Party Ville Foundation approves 2026–27 operating budget, awards four $1,000 youth scholarships

The Party Ville Community Transformation Foundation on Monday accepted a financial report, approved its 2026–27 operating budget and voted to award four $1,000 Future Leaders scholarships.

John Boyle presented the financial report, summarizing the city manager's budget pages and a pie-chart breakdown of operating funds. Boyle said the capital improvement program shows about $29.4 million and reported an unassigned fund balance “close to 300 340,000 in change.” He told board members year-to-date revenues were about $2.5 million and that the foundation had spent roughly $2,800 more than that amount this year, largely on contributions and grants.

"This is the front the front inside cover of the city manager's budget that was approved at first reading," Boyle said while walking members through revenue categories and transfers from Jasper and Beaufort counties. He asked whether the board wanted to act on the report; members moved and seconded a motion to approve the financial report by voice vote.

The board then considered the foundation's operating budget for 2026–27. Boyle said department heads enter budget details directly and reviewed revenue lines including gifts, grants, investment income and sales and services. After a brief opportunity for questions, a member moved, a second was recorded and the board approved the operating budget, which Boyle said had already been approved at first reading by the city council.

Neil outlined the Future Leaders scholarship program and the criteria for eligibility: applicants must be members of the Hardeeville Youth Council, submit a 1,000-word essay and be accepted to a college, university, trade school or military program. "The scholarships itself is just a a thousand dollars per applicant," Neil said. The packet contained four qualifying applications; the board approved all four recipients, totaling $4,000 in awards.

Why it matters: The budget and scholarship approvals set the foundation's spending priorities for the coming year and move modest direct support to local youth while the group prepares a larger discretionary grant round.

What’s next: Boyle and staff will continue routine financial reporting. The board also discussed next steps for fundraising and the discretionary grant program, which Neil said will be circulated to the board for input before a planned July release.

The meeting adjourned after board members agreed on next steps and an informal timeline for follow-up.