The YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel is pleased to get a $50,000 grant from a former first lady, because money from the county government may begin to evaporate.
“In these times of uncertain funding for nonprofits, it is much needed to receive grants like this to continue the programs we offer,” YWCA spokeswoman Carolyn Sullivan said.
The Arnold-based nonprofit saw a 12 percent cut in its request for county funding, part of County Executive John Leopold?s effort to trim money going to nonprofits he believes should be funded mostly by private foundations and corporations.
In all, the county?s nonprofits are getting $2 million less than requested, which Leopold said would steadily increase. Leopold had first cut 60 percent from the YWCA?s request but later restored some of the money, Sullivan said.
“The county taxpayer cannot allow these spiraling increases,” Leopold said in a recent interview. “I am pleased with this budget, which reflects a slightly greater than 50 percent decrease [in grant funding]. … Many citizens I have heard from said the government shouldn?t be providing grant funding at all.”
The proposed $1.2 billion budget goes for adoption by the County Council on Thursday.
Sullivan said the YWCA is uncertain how the budget cuts will affect operations.
The YWCA?s $50,000 grant comes from the Barbara Bush Foundation for Literacy and will pay for GED-testing literacy programs at the West County Family Support Center in Odenton for mothers ages 13 to 25 with children younger than 3, Sullivan said. The program also will help the mothers teach their children how to read.
“We?re honored … to be recognized by an important national foundation for providing critical services to the undeserved population in the county,” Sullivan said.
Despite the cuts, Leopold said, new grants are in the budget, including one for the county?s Habitat for Humanity to pay for housing for low-income workers, and another for FoodLink, a free food pantry for who are financially burdened people.
