UPDATED: Government-supported orgs facing cutbacks and worse

by Mike Orren

It was inevitable, but we're starting to see local organizations that are dependent on government grants feeling the pinch.

First, I got word that all area Weed and Seed programs face a nearly 20% cut due to reduced funding from the Department of Justice.

Kerry Goodwin, of the Ferguson Road Initiative Weed and Seed told constituents in our neighborhood what that means for his group:

"In response to this request, we are being required to make a significant reduction in our budget from our originally anticipated $175,000 to $142,000, a reduction of $33,000 which includes a reduction of $9,625 in our police overtime funds. In order to make our numbers work, it has been necessary to commit to raising at least $25,000 in local cash match money to underwrite our payroll. This increases the importance of raising money locally to support our operations. As detailed at our last Steering Committee meeting, a number of proposals have been developed and submitted to other entities to help us cover our bottom-line, expanded demand, and neighborhood challenges. Your support and assistance to find and secure these resources is essential. Please take a moment to consider ways you can help and forward any ideas you may have to me as soon as possible. In light of our significant decrease in crime over the past six months, these reductions, particularly in our police overtime are difficult. We will be meeting with DPD and Dep. Chief Lawrence to sharpen our overtime focus to get the most for our dollars. "

Now comes news that our content partner, Dallas iMedia Network, faces loss of all of its City of Dallas funding as the City faces a $190 million deficit.

More to come, undoubtedly and unfortunately...

UPDATE: See also cancellation of Garland's Fourth of July activities.

Do you know of other government-supported groups who have lost funding? Tell us about it in the comments.

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