Sullivan County Reduces Community Grants, $127,000 Allocated to Local Nonprofits

Sullivan County finalized its fiscal year 2026 Community Grant awards after a year of constrained budgeting, approving a total of $127,000 to support nonprofit organizations across the county. The Executive Finance Committee initially limited the Community Grant program appropriation to $120,000, a 50 percent reduction from prior years, and the County Delegation later approved the larger $127,000 package that now stands as the county record of FY26 awards.

Awarded organizations span emergency food assistance, family supports, transportation services, diversion programs, and behavioral health. Baby Steps Family Assistance received $5,000. Claremont Learning Partnership was granted $10,000 and Claremont Soup Kitchen received $10,000. Fall Mountain Food Shelf was allocated $7,500. South Congregational Church GOT LUNCH! Newport received $3,000. Southwestern Community Services Transportation was awarded $23,000. TLC Family Resource Center received $23,000. Turning Points Network received $33,000. Valley Court Diversion Programs received $5,000. West Central Behavioral Health received $7,500. The total of these awards equals $127,000 for FY26.

These funding choices directly affect Sullivan County residents who depend on local safety net services. The soup kitchen and food shelf, supported with combined awards, serve households coping with food insecurity. The significant allocations for transportation and family resource services reflect the county reliance on nonprofits to move residents to medical appointments, jobs, and social supports. Behavioral health and diversion program funding aim to ease pressure on emergency services and the criminal justice system by supporting alternatives and treatment resources.

County leaders note that FY26 decisions were made amid tighter fiscal circumstances, and planning for FY27 is already underway. The county is encouraging nonprofits to pursue alternative funding sources to bridge anticipated gaps. For many smaller organizations, the reduction in county funding will require expanded fundraising, grant seeking, and partnership building to maintain current service levels.

The shift in Sullivan County mirrors broader pressures faced by local governments balancing limited revenue with rising demand for social services. Communities here will feel the effects in practical terms, from fewer program expansions to tightened operating budgets. In the months ahead, nonprofit leaders, local officials, and residents will need to coordinate closely to preserve essential services and explore sustainable funding strategies that keep the county safety net intact.