Group Seeking Last Minute Grant Withdraws

A DC-based non-profit seeking to set up a service and learning program for Bowie high school students this week withdrew from consideration, citing insufficient time.

In an email to city officials, the group cited too short of a timeline to stand up the Bowie initiative within their existing program calendar.

The program aimed to recruit ten Bowie high school students and transport them to DC for weekly seminars lasting through the Spring. The program also featured a social hack-a-thon and service trip to Zambia, spread over a multi-year program.

The group presented their proposal to the City Council last week, requesting $52,000 to fund the initiative meant to inculcate ten area students in social justice and civic engagement.

The withdrawal is understandable given the City Council was scheduled to vote on a budget amendment and grant agreement for the program two days before their planned start date.

An initial motion was voted down that directed city personnel to connect the non-profit with county officials and identify additional funding sources.

After concerns were expressed about the timeline and out-of-the-ordinary request, the council agreed to direct city staff to draft a grant agreement and bring forward a budget amendment for a discussion and vote at the next council meeting.

The non-profit wrote city officials opting to try a more limited program next Spring and expressed interest in revisiting their original plans with the city in the future.

Programs of this size would normally be discussed during the city's budget sessions. Budget discussions run from January through June in a series of public meetings where council members review the city budget in detail, discuss existing services and new initiatives, and direct city spending.

A service learning program had not been discussed at budget meetings this year. With the current city budget adopted in July, the City Council needed a budget amendment for the funds to be introduced and voted on separately.

The program would likely have been funded from the city's reserves, which the city has dipped further into in recent years to cover growing annual shortfalls.

While the City Council retains the ability to authorize programs at any time, typical grants are awarded through existing channels.

Most organizations apply for grants through city committees, who award capped amounts based on a group's ability to meet established criteria. Once committees select awardees, the City Council gives an up or down vote confirming or denying the grant awards. Most city grants are awarded in amounts closer to $1,000 and $2,000.

City Outreach grants, focused on "social and human services, youth, senior citizens, diversity, and culture education programs" are available for individuals and groups aiming to provide programs within the city. Awards are capped at $5,000 and reimbursable to recipients upon providing receipts.

The city's Education and Arts committees offer similar grant programs. Education Committee grants are awarded to teachers, parent organizations, and individuals through a competitive selection process. Grant amounts range from $100 to $1,000 and are intended for, "creative ideas for projects and programs that will enrich the student’s learning experiences."

The Arts Committee has a larger budget of $18,000 for grants, normally split between multiple recipients. Arts grants are also competitive, and involve an extensive application process for projects that "involve Bowie residents in the arts."

Applications for the coming year remain open through Monday at 5pm for the city's Outreach Committee, and Monday, September 25 for the Education and Arts Committees.

A second organization received council support for a budget amendment and grant proposal in the amount of $25,000. This was for an athletic-mentoring program intended to set up at Pointer Ridge Elementary School in October.

Discussions among the council included concerns about the size of the grant, and the precedent of awarding a large amount to a hand-picked organization without opening the opportunity to other Bowie-area groups.

Councilmember Estève made a motion to bring a budget amendment and grant agreement for discussion and vote, but expressed reservations about the process. "We could be having this discussion with any number of organizations," the councilmember stated. "Why this particular group?"

The budget amendment and grant are slated to be discussed and voted on the city's September 18 Council meeting at 8pm at City Hall. Residents with feedback on the grant are invited to attend the meeting or write the council at cityclerk@cityofbowie.org.

The past council meeting featuring the grant discussion can be viewed on the city's Youtube channel.