At least 50 nonprofits face upended budgets as the council chairman aims for a “more equitable” distribution of money.
A heated political battle unfolded at the Prince George’s County Council Tuesday, as accusations flew that nonprofit funding has been wielded as a political weapon, triggering emotional testimony and deep divisions among elected leaders.
Council Chairman Ed Burroughs sparked the controversy by using his authority to overhaul the council’s nonprofit grant distributions. He argued the previous system disproportionately funneled funds to more privileged areas of the county, leaving underserved communities behind.
“This is about fairness,” Burroughs said, citing a chart that revealed 70% of the council’s $5 million grant budget went to organizations in more affluent regions. “The groups that operate in Cheverly or Laurel are no more important than the groups in Fort Washington or Oxon Hill.”
But the changes threaten to destabilize dozens of community-based nonprofits, with some leaders warning their organizations could be forced to shut down.
Click here to read the rest of the story written by Scott Broom over at WUSA9
