County revisits discretionary funding policy for local nonprofits, community organizations

During a meeting in late June, the Cook County Budget and Facilities Advisory Committee approved a modified version of the county’s “Discretionary Funding Policy.”

In 2018, the commissioners granted the Cook County Public Health and Human Services Department (PHHS) the authority to review and evaluate applications for grants that align with “their mission, supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our community.” Along the way, PHHS developed a process which includes a common application, project budget, timelines, as well as the creation of a small subgroup of the PHHS Advisory Council which reviews and scores all applications submitted for grants.

The revised policy, as recommended by the budget advisory committee, suggest setting a 3-percent cap on discretionary funding allocations if the annual levy increase is above the ten-year average levy. The policy does not set a minimum discretionary funding level, so the county board could opt not to award any discretionary funding if it so chose.

Cook County Administrator James Joerke said during a recent WTIP interview that the proposed funding cap has caused concern for some community members, including those on the public health advisory council. Joerke said the organizations that receive discretionary funding from the county, often local nonprofits, perform important work in the community.

“While we use the term discretionary funding, these are not frivolous services that we’re talking about,” Joerke said. “We’re talking about community groups that help really extend the reach of county government and fill in the gaps were where the county is not currently providing services in the areas of public health, mental health, and other kinds of community focused projects.”

During their meeting July 11, the commissioners tabled the discussion on this topic. It will be revisited later this month or in August, Joerke said during the recent WTIP interview. Audio below.

Other topics discussed in the interview include an update on the proposed capital improvement plan (CIP). A vote on the CIP is expected July 25, Joerke said.

Joe Friedrichs July 15, 2023