SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of the Marion County Standard Professional Services Agreement Challenge Grant with United Way of Marion County (Budget Impact - Neutral; not to exceed $82,500)
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Cheryl Butler, Director |
Community Services |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
On July 15, 2025, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a three (3) year contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to distribute state and federal funds, administered through the Ocala/Marion Joint Office on Homelessness Continuum of Care (CoC) FL-514, to support local homeless service providers. Funding awarded under this contract is provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible expenses incurred by subrecipients in accordance with the grant requirements.
Total funding awarded to Marion County:
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $242,339.34
• Challenge Grant: $800,664.84
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Grant: $31,574.33
• Total: $1,074,578.51
As part of the approved CoC plan, nonprofit organizations were invited to apply for funding for projects that meet community priorities. United Way of Marion County, a local non-profit, requested $82,500 of challenge grant funds. These funds will allow 15 families to complete the United Way’s Strong Families Program. This program helps previously homeless or at-risk families achieve stability by connecting them with personalized coaching, financial education, and community resources. It focuses on building long-term self-sufficiency through goal setting, skill development, and coordinated support services.
Subrecipients must spend and request reimbursement for at least 50% of the funds awarded by January 15, 2027. If this benchmark is not met, the County may review progress and reallocate unspent funds to another approved provider. The agreement runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and has been awarded $82,500 in challenge grant funds.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; not to exceed $82,500.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and authorize the Chairman and Clerk to execute the agreement between Marion County and United Way of Marion County to include all necessary documents associated with this agreement.