FILE PHOTO
Local people are recognized as “Outstanding Supporters” and “Outstanding Contributors” during a ceremony at Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services in Berlin, last year. The nonprofit is one of a handful of organizations exempted from having to apply each year for Town of Berlin nonprofit grant funding.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 31, 2019) Four alterations to the Town of Berlin’s nonprofit grant policy were approved by the Town Council Monday.

The policy was adopted last year and, according to an executive summary, provided $30,000 to six organizations that applied.

Human Resources Director Jeff Fleetwood said some revisions were necessary after the first year.

Changes included removing the eligibility for faith-based organizations, eliminating “community engagement and economic development” from the list of eligible categories, requiring a Maryland Charity ID number in compliance with state law, and requiring the business to be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Contributions made to Atlantic General Hospital, the Berlin Fire Company, Town of Berlin’s Energy Assistance Program and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services are exempt because “The Mayor and Council have determined that the services provided by these organizations warrant a different approach.”

The criteria for approving grants includes “an identifiable benefit to the Town or the community at large,” organizations that provide “a service that complements or enhances a service that the Town of Berlin also provides to its residents or businesses,” or when an organization “provides a service that the Town could provide to its residents or businesses but chooses not to.”

Funding categories include groups that provide shelter, food, or clothing to persons in need; those that provide physical or mental health services to people with special needs; those that educate residents; and those that provide services “that supports, complements or enhances a service or program that the Town of Berlin provides to its residents or businesses.”

Grants can be made to a governmental entity or 501(c)(3) nonprofit or 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce.

Funding cannot be used for existing obligations, debts or liabilities, and should not be used to support national or regional charities. Grants may not be used for political campaigns or to support attempts “to influence the legislature or any governmental body.”

Grantees “shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, weight, height, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability or other characteristic protected by law.”

Mayor Gee Williams, on Monday, said all the changes fell under the category of “learn by doing” and that “modest tweaking was … important to make the processes fair.”

Councilman Zack Tyndall moved to approve the changes. The vote was 4-0 in favor with one member, Troy Purnell, not present.

“It’s nice that we’re learning what works and what doesn’t work,” Tyndall said.

To apply for a nonprofit grant through the Town of Berlin, an applicant must first submit a request for determination of eligibility through the town administrator. To download a form or view the entire policy, visit www.berlinmd.gov/town-department-services/town-forms-permit-applications.