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County-funded Community Priority Fund credited with stabilizing families; evaluators recommend lump-sum grants and stronger evaluation
Summary
University of Michigan evaluators told the Washtenaw County Board the Community Priority Fund (CPF) reached thousands through housing, food, reentry and early childhood supports, but recommended lump-sum funding, clearer evaluation metrics and capacity-building for small nonprofits.
University of Michigan researchers presented final findings on Washtenaw County—ommunity Priority Fund (CPF), saying CPF wards supported immediate needs and expanded nonprofit capacity but revealed administrative burdens that threaten sustainability.
The evaluation team highlighted direct-assistance results: about $620,000 distributed for rent, utilities and groceries concentrated in Ypsilanti and Whitmore Lake; 32 evictions or utility shutoffs prevented; distribution of roughly 250,000 pounds of food; and about 300 people receiving holiday meals paired with health and financial referrals. "This structure not only documented outcomes, but also positioned grantees for future funding and sustainability," Michael Clark, a member of the evaluation team, said.
Researchers grouped CPF-funded work into five categories and reported outcomes across them. Patrick Meehan said CPF-funded community-violence intervention partners served more than 822…
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