Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nonprofit Funding Cuts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local nonprofit coalition warns Lincoln County of service losses tied to federal funding cuts
Summary
United in Purpose Lincoln County told commissioners federal funding reductions could remove nearly $295,000 from local victim services and put shelter capacity and other supports at risk, and asked the county and residents to advocate and coordinate responses.
United in Purpose Lincoln County, a coalition of local nonprofits, asked the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on April 21 to consider the local consequences of recent and prospective federal funding cuts and to help amplify outreach to state and federal representatives.
The coalition’s organizer, Jana (last name not specified), and Jennifer Bonning, a representative of a local domestic violence and victim services program, outlined service reductions that they said are already constraining shelter and counseling capacity. “As of July 1, we’re going to lose about a hundred and $5,000. In October, we will lose access to an additional hundred and $99,000,” Bonning said, adding that those funds support shelter operations and related services.
Why it matters: Coalition members said the reductions will translate to fewer shelter beds, longer stays for some clients and less capacity to serve people — including seniors and children — who need emergency housing and related services. The coalition estimated nearly $100 million in federal funding connected to community organizations and services could be affected more broadly, and asked county officials and residents to stay informed and press elected officials for support.
Bonning described service impacts she attributed to grant cuts. She told commissioners the shelter served 34 individuals in 2024 — 86 women, six men and 42 children for a total of 4,579 bed nights (the transcript text contained numeric counts Bonning supplied). She said longer stays are reducing the shelter’s turnover: “When it used to be 4 to 6 weeks, it’s now 3 to 6 months, and that eliminates a spot for somebody who is in more of a lethality situation.”
Commissioners pressed for details about funding sources and state engagement. In response, presenters said most of the funding discussed — including the $295,000 aggregate figure mentioned during questioning — is federal pass-through funding, administered at the state level, and not new grants. Bonning said the affected funds are “all federal. All federal. 100%.” The presenters said the state has used reserves to continue some grants but is not comfortable issuing new grants until federal funding clarity improves.
Commissioners and staff discussed possible next steps. Commissioners encouraged the coalition to continue coordinating across agencies and to provide specific, local data that the county can share with state and federal officials. Commissioner comments emphasized willingness to assist with advocacy and to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships.
The coalition said they will continue to share stories and data in coming weeks and invited commissioners and the press to a follow-up meeting in the Wells Fargo conference room at 10:00 for additional conversation and feedback.
Ending: Presenters did not request a formal vote. Commissioners offered to relay the coalition’s concerns through their channels and to remain involved in follow-up conversations.
