ICYMI Nonprofit Montgomery’s Weekly Meeting on April 22

PHEG program will close on Saturday. To help the County understand the need, Councilmembers encouraged all those in need to apply even if they don’t meet the current criteria. There may be a second round of this funding.

Community Grants and Funding

• The Council is working towards a same services budget for FY21, if possible, which will maintain services at FY20 funding levels. The Council passed a resolution communicating its commitment to dedicating any additional funds available to COVID-19 relief efforts. They hope to be able to come back early in FY21 with supplemental appropriations for recommended expansions.
• The Council anticipates funding FY21 Community Grants, as recommended by the County Executive, which includes moving some services to the base budgets of County departments. We will continue to work through the details and share new information as it becomes available, including any opportunities for new nonprofit organizations and programs.

Nonprofit Montgomery’s Advocacy Agenda

• Councilmembers are considering two items from Nonprofit Montgomery’s advocacy agenda: continued payment on nonprofit contracts with flexibility on deliverables, and a one to two month advance on contracted funds in FY21 to address nonprofit cash flow issues.
• DHHS is communicating flexibility on contracts (and encouraging all nonprofits to stay in touch with contract monitors.) The decision about advancing funds has been forward to the finance department. See below for news on a third agenda item: making PPE available to nonprofits.

• Molly Calloway, Director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Center reported that the Volunteer Center is taking requests from nonprofits for volunteers and other things they need (such as masks and supplies). Those interested in helping can go to the website and choose projects or nonprofits to help. There is great interest in volunteering and helping nonprofits, so all are encouraged to post their needs.

• Research from NAEYC on Maryland child care providers indicates that up to 50% of providers report that they may be unable to survive a two week closure of their business.
• The DHHS Resource and Referral Canter is partnering with the Women’s Business Center to help child care programs address financial issues and apply for funding.