Lancaster County Council approves $100,000 nonprofit grant program, council carves funding toward food and critical services

Lancaster County Council voted on Resolution 13‑23‑R‑2026 to authorize distribution of a $100,000 county set‑aside for nonprofit grants drawn from the FY2026 budget. Staff said a seven‑member review team evaluated 22 applications and recommended funding 16 organizations.

Councilmember Graham offered a substitute allocation that prioritized organizations providing food and other critical services: Hope ($15,000); Greater Hope Soup Kitchen ($10,000); Christian Services ($10,000); Care of Kershaw ($15,000); Lancaster Children’s Home ($10,000); Lancaster SPCA ($5,500); Finding Serenity ($25,000). Graham said the suggested awards total $90,500 and reflect the county’s stated aim to address urgent needs. He acknowledged that one award (Finding Serenity) includes ongoing personnel costs and may warrant year‑to‑year review.

Staff noted that grant recipients must submit midyear and final reports documenting outcomes, expenditures and community impact, and that award administration will follow reporting processes similar to prior federal and ATAX subrecipient arrangements. Councilmembers debated whether awards should be apportioned by district or set with tighter parameters; staff and the deputy administrator said parameters and reporting mechanisms can be integrated into the grant process.

After discussion, the council approved the substitute allocation and the resolution as amended; the vote was recorded as five in favor, one opposed and one abstention. Council asked staff to provide clearer allocation guidance for future budget cycles and to ensure reporting requirements are enforced for funded nonprofits.