# Community Impact Grants Committee - September 15, 2026


**Body:** Richland County
**Date:** September 14, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Professional Services, Environment, Grants & Funding, Regulatory Compliance


The Richland County Community Impact Grants Committee convened on September 15, 2026, to review and discuss the fiscal year 2027 grant categories, funding allocations, and application processes. The committee examined the distribution of approximately $1.842 million awarded in the previous cycle across categories such as youth violence reduction, sustainable childcare, food insecurity, and veterans assistance. Members debated the potential inclusion of workforce housing as a new funding category aligned with the county's strategic plan, noting existing investments in affordable housing through other committees. The committee also considered procedural improvements, including post-award training for grantees and adjusting funding disbursement from 75% upfront to 50% upfront with the remainder reimbursed upon expenditure documentation. The proposed grant application guidelines and timeline for fiscal year 2028 were approved, with grant applications opening December 7, 2026, and closing February 7, 2027. The committee emphasized clarity in documentation requirements and discussed expanding access to grant workshops via live streaming to increase participation. Motions to maintain current funding categories and approve procedural changes were unanimously passed.

**Source:** Richland County