A June 6 letter writer referenced another letter writer's comment to support his views, which implied that grantees (nonprofits) have become addicted to this source of easy income and have let their fundraising ability wither away. This is an unsubstantiated claim.
I'm a full-time volunteer supporting nonprofits who feels that locals need to give back. In working with many nonprofits (health, social, arts, education, etc.), they do their good work with minimal funds and staff. So raising money regardless of where it comes from (county, state, businesses, individuals) is hard work. I personally have written county grant proposals to compete for funds. I take applying for these funds seriously and don't take anything for granted. My fundraising skills have not withered.
This is not an easy place to request or to get funds. To imply they give away the money is misleading. All applicants work for every penny. Yes, there have been some instances when the general public questioned the awards granted to specific organizations, and this should continue, but to encourage the county to deplete funds for worthy community causes without proper cause is reckless.
The Maui Office of Economic Development personnel take their jobs seriously. I have the confidence in their grant process and equitable awarding of funds. I just wish it weren't so difficult and time consuming.
On a final note, paying county taxes is serious too. We just need to help the people we've elected make the right decisions. It is up to us.
Lois Reiswig
Lahaina
