Explanation
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to make financial assistance available and enter into grant agreements with Columbus area 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to provide summer camp and recreational programming to youth in Central Ohio; to authorize the expenditure of up to $2,000,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks allocation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) fund; to declare an emergency. ($2,000,000.00)
Background: This ordinance authorizes the City Auditor to establish a certificate in the amount of $2,000,000.00 for grant awards to Columbus area 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to provide summer camp and recreational programming to youth in Central Ohio.
Due to the effects of COVID-19, the City of Columbus recognizes many organizations serving youth during the summer months may not have the capacity to do so in 2020. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) fund, up to $2,000,000.00 is allocated to distribute to qualified Columbus area nonprofit agencies. Grants awarded will range from $2,000 to $250,000.
The nonprofit organizations must provide summer camps & opportunities to youth in Columbus to help ease the challenges families face due to the current public health emergency. Importantly, all expenses must be eligible under the United States Treasury CARES Act guidelines. Expenses must be necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) between March 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020.
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so that the program can be implemented as soon as possible in accordance with grant conditions.
Benefits to the Public: Providing youth structured and creative recreational programming, affords youth the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing. This grant program will help the City of Columbus maximize the number of kid...
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