TITLE
The Mayor and City Council discuss the Eligibility Criteria for the Non-Profit Scholarship Match Program and provide direction should Council recommend changes to the Eligibility Criteria for the Non-Profit Scholarship Match Program.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Non-Profit Scholarship Match Program is a City program to help local students through matching funds to local non-profits. Non-Profits throughout the community will seek additional funds from the City to increase the size (scholarship amount), number of scholarships, and/or both offered to local students pursuing higher education after high school.
City Council approved suspending indefinitely the Non-Profit Funding Evaluation Committee on February 7, 2017. Evaluation of applications and award recommendations will be performed through an administrative process. Council would have to make a determination how to prioritize and award scholarships should requests exceed the $10,000 currently appropriated.
Current Eligibility Criteria:
Organization Eligibility Criteria
Nature of Organizations:
• Must be a 501(c) non-profit organization
• Must provide existing services or contributions to Maricopa residents
• Must provide evidence that the organization can financially match the funds from the City before funds will be released if awarded.
• Must submit a Letter of Commitment indicating that they will match the funds provided and be able to meet the conditions of the Scholarship Match at time of application.
• Recipient of scholarship match funding in the past must be current on reporting the use of funds in the past to the City or they will be deemed ineligible for current year funds.
Nature of Scholarship:
• All graduating high school students living within Maricopa Unified School District’s boundaries are eligible
• Community service, as defined by the non-profit organization, is required for students to be eligible for scholarship
• Scholarship qualifications set forth by the non-profit organizations cannot mandate a program of study
• Scholarships must be used for secondary/higher education opportunities beyond high school.
Tentative Application Timeline:
|
Application Submission Opening Date |
March 31, 2017 |
|
Application Submission Closing Date |
April 14, 2017 |
|
Applications Reviewed |
April 17, 2017 |
|
Approval by City Council |
May 2, 2017 |
|
Organization’s Letter of Agreement |
May 15, 2017 |
|
Check Cut to Awarded Programs |
May 18, 2017 |
The Non-Profit Scholarship Match Program has been funded at $10,000 again for FY16-17. Last year, two organizations were awarded funding (Maricopa Chamber of Commerce - $3,000 & Friends of the Library - $2,000). The City only received three applications last year.
This item will be presented by Brenda Hasler, Financial Services Director.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the Mayor and City Council consider current eligibility criteria and provide direction for modifying or updating the Eligibility Criteria for Non-Profit Scholarship Match Program. Discussion and Direction.