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Commissioners discuss reinstating one‑year small grants pilot; staff asked to return with details
Summary
Board considered a one‑year reinstatement of a small grants program using approximately $980,000 of available ongoing funds to provide one-time assistance to nonprofits; commissioners expressed support in principle but raised concerns about administrative burden, political pressure and expectations, and asked staff to return with policy options when Commissioner West can participate.
Clackamas County staff proposed reinstating a one‑year small grants program to award competitive, one‑time grants to local nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. County Administrator Gary Smith said approximately $980,000 in ongoing funds could be allocated for a pilot and that staff would bring recommendations on structure and eligibility to a future policy session.
Commissioners welcomed the idea that a pilot could help organizations in crisis, but raised concerns about administrative workload, perceived political pressure from applicants, long‑term expectations after a one‑time award and the risk of creating dependency. Commissioner Savas said from past experience the program sometimes increased political pressure rather than relieving it, and Commissioner Helm noted staff time and capacity constraints for grant administration.
The board directed staff to bring back a policy session with more detail, including background on the prior program, suggested criteria and cost estimates, and to schedule the discussion when Commissioner West can participate.
