Mattiello, Paiva Weed say controversial grant program ending

(Updated, 5:14 p.m.)
PROVIDENCE – The state’s $11 million Community Service Grant program will be replaced with two methods of funding community-based organizations, including itemized budget appropriations and competitive programs administered by state agencies, according to House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed.
The change, announced at a Monday press conference, is needed to bring more transparency to the funding process, according to Mattiello.
Under the new process, organizations that fulfill a unique public benefit will be listed individually in the state budget. Under the second component, several state departments will administer competitive funds for specific needs, such as senior services, economic development, education and the arts.
“Today’s reforms subject state grants to heightened scrutiny without depriving the public of important programming,” he said in a news release.
Under the first component, the direct line item, organizations would have to submit a formal application to be considered for direct appropriations.
Just last week, executives from six nonprofits – Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Crossroads Rhode Island, Day One, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island and United Way of Rhode Island – voiced their support of the program and their need for the grants. Crossroads, for example, received approximately $300,000 this fiscal year to help the homeless.
The controversial grant program is being scrutinized in the wake of the resignation of state Rep. Raymond Gallison Jr. last month. A grant financed the nonprofit organization, Alternative Education programming, where the former House Finance Committee chairman “supposedly” worked, according to WJAR-TV NBC 10.
Hearings were held last month by the House Finance Committee to look deeper at the grants and the organizations receiving awards.

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