SAFFORD — The City of Safford is looking at new ways to help the organizations that help the community.
During its most recent work session, the Safford City Council discussed a pilot program to grant funds to charitable and nonprofit organizations that serve Safford citizens.
The city allocated up to $50,000 to be disbursed to the organizations in amounts up to $5,000. The organizations were eligible to apply between Sept. 5 and Oct. 5.
Five organizations applied, including:
● SEACUS — $5,000 to expand food and care services to seniors
● GFWC Woman’s Club of Safford — $5,000 to purchase a conference table and chairs
● Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition — $5,000 to help develop a sober living facility for females
● St. Vincent de Paul St. Rose of Lima Safford Conference — $5,000 for Christmas food baskets and gifts for homeless schoolchildren and adults
● Gila Valley Arts Council — $4,745 to purchase wireless microphones and transmitters
There are three other nonprofits funded by the city at higher levels, not included in the pilot program. They are Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley, which gets $17,500; the Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley at $10,800; and Mt. Graham Safe House at $7,000.
“One of the discussions that you will want to have going into the next budget cycle is exactly this point,” City Manager John Cassella told the council, “which is given these two situations, do we now want to combine everything into one, have an application process for all, and then adjust the ceiling to accommodate what we’re currently funding.”
Council members inquired about improving communication to area nonprofit organizations about the grant program, as well as whether a quarterly grant cycle might be accommodating to the organizations seeking funding. Also the council asked if requiring a minimum of two years of operation was too onerous of a requirement to apply.
The council will be asked to act on the funding requests of the five nonprofits in the pilot program at a future regular meeting. How to fund going forward will be determined when city staff begins work on the 2024-25 budget in the Spring.
