A representative associated with the county's prevention coalition told the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 15 that a federal 2025 prevention grant that supported school-based programs was canceled and that the group faces a funding gap.

The speaker said the federal government had notified the coalition on Nov. 11 that it was canceling the 2025 grant, which he cited as $125,000, and described steps taken to reduce costs, including terminating contracts that supported school programs. "On November 11, the federal government notified us by email that they were canceling the 2025 grant, which is a 125,000," the presenter said.

Commissioners debated whether to allow organizations denied in the committee round to return for additional consideration. Several commissioners said permitting an ad-hoc appeal now could set a precedent and be unfair to other applicants who did not have the same opportunity. Vice Chairman Peterson summarized board sentiment: "I think we'll respectfully decline to fund that," and suggested the organization could present during the public-comment period or return in January.

Why it matters: the canceled federal grant would have supported prevention work in schools; losing the award prompted staff and coalition leaders to consider staffing and program reductions and request county help to bridge the gap.

Next steps: the board did not reopen the awards process at the meeting; the coalition was offered an opportunity to present brief public comment now or to return in January for fuller consideration.