Ryan Applegate introduced the request to support increasing eligibility limits for recreation scholarships (grants). The request stems from the department's work on inclusion; using different methods and ways for individuals to participate in our programs. Ryan shared the department is proposing a reduced grant for families and individuals that need assistance but do not qualify for government assistance, or meet the income guidelines used by the Montana Free and Reduced Price School Meals program. The department proposes a reduced grant awarded at 50% of full grant.
Ross Mollenhauer - how many people does the grant cover; how long?
Shirley Kinsey - one grant is issued per family for fiscal year.
Ryan Applegate stated the balance of the fund is currently between $25,000 to $30,000 a year. He reviewed sources of funding and noted the department spends/issues between $15,000 to $16,000 in grants a year. Last year saw more funds issued/spent than what was brought in. The department has about a 1 to 1.5 year balance reserve and is actively working with the county and searching for other partners to increase funding. Increases to this fund would allow department to reach out to more families and individuals. Research has found cities around country have been increasing income eligibility
John O'Connor - does department have any financial data on number of people this would affect; makeup of users who would be impacted/ number of people who would be eligible?
Ryan Applegate - department only has current number of grants awarded
John O'Connor - where did the 250% come from?
Donna Gaukler - the number is based on research; looking at peer departments for best practices. Department is researching ways to remove barriers, changing forms and policies; going above WIC and SNAP requirements.
John O'Connor - does department have an estimation of impact this will have?
Ryan Applegate - programmatic fees will pay for program now.
Sonja Verlanic - how many people are turned away from grant?
Donna Gaukler- no one is turned away.
Donna Gaukler noted barriers that prevent access for resources. The department examined mapping of program services and found department has broad coverage.
Sonja Verlanic - can the department cover funds if more people come in and request grants?
Ryan Applegate - department has about 2 years of fund balance and funding is increasing a bit. Department needs to look at ways to increase the fund, will have time to act on response of interest and make decisions.
Morgan Valliant - with the increase in programming have you seen an increase in donations?
Ryan Applegate - no.
Morgan Valliant - is there an option to donate when registering?
Ryan Applegate - yes. During research there was the suggestion of creating a committee for grants. There would be a deadline to submit request and committee would review for greatest needs; grant contribution would be applied to user account and accessible when time came to register.
Johanna Eisenmann - review needs to happen more then once a year.
Shirley Kinsey - department receives funds from specialty license plates. There are new State requirements to maintain plates; department is not at risk of losing specialty plate under new requirements.
John O'Connor shared he supports the reach to serve more but additional information needs to be collected. The most vulnerable needs to be protected; not sure department can do that with current information.
Discussion took place regarding remaining fund balance if an increase of grants were awarded; possibility of capping the number of reduced grant amounts awarded the first year; ways to protect the fund for those who need it most;
Alexander Camacho - where does the majority of donations come from?
Ryan Applegate - the largest donations come from specialty plate registration, and city and county contributions.
Donna Gaukler - there are some individual donations as well.
Johanna Eisenmann suggested taking the first year to gather information so it can be reviewed in the second year. John O'Connor suggested the possibility of creating a survey to gather information.
The motion was amended after further discussion took place regarding ways to protect the program fund balance and the percentage used to calculate reduced grant funds awarded.