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 $842,233 for FY25/26 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, the BCC approved updating the CSA process, dividing the CSA funding into two allotments: one for shelters and the other for non-profits providing services other than shelter beds, and adopting 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.
On April 13, 2025, a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was published in the Orlando Sentinel advertising application availability for the CSA program FY25/26. 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.
The total FY25/26 CSA funding requested has been reduced from $1,000,000 to $842,233 with fifty percent ($421,116) of the funding being dedicated to shelters, Boys Town, Recovery House, Rescue Outreach Mission, and Safehouse. The remaining balance of $421,117 is allocated to non-profit providers serving other community needs.
Seminole County received and scored nineteen (19) applications for funding. The top five (5) agencies: Early Learning Coalition, Meals on Wheels, The Sharing Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Kids House are recommended for funding with an approximate 18.5% reduction from FY24/25 funding.
The recommended funding allocation summary is attached.
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 $842,233 for FY25/26 and authorize the Chairman to execute the CSA Grant Agreements and any amendments upon agency execution.