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You know the challenges of creating annual budgets. You probably fret over how to grow revenue to meet current needs. We do, too. Creating the county budget is never easy because of uncertain revenue, mandated expenses, and a very long list of external demands. But, County Executive Pittman listens to his constituents. That’s why he holds multiple town halls each year well before any budget decisions are made.
The COVID pandemic necessitated that we (the County and nonprofits) meet greater needs, and we had federal funds to support those needs. Those funds have been depleted, yet community needs have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. That is why the county increased funding for the Community Support Grant program and created the Nonprofit Center (NPC) before federal American Rescue Plan funds ran out.
The County can no longer support all nonprofit organizations financially at the same level it did during the pandemic. It can, however, provide organizations with capacity-building opportunities to help diversify and grow the funds needed to better fulfill their missions.
That’s where the NPC comes in. If the NPC has helped your organization or can help you in the future, tell us how and tell us now. Hearing from the community and the organizations that serve our communities makes a difference when it comes to our annual funding. If you’re unsure how to advocate for funding, the Office of Community Engagement and Constituent Services hosted a webinar last week and created a budget testimony checklist and presentation to help. Both are available at https://www.aacounty.org/openarundel/yourbudget/budget-toolkit. County Executive Pittman also highlighted the effort in his last weekly letter.
Check out the list of Budget Town Halls HERE and please engage through participation or providing written testimony if you can. Advocacy is one of many ways you can help make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.
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