Lacey's Human Services Grant Program targets 12 nonprofits

The City of Lacey’s Human Services Commission (HSC) endorsed a formula-driven plan under the 2025 Human Services Grant Program that channels $300,000 toward 12 nonprofit agencies. 

The commission made the move at a meeting on Tuesday, July 22.

The panel’s recommendation applies two brackets with $30,000 for applications scoring above 95 points and $23,125 for applications between 90 and 95, or the requested amount if lower. Organizations below 90 will not be funded. 

“They chose one that’s very similar to last year in 2024 where we chose all of the applications that were scored 90 and above, with taking a consideration that rubric where we’re giving a little bit more money to those that were in the very top percentile,” said Human Services Coordinator Michelle Chavez. 

The grant application window, which attracted 21 bids, opened on April 28 and closed on May 23. 

“This year, all of the applications were for service projects. ... The ask is always much larger than what we have available. Almost three times usually what we have available and every agency is very worthy of these funds,” Chavez said. 

Applicants were limited to a maximum award of $50,000, similar to prior grant cycles. 

“The priorities are ... similar from 2024 housing, survival and security, basically meeting those essential needs, such as affordable housing, access to food, water, shelter and kind of those basic security items like job training and placement help in times of crisis, transportation, etc.,” Chavez said. 

On June 5, all organizations delivered five-minute presentations to the HSC. Members scored proposals and explored 11 allocation options. 

HSC score-driven model 

The HSC adopted Option 11 after two meetings in June and July. Three organizations scored in the upper range and nine in the second tier.

The $30,000 allocations are as follows for scores above 95 points: 

• North Thurston Education Foundation - Student Assistance Grants Program (Score: 98.3) 

• Interfaith Works – Sergio’s Service Center (Score: 97.8) 

• CIELO – Lacey Housing Stability and Advocacy Initiative (Score: 96.4) 

Scores between 90 and 95 points

The $23,125 allocations are as follows:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County – Scholarships for NTPS Students Experiencing Homelessness (Score: 94.9)

• Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason, & Thurston Counties – Lacey Housing Services (Score: 94.3) 

• Community Youth Services – Haven House (Score: 93.8) 

• TOGETHER! – Host Homes (Score: 93.5) 

• All Kids Win – Weekend Food Bags (Score: 92.7) 

• Rebuilding Together Thurston County – Critical Home Repair (Score: 92.2) 

• Senior Services for South Sound – Home Share Program (Score: 91.8) 

• Homes First – Affordable Housing Development Acceleration (Score: 91.2) 

• South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity – Home Repair Program (Score: 90.6) 

Nonprofits that were not funded are as follows:

• 4 the Love Foundation – Basic Needs Support Services (Score: 89.4) 

• Garden-Raised Bounty – Youth Build Free Backyard Gardens for Lacey Residents (Score: 88.7) 

• Strophy Foundation – Gratitude and Grace Sober Living Home (Score: 87.9) 

• Our Ark – Place of Safety and Home (Score: 87.2) 

• World Relief – Refugee and Immigrant Housing Stability Program (Score: 86.8) 

• YWCA Olympia – Kathleen’s Closet (Score: 86.1) 

• Thurston County Inclusion – Summer Program (Score: 84.5) 

• Oly Camp Kitties – Spay/Neuter Program (Score: 83.9) 

Accountability

The Lacey City Council expressed support for the process, but several council members encouraged stronger metrics and reporting. 

Mayor Andy Ryder said allocations should follow evidence of need. He also underscored reliance on the HSC’s independent review. 

“I want to make sure the funds that we do have are going to the greatest needs, and so to have a needs assessment is, I think, a really important part of this whole process. ... These are all great programs. … However, at some point, we have to make a decision,” Ryder said. 

Council member Lenny Greenstein called for measurable outcomes over equity in future cycles. 

“I think a lot of weight needs to be given … about what has the most impact, not just who has the biggest need, but where do the dollars have the most impact in our community,” Greenstein said. 

Council member Nicolas Dunning suggested requiring short videos from recipients to document results.

Chavez said the idea could be incorporated into current obligations. Agencies are already required to submit quarterly and annual reports, and agree to site monitoring. 

Chavez said HSC analyzed 11 allocation models. The options included flat distributions, housing-priority schemes, and split-percentage formulas. She said one proposal offered $22,000 to top scorers and $9,000 to the next four. Another failed after tied scores caused uneven payouts. 

In terms of risks under the different models considered, Chavez said funding every organization may weaken program effectiveness, dilute impact and add administrative burden. She said exclusive focus on top scorers could marginalize new services and reduce program diversity and innovation. 

Chavez said a needs assessment is also planned before the next cycle. The review may narrow program priorities from three to one or two, such as housing or behavioral health. It may also include possible cost ceilings for administration and award brackets based on organization size. 

According to HSC, the contracts will continue as one-year terms on a cost-reimbursement basis. Chavez said nonprofits must provide receipts and comply with reporting schedules. Any extensions will need council approval. 

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the allocation at its next regular meeting on Aug. 5.