Topeka committee approves 2027 social-services funding priorities, scoring sheet and timeline

The Topeka City Social Services Grants Committee voted 3-0 on Nov. 6 to adopt the city's funding priorities, scoring sheet and timeline for the 2027 grant cycle.

The committee's motion to accept the funding priorities was moved by Neil Dobler, seconded by Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz and passed without opposition. The committee then approved the scoring sheet, also by voice vote, and adopted a calendar setting key dates for the 2027 process.

United Way of Kaw Valley presented the recommendations and described the overall timeline for the cycle. United Way said the 2027 request for proposals will be released April 13, 2026, an application workshop will be held April 27, 2026, and applications will be due May 26, 2026, by 5 p.m. United Way also noted the review and appeals schedule: reviewers secured in mid-May, preliminary scoring the week in June when the committee reconstitutes in 2026, an appeals process in July, a recommendation to city council by Aug. 1 and council adoption of the budget by Oct. 1, 2026.

Committee members discussed language for new applicants and the maximum and minimum grant request amounts. Ortiz asked that application materials make clear limits on maximum and minimum requests and that assistance to applicants be clearly noted. United Way reiterated a longstanding rule that an agency or program must be in operation for two years prior to applying to be eligible under the city's process; newer programs may be considered only if dollars remain available after established programs are funded.

Brett Martin of United Way said the packet recommends no changes to the stated priorities for 2027 and flagged an upcoming opportunity to align the city's investments with the community health improvement plan (CHIP) after that plan has been in place for a year.

The approvals were recorded as unanimous among the three committee members present.