Grants and Community Programs budget

Let us know your thoughts on an increase to the Grants and Community Programs budget.

This request is for the necessary office equipment (computer, phone, desk, chair) and services (tech fee, phone fees) associated with the creation of the grants technician and grants liaison positions. The positions are critical in the Grants and Community Programs transition from a division that focuses primarily on project and grant management to a department that, in conjunction with Finance and the Auditor’s Office, would provide a system of coordinated grant support to all county departments.

Department: Grants and Community Programs

Cost: $7,370

Type: Ongoing

Funding source(s): Property taxes

This request is for the personnel enhancements necessary for the establishment of a new Grants and Community Programs Department that will, with Finance, the Auditor’s Office and the grants module of the new enterprise system, provide support to all County departments across the lifecycle of a grant. This request includes promotions for two IV grant positions to the senior level and a promotion of the current grants manager to the director level. This request also includes two new full-time positions: grants technician and grants liaison.

The County's approach to grant writing and management has evolved without a common or standardized approach. This homegrown system has sometimes resulted in challenges with tracking grant submissions and awards countywide, issues with compliance and reporting and an inability to ensure grant acquisition efforts are in line with County priorities. The 2023 Grants and Community Programs assessment process yielded a clear strategic direction for future work and priorities, including an expanded role within the County consistent with County leadership's needs and expectations that will address these issues. The FY25 budget requests will add the capacity necessary to begin to operationalize the department’s new function.

Department: Grants and Community Programs

Cost: $111,598

Type: Ongoing

Funding source(s): Property taxes

Commissioners are scheduled to discuss these items at their administrative public meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, though this is subject to change. Join the meeting in Room 206 of the County Administration Building, 199 W. Pine Street. You can also join the meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams. Visit http://missoula.co/bccmeetings to find the agenda and link to join.