Title:
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Approve the recommended funding allocations to the agencies listed for Community Services Agency (CSA) Partnership Grant funds in the amount of $667,000 for FY 24/25 and authorize the Chairman to execute the CSA Grant Agreements and any amendments upon agency execution. Countywide (Allison Thall, Community Services Director)
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Division:
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Community Services - Community Assistance
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Authorized By:
Allison Thall, Community Services Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Carrie Longsworth/407-665-2389
Background:
The Community Service Agency (CSA) Partnership Grant program was initiated by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to improve the quality of life for Seminole County residents by collaborating with community-based organizations to meet the social services needs within the County. The CSA Partnership Program provides general revenue funds to eligible, qualified non-profit organizations that meet federal and state tax exemption requirements and have been in existence for a minimum of three years.
On April 23, 2024, recommendations for updates to the CSA process were approved by the BCC, which included dividing the CSA funding into two allotments: one for shelters and the other for non-profits providing services other than shelter. On May 26, 2024, a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was published in the Orlando Sentinel advertising application availability for the CSA program FY24/25. The CSA Review Committee, an independent panel of six (6) County staff was selected to review and score all applications. The results were reviewed and tallied, and recommendations were submitted to the Department Director for approval prior to submission to the Board of County Commissioners.
Additionally, in April 2024, the BCC adopted priority funding for those agencies providing a top service identified in the 2024 Community Needs Assessment (CNA). The top needs identified in the CNA were childcare, mental health services, homeless services, food, utilities, and rental assistance/subsidy. Those agencies providing one of the top CNA services received an additional 10 bonus points in scoring and ranking after the review committee completed their evaluation of the applications. As a result of these program updates, 14 agencies are being recommended for funding. Agencies funded in FY 23/24 who received a score of 90 or better, are being recommended at the same level of funding for FY 24/25. The following agencies did not receive CSA funding during FY 23/24 and are being recommended for funding for FY 24/25 based on score and service provided: New Hope for Kids, SALT Outreach, NextStep Orlando, Heart, Hands, and Hope, and Aspire Health Partners.
During the FY 24/25 budget process, the total CSA funding was increased from $842,233 to $1,000,000, with one-third of the funding dedicated to shelters. The remaining balance of $667,000 for FY 24/25 is being awarded to Nonprofit providers serving other community needs.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve the recommended funding allocations to the agencies listed for Community Services Agency (CSA) Partnership Grant funds in the amount of $667,000 for FY 24/25 and authorize the Chairman to execute the CSA Grant Agreements and any amendments upon agency execution.