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Council boosts heritage‑fund grants: $100,000 each for Salvation Army, Project Renewal
Summary
After public testimony on homelessness and youth programs, the council amended two heritage‑fund awards — increasing a proposed $50,000 to $100,000 for Salvation Army sheltering efforts and approving $100,000 for Project Renewal’s expansion — with roll calls recorded.
On Dec. 3 the Davenport City Council used heritage‑fund proceeds to expand two community grants in response to public testimony and council amendments.
Council first considered a proposed $50,000 contract with the Salvation Army to support housing and homelessness initiatives. After several speakers described rising family homelessness and service demand, Alderman Ashra Grama moved to amend the award to $100,000 with funding from the Heritage Fund; the amendment carried on roll call.
Later, Project Renewal and numerous supporters — including children and long‑time volunteers — described the nonprofit’s 51‑year history and need to expand the Treat House to serve after‑school youth. Alderman Kelly moved to allocate $100,000 from Heritage Fund proceeds to Project Renewal; the motion passed by roll call 10–0.
CFO Asha Gerlach explained that the Heritage Fund balance is substantial (staff estimated roughly $5–5.5 million), and that interest on legacy funds currently flows to the general fund; councilmembers discussed using interest or principal depending on policy and timing.
Why it matters: council’s amended awards respond to immediate local needs for emergency shelter and youth programming funded from a designated heritage resource rather than the general fund.
What’s next: procurement and contract paperwork will follow for the two grants; council members asked staff to confirm funding sources and any reporting requirements for recipients.
