Weston commission allocates FY2026 charitable funds to aging, early‑learning and domestic‑violence nonprofits

The Weston City Commission voted unanimously Jan. 20 to allocate this year’s charitable contributions among three nonprofit partners: the Area Wide Council on Aging of Broward County, the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, and Women in Distress of Broward County.

Representatives from each organization described services for Weston residents. Charlotte Mather Taylor, CEO of the Area Wide Council on Aging, said her group served 195 Weston seniors last year and provided about $418,000 in services; she outlined new programs including a caregiver navigator team, an evidence‑based caregiver burnout program (T Care), an online community platform for caregivers, a lift/concierge transport program and a mental‑health checkup grant targeting social isolation. Ansel Pratt III, senior director of communications for the Early Learning Coalition, highlighted last year’s childcare assistance to 63 local households and support that channeled about $520,000 to seven small local childcare businesses. Susan Evans, grants manager at Women in Distress, emphasized the organization’s countywide domestic‑violence services, including an on‑site pet shelter that helps survivors leave abusive situations.

Commissioners discussed the city’s charter cap on charitable contributions (established by voter referendum), emphasized rigorous selection criteria and noted the allocation remains within the $50,000 annual threshold. Staff confirmed one of the three applicants had a late submittal but met criteria and the commission waived the deadline as permitted by procedure.

The vote: unanimous approval. Commissioners praised the services and asked staff to remain transparent about program outcomes and fiscal stewardship.