Explanation
This ordinance authorizes a grant agreement between the Director of the Department of Development and the Franklin County Historical Society (dba COSI).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic and substantial impact on local institutions, notably those cultural arts facilities that rely on attendance for much of their operating revenue. In response to the announced Ohio stay-at-home order, COSI closed its door to ensure the safety of its team, guests, and the general public. As a nonprofit, COSI earns almost 76 - 80% of its entire annual budget through earned revenue, and as a result of the closure, COSI, like many of its colleague institutions, lost massive revenue and suffered significant staff layoffs.
Although closed, and with limited staff, COSI continues to strive to serve the Central Ohio community, especially the City of Columbus. COSI has initiated several outreach programs, including COSI Connects, which has allowed them to deliver great STEM content for K-12 students, teachers and parents. With this grant, COSI seeks to partner with the City of Columbus to continue to serve the city, and help to address the challenges of COVID-19 through innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) physical and digital learning platforms.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the CARES Act fund for this expense.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with the Franklin County Historical Society (dba COSI) for the purpose of providing ongoing support for STEM education for K-12 students, teachers, and parents and to add needed capacity to the Franklin County Historical Society’s operating budget as a result of COVID-19 specific closures; to authorize the expenditure of up to $500,000.00 from the CARES Act Fund; and to authorize the payment of expenses starting March 1, 2020. ($500,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in extended closures for many of c...
Click here for full text