AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Recommended Funding Plan for the Human Services Funding Program
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Loryn B. Clark, Deputy Town Manager, Manager’s Office
Shenekia Weeks Parrish, Human Relations Program Officer, Manager’s Office
Jackie Thompson, Community Connections Manager, Manager’s Office
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Staff recommend that Council adopt the resolution, approving $602,516 of Human Services funding for FY 2027.
body
ACTION/DECISION POINTS*
Adopt the attached resolution approving the recommended funding plan for Human Services Funding Program for FY 2027.
LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT*
The Council allocates annual funding for the Human Services Program through the budget process. Staff return to Council each year for approval of the recommended plan to distribute those funds to selected nonprofit agencies.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
In 1981, the Council established the Human Services Program to enter into performance agreements with agencies that provide services that address the community’s human service’s needs. For FY 2026 Council approved the Recommended Funding Plan which allocated $602,516 to 17 human services agencies.
Overview of the Application Process
• On December 12, 2025, staff from Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County held an orientation for non-profit Human Services agencies to explain the application process. The application was also posted on the three governmental websites.
• On January 9, 2026, a joint Question and Answer session was held for all applicants.
• Agencies requesting funding were required to complete a comprehensive written application and submit budget documents and annual audit materials by the established deadline.
• Chapel Hill staff held public meetings for new agencies requesting $10,000 or more. Orange County and the Town of Carrboro staff held public hearing with all agencies.
• . The minimum request for Chapel Hill is $10,000.
Overview of the Funding Plan
• Staff evaluated applications in May for FY27 using last year’s Program budget of $602,516.
• This was a competitive funding cycle, with the Town receiving 48 applications totaling $1,443,948.36.
• When reviewing the applications, staff used the following to inform their recommendation:
o Scoring Rubric <https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/housing-and-community/funding/human-services-program> that was shared with applicants at the onset of the process
o ’Towns Results Framework <https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=44403> and ’Councils strategic goals <https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/mayor-and-council/town-strategic-goals-objectives>
• If adopted, the funding plan will provide awards through performance agreements to 25 agencies in FY 2027. This represents an increase of 8 agencies compared to FY 2026.
o Key programs and services that will be supported include:
o Meal Delivery/Food Programs
o Educational/After School Programs
o Domestic Violence Services
o Child Care Scholarship Program
o Resident Support Programs
o Terms of our performance agreements include:
o Agency agrees to provide services outlined in Exhibit A of the Performance Agreement for FY27.
o The appropriations shall be paid for in semi-annual installments (January and July) contingent upon receiving a semi-annual report.
o FY25 Financial Audit must be received before funds are reimbursed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This recommendation allocates $602,516 to 25 Human Services Agencies. Town Human Services funds are provided as a grant.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
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