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Committee agrees to let COA use philanthropic funds for time‑bound pilot grants while preserving DHHS oversight of public dollars
Summary
After extended debate, the committees adopted compromise language allowing the Children’s Opportunity Alliance to accept and use private philanthropic funds for pilots aligned with a county common agenda (subject to board or delegated approval) while keeping public dollars subject to DHHS contract authority.
Montgomery County council members and agency staff reached a compromise Oct. 16 that allows the Children’s Opportunity Alliance (COA) to accept and use private philanthropic funds for time‑bound pilot grants that align with the county’s common agenda, provided the COA board (or a board‑delegated body) approves those uses.
Committee members repeatedly emphasized two constraints: private philanthropic dollars may be used flexibly if they support systems‑level goals and evaluation plans, and any use of county public dollars for grants would remain subject to DHHS contract terms and approval. Jennifer Arnaiz, DHHS senior administrator for early childhood services, said DHHS ‘‘sees the coordinating entity as a neutral convener…[and] giving grants directly to providers is where we feel that it is not really addressing more of a strategic approach.’’ Kimberly Resnick, COA executive director, described how private philanthropy had supported pilot work and back‑office services for providers and argued flexibility is needed to move quickly and test ideas.
