailed disbursement guidance to the selection committee rather than specifying percentages in the ordinance; the motion adopted gives the committee discretion to finalize operational rules. Councilwoman Nicole Reynoso moved approval; Councilman Rafael Pinedo seconded. The roll call recorded unanimous support from council members present.
The city manager and city attorney confirmed the CBO rules are implemented through an internal policy rather than city code, so changes directed by this resolution can be implemented administratively for the next grant cycle. Council members said they expect the committee to return guidance on eligibility checks, reporting requirements and outreach timelines before funds are disbursed.
The resolution passed on a recorded vote. Staff said they will present implementation details and any necessary budget adjustments during the coming fiscal-year budget process.
