Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to execute grant agreements in an amount up to $100,000.00 each with Gladden Community House Inc. and United Way of Central Ohio, both not-for-profit, social service agencies, for the provision of human services programming for a 12 month period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, as part of the Elevate 2.0! Program.
The Elevate 2.0! Program is a rebranding of the Department’s Human Services Grant program due to COVID-19. Prior year investment strategies included: Income through Employment, Job Quality, Education and Training, Financial Capability, and Stabilization and Resource Support. COVID-19 significantly impacted not-for-profit organizations and the residents of Columbus. There was an increase in homelessness, housing instability, lost jobs, increase in violence, and increase in health issues. Not-for-profit agencies were challenged to address these needs as donations dropped off. To address these issues, the Department of Development will focus on supporting not-for-profit organizations providing human services programming in the following areas: Infant Vitality, Homelessness, Housing Stability, Finance Security, Workforce Development, Violence Elimination, Re-entry, Neighborhood Building, and Chronic Disease Prevention. All of the focus areas are tied to Mayor Ginther’s Equity Agenda/Opportunity Rising.
The Elevate! 2.0 NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) was made available to local not-for-profit organizations from September 12, 2022, to October 3, 2022. The Department received 142 applications with requests for funding totaling $14,050,000.00. Proposals were reviewed by a 24 member team. Sixty-six programs were selected for funding in 2023.
The awards are given with an anticipated renewal in FY2024 and FY 2025, pending availability of funds and program performance per agreements with each agency.
This ordinance includes authorizati...
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