City of Columbus - File #: 1239-2023

• File #: 1239-2023
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Passed
• File created: 4/19/2023
• In control: Health & Human Services Committee
• On agenda: 5/15/2023
• Final action: 5/18/2023
• Title: To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to execute grant agreements in an amount up to $100,000.00 with Per Scholas Inc. and in an amount up to $50,000.00 with Food Rescue US, 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; to authorize payment for reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages for participants of programs included in the grant agreements; to authorize the advancement of funds on a pre-determined schedule during the term of the agreement; to authorize the expenditure of up to $50,000.00 from the Hotel Motel Bed Tax Fund and $100,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($150,000.00)

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
5/18/2023	1	CITY CLERK	Attest
5/17/2023	1	MAYOR	Signed
5/15/2023	1	COUNCIL PRESIDENT	Signed
5/15/2023	1	Columbus City Council	Approved	Pass

Explanation

BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to execute grant agreements in an amount up to $100,000.00 with Per Scholas Inc. and up to $50,000.00 with Food Rescue US, 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 authorization for ...