Worthington City Council took two significant grant-related actions at their Jan. 20 meeting: approving $178,000 in direct funding to four local organizations and launching the 2026 Community Grant Program with a budget increase to $63,260—up from $42,000 last year.
Direct Grants to Local Organizations
Council unanimously approved distribution of $178,000 in previously budgeted grants to four organizations: the Worthington Partnership, Worthington Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, and Worthington Veterans Alliance. While these amounts were discussed and included in the 2026 budget last fall, the funds required formal council confirmation because they had been bundled together in a single budget line item.
Before the vote, questions arose about whether council members serving on the boards of grant-receiving organizations should abstain. Director of Law Tom Lindsey clarified that the Ohio Ethics Commission has reaffirmed its guidance: as long as a council member's appointment to a nonprofit board is to serve the city's interests, there is no conflict of interest in voting on funding for that organization. Council members always have the option to abstain if concerned about perceptions, though it is not legally required.
2026 Community Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
The separate Community Grant Program, a competitive process for other local nonprofits, received council approval to move forward with its 2026 cycle. Applications are now open with a deadline of Feb. 16.
The program prioritizes nonprofits that meet basic human needs in the Worthington community. The highest-priority applications address food and clothing assistance and mental health services and counseling. A secondary priority supports general improvement in the Worthington community.
The budget increase from $42,000 to $63,260 represents a roughly 50% jump in available funding. City manager Stewart noted the program has evolved significantly, with the city developing a scoring matrix to evaluate applications more systematically. Organizations that have received recurring funding include the Worthington Resource Pantry and Meals on Wheels, though the city typically provides only a portion of their larger budgets. Worthington Interfaith Neighbors has also received funding for specific events.
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How the Program Works
Applicants must be established nonprofits with appropriate documentation including budgets, proof of nonprofit status, and recent financial statements. City Manager Robyn Stewart noted that the city very rarely serves as the sole funder for organizations through this program, with most grants representing a small percentage of recipients' overall budgets.
Once applications are submitted, a review committee evaluates them using a scoring matrix that examines factors including financial need, matching funds, and alignment with program priorities. The committee typically consists of two City Council members, a school district representative, a Parks and Recreation representative, and a member of the Community Relations Commission.
The review process often requires just one meeting, as committee members complete preliminary scoring before gathering to discuss applications. Stewart indicated the committee would likely meet in late February or early March.
Council Members Amy Lloyd and Joy Dong volunteered to serve on the 2026 review committee. Lloyd has served on the committee for the past two years, while Dong is joining for the first time.
Discussion of Accountability Measures
Council Member Joy Dong raised questions about incorporating success metrics and funding goals into grant processes, expressing interest in tracking fiscal responsibility for future applications.
Dong asked whether the city had ever implemented a phased payment plan based on organizations meeting certain performance metrics. Staff indicated the city has not used such an approach, though the McConnell Arts Center receives its funding quarterly rather than as a lump sum—though not tied to performance benchmarks.
Council members agreed to explore potential modifications to grant processes at their upcoming retreat. Stewart offered to share current application forms with council members and noted the city would have several months to make adjustments before distributing applications to organizations.
Council Member Maria Ramirez cautioned that any evaluation of nonprofit grants should account for the unique nature of nonprofit organizations, noting that nonprofit support is interconnected with organizational missions and public good rather than purely numerical measures.
Neighborhood Groups and Other Options
Council Member Joy Dong asked whether the Community Grant Program could support residents looking to form new civic associations, mentioning interest from the Worthington Estates area. City Manager Stewart clarified that this program is designed for established nonprofits rather than groups in the formation stage.
Residents looking to build community connections might find a better fit with the Community Relations Commission's "Seen Grant," which has a separate budget of $4,000 and focuses on groups bringing community together.
Next Steps
Residents or nonprofit organizations interested in the Community Grant Program can find application materials on the city's website. Applications are due Feb. 16, with funding recommendations expected to come before City Council in the spring.