PIMA — Gila Valley cities and towns grant funds to area nonprofit organizations; however, the process to obtain those grants is changing.
At its most recent meeting, during budget talks, the Pima Town Council opted to grant funds to five organizations, but two are receiving less than requested.
Pima budgeted $15,000 for donations, with $10,000 is designated for the town’s Highway Beautification Program.
Eastern Arizona Hispanic Heritage Corporation asked for $4,000 for scholarships to Eastern Arizona College and received $750; Dan Hinton School asked for $750 for a smart television and received $500; Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society asked for and received $500 for Heritage Days; Turkey Trot asked for and received $300 for T-shirts; and Discovery Plus Academy asked for and received $500 for T-shirts.
Meanwhile, Safford is seeking to establish a formal grant application process to take part during annual budget talks.
The City Council included $50,000 in the budget for disbursement to charitable and nonprofit organizations.
“The organizations applying for funds must be providing services or activities in Safford,” said Matthew Hoshal, assistant to the City Manager. “They must be established for a minimum of two years, must be chartered or incorporated through the Arizona Corporation Commission, and must be a tax-exempt entity as determined by the federal Internal Revenue Service.”
City Council members questioned whether the requirements are too onerous for local nonprofit organizations and sought to have the criteria reduced. But Mayor Jason Kouts said it shouldn’t be easy to expend tax dollars.
“I want a simple form to fill out to be able to have an event on the City (Hall) lawn, but when you’re spending taxpayer’s money I think that needs to be really looked into. There’s got to be a benefit,” Kouts said.
City staff will use the new criteria during the budget process next year, and City Manager John Cassella said the council — which will make the final decision on any grant awards — can make any changes it deems necessary.
