Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $70,000 by Department of Neighborhoods within the Neighborhood Grants fund for the purpose of awarding grants under the My Brother’s Keeper grants program.
In 2014 President Obama called on cities, non-profits, and the private sector to collaborate and close opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color (B&YMOC). Columbus was one of the first cities to answer this call. The city and partner organizations brought together more than 500 B&YMOC to ensure that Columbus’ My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) work was grounded in testimony from the target population. Numerous non-profit service providers, schools, and companies have created programs to serve vulnerable youth of color since the launch of the national MBK initiative. In 2015, Senator Sherrod Brown and former Chair of the National MBK initiative and Obama Cabinet Secretary Broderick Johnson hosted an event to highlight Columbus’ MBK initiative.
The purpose of the MBK grants is to financially support programs that have shown success in one of the four categories the Kirwan Institute identified as contributing to youth vulnerability: economics, safety, education, and health. Many nonprofits, churches, and community leaders have led the charge in our neighborhoods for years. The MBK Grants Program will allow those organizations to test innovative approaches to improve high school success. Round 1 grants engaged and expanded the MBK network in Columbus by supporting work focused on BYMOC. Round 2 grants will help project teams test ideas and learn what works. Grants may support work such as piloting initiatives at the organizational, individual or systemic levels.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any disruption in service for at-risk residents.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Grants Fund 2220.
Title
To authorize an expenditure within the Neighborhoods Grant fund in support of the My Brother’s Keeper Gra...
Click here for full text