Mayor Anthony Williams is coming to the rescue of D.C. nonprofits struggling to break even.
The mayor is looking to use a portion of a $53 million surplus to bail out nonprofits and cultural programs he says are on the verge of drastically reducing services or even ceasing operations. In a supplemental budget request released to the D.C. Council last week, Williams asked for $2.5 million to save such institutions as the Lincoln Theatre, the Thurgood Marshall Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.
“We’re in dire straits,” Rick Lee, president of the U Street Theater Foundation, said of the Lincoln.
The Lincoln Theatre, owned by the District, receives $250,000 a year from the general fund. But with inflation, soaring fuel bills and poorly performing productions, the historic facility needs more cash soon, Lee said. Scheduled events barely cover expenses.
The theater is only one of 10 organizations banking on the city’s generosity.
“The mayor wouldn’t ask the council to do this if he didn’t feel strongly that these groups that we’re helping contribute in some way to the character and culture in this city,” said Vince Morris, Williams’ spokesman. “There’s merit in every project.”
The list also includes:
» $411,000 for the Shaw community’s Thurgood Marshall Center to repay bonds, credit lines and general bills.
» $2 million for Greater Southeast Community Hospital to purchase new equipment.
» $300,000 for CASA to make up for lost federal grant funding.
» $750,000 for the National Council of Negro Women for headquarters improvements.
Some criticize Williams’ effort to boost failing organizations. “If they’re not financially viable, they need to let them go out of business,” said Dorothy Brizill, co-founder of DC Watch. “The District needs to stop the gravy train.”
But Ward 1 Council Member Jim Graham said certain local organizations do deserve the city’s help. A public hearing will decide what on the list is justified.
“I want to be sure that our own homegrown endeavors are going to be benefiting,” Graham said.
Also in line for funding
» $100,000 to subsidize “Where Eagles Fly,” a play about the Shaw community
» $100,000 for the National Cherry Blossom Festival
» $250,000 for the Historical Society of Washington to prevent organizational “atrophy”
» $200,000 for the Special Olympics to preserve its programs
