AGENDA DATE: 7/15/2026
TITLE:
Fiscal Year 28 Budget Process: County Funding Process Modifications
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Receive feedback on proposed modifications to the Human Services Funding and Cultural, Arts, and Festivals agency grant processes for the Fiscal Year 28 annual budget.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Dimock, Sumner, Bowman, Malcolm, Sullivan, Morgan, Davidson
PRESENTER (S): Andy Bowman, Brandee Sullivan, Kaki Dimock, Katelyn Malcolm
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: As part of the annual budget process, Albemarle County provides eligible community non-profit agencies the opportunity to apply for funding. At the conclusion of the budget process, in a continuous improvement effort, staff evaluate the process and propose modifications for Board of Supervisors’ approval. In the most recent budget development process for FY 27, there were three opportunities available to community non-profits to request funding: a Community Non-Profit Capital Request Process, a Human Services Funding Process, and a Cultural, Arts, and Festivals Process.
The intent of this agenda item is to summarize proposed modifications to the existing processes and receive Board feedback and direction as staff develops the FY 28 Recommended Budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Staff recommend the following changes for the FY 28 budget process. Staff request feedback and approval of the proposed modifications described further in the noted attachments to inform FY 28 budget process and funding recommendations.
1. Staff recommend updating one item in the Eligibility Criteria for County Grant Programs (Attachment A), which applies to all community non-profit funding processes. County staff recommend increasing the dollar threshold for how frequently an annual audit from a community non-profit is required from $750,000 to $1,000,000. This increased amount aligns with guidance from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
2. Board decision is requested on four staff-recommended changes to the Human Services Funding Process detailed in Attachment B:
-Moving four agencies from the Human Services Funding Process to the process for Other Health and Welfare Agencies
-Changing the timing of the funding process
-Implementing a matrix to determine staff recommendations for funding
-Adopting a streamlined application process for requests of $25,000 or less
3. Board decision is requested on four staff-recommended changes to the Arts, Cultural, and Festivals funding process, detailed in Attachment C:
-Adjusting program timing
-Establishing a funding formula
-Establishing a funding cap
-Changing to a simplified review process
In addition to these changes and similar to prior years’ process improvements, County staff will also improve the online application, refine application questions, provide technical assistance during the application process, review evaluation methods, and increase compliance and reporting reviews. No changes are recommended to the Community Non-Profit Capital Process (Attachment D).
BUDGET IMPACT: Direction received from the Board will be incorporated into the FY 28 annual budget process. Approval and appropriation of budgets after staff recommendations would continue to be determined by the Board, subject to total budget considerations including, but not limited to, County mandates and obligations, investment in the Strategic Plan, and available revenues.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Board approve attachments A and D to guide FY 28 funding recommendations and also request Board action on four recommended changes to the Human Services Funding Process, outlined in Attachment B, as well as four recommended changes to the Arts, Cultural, and Festivals Funding Process, detailed in Attachment C.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Eligibility Criteria for all County Grant programs
B - Human Services Funding Process Framework
C - Arts, Cultural, and Festivals Process Framework
D - Community Non-Profit Capital Process Framework