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DeKalb committee raises nonprofit grant pool, asks staff to review award methodology
Summary
The committee approved increases to the human services grant funding (item 15‑11 raised toward $650,000) and the victim assistance pool ($200,000 for item 15‑12), while commissioners pushed for a methodological review of grant tiers, equity, and multi‑year options to increase impact.
The DeKalb PECS committee approved awards for human services and victim‑assistance grants and directed staff to review the grant methodology for greater impact.
Director Damon Scott summarized the annual Human Services Grants process and scoring method: applicants meeting threshold (score ≥80) are funded with a $10,000 base grant plus a score‑based percentage. Scott said the available funding pot has decreased from earlier years, resulting in smaller average awards. "We are seeking approval for awarding grantees for 2025–2026," Scott said.
Commissioner Ted Terry led a sustained critique of the current approach, arguing that uniform base grants can dilute impact and that the county should consider tiered awards, two‑year cycles or larger awards to priority organizations. "If you wanted to look at it from a lens of equity... you might actually ask what is the annual budget of the 58 organizations that are approved," he said, suggesting redistributing funds to maximize impact.
The committee debated increasing the 15‑11 pot from $559,609 to $650,000 to better support grantees; Commissioner Terry moved to increase the award amount and to request a follow‑up review of methodology. That motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee also approved the victim assistance grants (item 15‑12) transferring $200,000 from the victim assistance fund into the human services grant fund.
Directives: staff will provide analysis of alternative funding scenarios (including historical allocations at $1,000,000 and tiered award models), consider two‑year grants, and return with recommendations to improve equity and impact.
