City council awards community grants

City Council voted to award 24 community grants for a total of $21,447 for FY 2019-20 to provide assistance to non-profits and for-profit entities and organizations that serve the Sisters community.

Requests for grants from 27 organizations totaled close to $48,000. As part of the selection process, each councilor individually makes their selection from the grant requests of organizations to support and the amount of that support. Any group not chosen by at least three of the five councilors is automatically eliminated from consideration. The amounts recommended for each group are then added together and an average figure is determined to be their award.

Community grants may not be used for travel, budget deficits, or for routine operating expenses, a provision that eliminated one of this year’s requests from consideration. Community entities and organizations that serve the Sisters community, but are not designated non-profits, must meet at least one of several criteria: provide assistance for essential utilities, food, medical needs, clothing, or shelter; provide educational or recreational opportunities for children or seniors; or generate/support economic activity in Sisters.

Factors considered when evaluating the grant requests include: the requesting organization’s history of success; the organizational and financial stability of the group; the number and types of community members served; and the ability to measure and track the effectiveness of the project or service.

Each year, when the City’s annual budget is determined, the City Budget Committee sets an amount targeted for community assistance grants. The City Council approves the budget. The amount available for grant awards is contingent on the Council’s approval of the budget and appropriation of funds for community grants.

Upon completion of an organization’s project or fiscal year, a letter must be sent to the City of Sisters detailing how the funds were

used.