If the county would like to have more information than is required by the county grant contract, and that has been provided through documentation, third-party audits and reports, please work with the organization before launching or collaborating unjust smear tactics and cruel, damaging accusations.
Oversight of nonprofits, and understanding the purposes of their independent missions, may be more work than you have staff. However, what you get in grass-roots input, public review, detailed studies and project implementations far exceeds the grant amount when compared to what it would cost if the program were moved in-house and managed by the county.
It is difficult to reach out and also work inside of the government framework. It often leads to more costly readdressing of projects and direction due to the valuable input not received early on. It is obvious that community-oriented, volunteer-based nonprofit professionals who care deeply about what people think and want, taking the time at all hours to listen, learn and relay these messages, are the link to sound decisions. Empowering and encouraging participation by its citizenry is the essence of our democracy.
Nonprofits receiving county grants should be expected to deliver a body of work for the amount provided. However, the contract oversight does not mean micromanagement of the work or changing rules mid-contract year without agreement by all parties. That's not fair.
Amy E. Hanlon
Wailuku
