Douglas County Nonprofits to Benefit from New Partnership
Members of the Douglas County Community Foundation Board of Directors joined the Douglas County Commissioners for a photo opportunity commemorating a new partnership between the County and the Foundation, whereby the Foundation will begin managing the Philip S. Miller Grant Program in 2022.
Dedication to the success of the Douglas County nonprofit community has united two community anchors with a common goal – to enhance quality of life for all Douglas County residents.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding adopted at the County’s August 23 business meeting, Douglas County transferred administration of its Philip S. Miller Grant Program to Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF), in a pilot program beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025.
While the Foundation will act as administrator of the program, the County Commissioners will continue their accountability for the funds via evaluation of funding recommendations and final decision-making on funds distribution.
For more than 40 years, Douglas County has awarded more than 80 nonprofit organizations – through an annual, competitive Miller Grant process – with nearly $8 million for programs and services that address self-reliance, the needs of at-risk youth, suicide prevention, senior programming, and gaps in behavioral health services.
Founded in 2000, DCCF was created to help preserve and enrich the quality of life through consolidated efforts in Douglas County focused on the community’s greatest needs – through individual donors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies together with charitable giving and philanthropy.
“We are honored to partner with Douglas County in the administration of these funds,” said Douglas County Community Foundation Chairman Justin Vaughn. “This collaboration will allow for the most impactful outcome for our nonprofit community and for meeting the ongoing needs of residents in Douglas County.”
“As we contemplated this partnership we were persuaded by the common goals, beliefs and values,” said County Commissioner Abe Laydon on behalf of the Board of Douglas County Commissioners. “The Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to evaluate proposals in the public interest – as we did – with the added benefit of being able to leverage their additional grant funding to further support priority issues,” Laydon said.
As with the previous 40 years, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization serving Douglas County residents. An evaluation tool guides application review, which includes, but is not limited to, specific eligibility criteria.
The Miller Grant Program is the legacy of Douglas County businessman and philanthropist Philip Simon Miller and his wife, Jessie who established The Philip S. Miller Charitable Trust in 1980.
Information and photo provided by Douglas County
