Merrimack County allocates $190,000 in social‑service grants amid heavy competition
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Summary
County staff presented 2026 social‑service grant scores and asked the board to fund the highest‑ranked applicants up to the $190,000 set‑aside; commissioners approved the recommended top group (including Merrimack Valley Daycare) and directed staff to send award and regret letters.
County staff presented ranked applications for the 2026 social‑service grant round and recommended funding the top group of applicants within a $190,000 set‑aside. The total requests totaled about $485,000, but the county has set aside $190,000 for distribution.
Staff described scoring criteria drawn from the RFP—benefit to county residents, whether the county would otherwise provide the service, and capacity to use funds. Commissioners asked about specific organizations and requested follow up in cases where prior grants appeared unused; staff said one organization, MyTurn, had a prior $10,000 award and had not drawn down the funds, and said they would follow up.
Board discussion focused on prioritizing highest‑scoring groups and ensuring award letters noted that funding is contingent on passage of the county budget. The board moved to fund the top applicants (from Thrive down through Waypoint and allocating two awards to Merrimack Valley Daycare as requested) and approved sending standard award and regret letters; staff reminded awardees that funding will not be disbursed until the budget is finalized.
Commissioners emphasized the competitive process and offered staff assistance to unsuccessful applicants to improve future proposals.
