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Council OKs $5,000 to help set up Village in Waterville Pantry as 501(c)(3)
Summary
The council approved a $5,000 grant to support startup and processing costs for establishing the Village in Waterville Pantry as an independent 501(c)(3), enabling grant eligibility and asset ownership; a separate $10,000 application was reported as submitted to support the nonprofit.
Administrator Teresa Hill and City Attorney Jason Moran told the council they are working to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit for the food pantry to ensure ownership of assets and eligibility for grants. They estimated startup costs of $2,500–$3,000 for the application and sought a $5,000 city grant for processing and initial operating capital.
Attorney Moran noted it is statutorily permissible for cities to provide grants for food service projects. Councilmember Jennifer Grobe volunteered to help manage and coordinate vendors and volunteers for the pantry operations. Harold Youtzy’s separate $10,000 grant application — described by staff as strictly for a 501(c)(3) — was also noted; Hill said the city has no current working capital for the pantry and that volunteer efforts sustain operations.
"The name of the entity will continue as 'The Village in Waterville Pantry,'" Administrator Hill said. The motion by Wollin, seconded by Smith, to approve formation assistance and a $5,000 grant carried 5-0. Staff will proceed with nonprofit formation steps and return updates as needed.
