Goodyear council approves $214,400 in community funding for FY2025–26 after review of 55 applications

Christina Panotescu, Goodyear’s community partnerships program manager, presented the Community Funding Subcommittee’s recommended allocations for fiscal year 2025–26 at the July 7 council meeting.

Panotescu said the program had $214,400 budgeted for distribution, received 55 applications (more than 20 from first-time applicants), and that the total requests exceeded $3 million because some applicants did not account for average award limits. She thanked Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Councilwoman Laura Cano and Councilwoman Vicki Gillis for their work on the subcommittee.

Council discussion focused on program performance and continuity of a program referenced as "iHealth" or "IHOPE." Panotescu said Lutheran Social Services had previously administered the program but stopped delivering it due to federal budget cuts; the applicant receiving the award will sustain the service. She also described the annual reporting cycle: applicants who previously received awards report 12-month results that staff compile and share with council.

A motion and second to approve the recommended allocations passed 7–0. The council directed staff to notify awardees and proceed with distributing funds per the recommended allocations.

Why it matters: The community funding program distributes limited city funds to nonprofits that provide services Goodyear does not deliver directly. Council members said they hope to increase funding in future budgets as needs grow.

What’s next: Staff will notify applicants of awards, distribute funds, and compile awardees’ 12-month reports for council review.