North Port nonprofit partnership reports $14,257 in mission-support awards, outlines 2026 goals

Janet Carrillo, the city’s social services manager, introduced the North Port and Nonprofits United Committee’s annual report, saying the group brings together education, nonprofits, businesses and residents to strengthen local services. “This presentation is MP Square's annual report to the city commission, highlighting the committee's work over the past year,” Carrillo said.

Committee chair Teresa Caracciola told commissioners the panel reviewed impact statements and approved nine agency applications totaling $14,257.05 for the 2025–26 funding cycle. Caracciola cited concrete results: a commercial can opener for North Port Meals on Wheels and 65 large-print books for the public library. “Northport Squared is a collaborative effort, between the City of North Port and our local nonprofits,” she said, describing how mission-support items — tangible equipment rather than administrative costs — were used to expand services.

Committee members reported outcomes tied to funded items: Meals on Wheels served 12,305 meals after receiving a commercial can opener; the large-print book purchase has circulated 402 times, averaging about 6.18 borrows per book in six months. Caracciola said the program is not intended to fund administrative costs and emphasized eligibility checks and documentation required before awards.

Looking ahead, the committee listed governance and oversight goals for 2026: complete Sunshine Law training for new committee members, appoint new officers as terms expire, follow up with noncompliant agencies, and continue reviewing 6- and 12-month impact reports and new applications for the 2026–27 funding cycle.

City staff and committee members offered to meet with commissioners or members of the public for questions after the presentation; commissioners had no substantive questions during the session. The presentation concluded with the committee thanking the city manager and social services staff for administering the program and committing to continued partnership to strengthen services to North Port residents.