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Council trims nonprofit grant pool as budget pressures persist; approves reduced awards
Summary
Facing budget constraints, the council approved reduced nonprofit grants for FY26, cutting the usual allocation and approving revised awards and renewing select multi‑year service agreements.
The Saint Helena City Council on April 22 approved a reduced nonprofit grant program for FY 2026 amid broader budget pressures. Staff reported 25 applications requesting roughly $268,709; a city working group (mayor and vice mayor) recommended reducing the annual awards pool from roughly $125,000 to $75,000 for the coming year. The council adopted staff’s recommendation.
Staff also presented that three recurring service agreements—annual $30,000 allocations established three years earlier for selected community service providers—are expiring June 30, 2025. The council approved the staff recommendation to continue the existing approach consistent with the staff report and forthcoming FY26 budget process (the motion approved the staff recommendations as presented).
Public speakers included representatives from the Saint Helena Community Garden, UpValley Family Centers, Saint Helena Cooperative Nursery School and a hospital foundation clinic program; speakers thanked the council for past support and described the community services their groups provide. Council members said the cuts were difficult but necessary given the city’s fiscal circumstances and encouraged nonprofits to pursue additional fundraising and partnerships.
Vote: motion to adopt staff recommendation on grant awards carried on roll call (unanimous). Staff will include the adopted grant allocations in the FY26 budget documents and continue to work with applicants and community partners on fundraising and program delivery.
