Sun Valley City Council members will discuss their stance Wednesday, July 21, on funding requests from community organizations.
In light of recent requests for facility, event and special-needs funding, the council will consider a proposed Community Support Grant Policy. The drafted policy establishes a formal process to define parameters for the city's gifts.
The need to establish a policy arose in May after The Sun Club, a nonprofit alcohol- and drug-recovery center in Ketchum and Sun Valley, requested funds. At the time, the council questioned whether the city operated under a policy that limited financial contributions to "start-up" organizations. Since the request, other solicitations, including one from the Wood River Community YMCA for $500,000 over five years, have come to the council.
The first proposal outlines provisions for grants up to $5,000. The city would provide the funds from general-fund revenues that are budgeted to the Community Support Grant Fund. The council would determine the total appropriation to the support fund during the annual budget process.
The policy leaves donations open to a various organizations but states that the city wishes to avoid annual funding of an organization.
Requests for grants greater than $5,000 would require council review, public comment and action. The draft singles out but does not limit projects to special service projects, enrichment programs and humanitarian aid.
At a previous meeting, City Attorney Rand Peebles advised the council to look for the underlying public benefit of all endeavors.
