Okaloosa County commission debates future of nonprofit general-fund grants for FY26
February 15, 2026 | Okaloosa County, Florida
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Okaloosa County commissioners held an extended discussion on whether to continue general-fund nonprofit grant allocations in the FY26 budget and, if so, at what level.
Staff presented the history of nonprofit funding (approximately $250,000 annually in prior years) and provided a list of applicants. Commissioners debated several options: maintain the current staff-run competitive review and allocation process; narrow general-fund support to essential or statutory services; or shift some recipients to contract vehicles with clear deliverables and audit rights.
Commissioner Ketchum proposed restricting general-fund support to specific court-ordered services (for example, legal services and safe exchange programs) at an illustrative $100,000 level. Commissioner Goodwin urged consideration of using contracts for core government functions to improve accountability. Commissioner Cox and others stressed a transparent, competitive review process if grants continue.
No final dollar allocation was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to prepare options for June 10 including (1) maintain a $250,000 allocation under current competitive procedures, (2) narrow support to essential/contracted services, or (3) propose a revised allocation and criteria for FY26. Staff said they would return with recommendations and additional information on statutory obligations and existing contractual relationships.
Staff presented the history of nonprofit funding (approximately $250,000 annually in prior years) and provided a list of applicants. Commissioners debated several options: maintain the current staff-run competitive review and allocation process; narrow general-fund support to essential or statutory services; or shift some recipients to contract vehicles with clear deliverables and audit rights.
Commissioner Ketchum proposed restricting general-fund support to specific court-ordered services (for example, legal services and safe exchange programs) at an illustrative $100,000 level. Commissioner Goodwin urged consideration of using contracts for core government functions to improve accountability. Commissioner Cox and others stressed a transparent, competitive review process if grants continue.
No final dollar allocation was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to prepare options for June 10 including (1) maintain a $250,000 allocation under current competitive procedures, (2) narrow support to essential/contracted services, or (3) propose a revised allocation and criteria for FY26. Staff said they would return with recommendations and additional information on statutory obligations and existing contractual relationships.
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