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CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SOCIAL AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES COMMISSION TO APPROVE A REQUEST FOR FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,100 AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT K-1617-18 WITH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF OKLAHOMA, INC.
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BACKGROUND: The Social and Voluntary Services Commission (SVSC) was founded in 1973 as an advisory body to the Norman City Council regarding the evaluation of social services. The SVSC Commission consists of nine members each serving a three year term. The current members are: Denise Millar, Teresa Capps, Chris Porter, Kay Antorio, Aisha Ali, Angela Steinle, Mary Barbour and current Co-Chairs Diana Hartley and Pamela Normile. Within the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 City of Norman budget funding for social service agencies in the amount of $175,000 was provided. A formal application process was held in which qualified interested agencies were required to submit an application that included information regarding the overall mission of the agency, specific project for which funding was being requested, financial information including budget summary and projected budget, copy of most recent audit and copy of IRS tax exempt status letter. The application also required a list of the current board members and staff members of the agency.
Agency project funding will be on a reimbursement basis. Payment will be made as invoices with appropriate documentation of project execution and receipts are received.
DISCUSSION: On June 20, 2016, the Social and Voluntary Services Commission (SVSC) heard presentations from 21 social service agencies who had submitted applications for funding. These requests totaled over $225,000. The Commission held a subsequent meeting on June 27, 2016 to discuss the applications received and to determine their funding recommendations.
After the June 20th meeting and prior to the June 27th meeting, each Commission member evaluated each of the applications and determined an appropriate funding level within the allowable total of $175,000. These results were provided to staff and compiled into a spreadsheet. At the June 27th meeting the Commission reviewed the compilation of budgets and discussed the criteria that the Commission members applied to each funding proposal. The Commission evaluated multiple subjects including but not limited to: possibilities of duplications of efforts, past performance of the agency and potential for other funding sources. After consideration of each application, the SVSC Commission determined that 19 of the agencies would be recommended for funding to the Norman City Council at the August 9, 2016 meeting. Attachment A is a spreadsheet that details the $175,000 of funding being awarded.
Each of these listed agencies, if funded, will be visited a minimum of once during the fiscal year by Commission members. The members will visit each workplace and meet with agency staff. They inquire about future trends, what special challenges are ahead for the organization and how partnerships with others doing work in this field can be established. They evaluate and form an overall impression of the organization as well as determine contract compliance.
Founded over 100 years ago, Big Brothers and Big Sisters is a 501(c)(3) non-profit United Way Agency. The goal of the organization is to match caring, stable, and positive adult role models with vulnerable children so that these youth can experience the consistency and positive influence of a one-on-one mentoring relationship. This project will provide funding for the school based mentoring project.
RECOMMENDATION: The Social and Voluntary Services Commission recommends approval of the proposed contracts. Funds are available in Contributions (account 010-1087-411.47-41).