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From the Desk of the County Manager, October 16, 2026

Fiscal Focus and Youth Services Grant Program
October 16, 2026

Greetings, Durham!

This year is moving quickly. Fall arrived just three weeks ago, and as the weather turns cooler, I encourage you to stay healthy and visit the Durham County Department of Public Health for seasonal resources.

We are now several months into the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, and we remain focused on the priorities identified as critical for our community. On Monday, October 5, the Durham Board of County Commissioners received an update on the current budget and a potential framework for developing the FY 2027-28 budget at its work session. Durham County remains in solid fiscal condition. However, like many local governments, we are navigating a challenging budget environment. Revenue is growing more slowly, and, in some areas, declining, while costs continue to rise. Shifting federal and state policies have also created real uncertainty about the funding the County can count on in future years.

Some of these pressures fall hardest on our Departments of Social Services and Public Health. New SNAP cost-sharing reduces reimbursement by about $2 million this year and an estimated $2.5 million next year, and Durham’s Innovative Nutrition Education program faces a $1.4 million reduction in FY 2027-28. Medicaid changes are also reshaping services. As part of NC Medicaid’s move to managed care, care management for high-risk pregnancies and at-risk children will shift from local health departments to Medicaid health plans at the end of 2026.

While we face many unknowns, I remain optimistic we will continue to pull together as a community to address the issues that face us. We continue evaluating county-funded programs and activities to ensure our limited resources go where they matter most, meet our obligations under state law and local requirements, honor the priorities of our Board of Commissioners, and serve the people of Durham well.

As we plan for the FY 2027-28 development season, we will start engagement with public feedback earlier in the process. Beginning in early 2027, community conversations will gauge feedback on how best to address short-and long-term. Click here to view the October 5, 2026 work session and to learn more about the FY 2026-27 Budget Update and FY 2026-27 Budget Development Framework.

Investing in Durham’s Youth: Grant RFP Opens Today

Even in a tight budget year, we remain committed to investing in Durham’s young people. Today, we are launching a new grant opportunity to do just that. The FY 2026-27 budget includes $500,000 for a grant program to strengthen youth programming across the county. With more than 73,000 young people in Durham County, their health, well-being, and success are essential to our community’s strength and growth.

Durham County has made significant investments in programs and services that support our youth, with over 15 programs across numerous departments promoting education, workforce development, violence reduction, crime prevention, youth enrichment, and physical, social-emotional, and mental health. However, the County recognizes that challenges remain that County programs alone cannot fully address. Accordingly, Durham County is pleased to announce the launch of the FY 2026-27 Durham County Community Grants – Youth Services Grant Program, a competitive microgrant program to support community nonprofit organizations that enrich the lives of youth and promote their social, emotional, mental, and physical health.

Nonprofit organizations with active 501(c)(3) status and community-based groups with a fiscal sponsor with active 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply. Proposed projects must serve youths ages 4-24 in Durham County. They can focus on one or more of three eligible project categories: (I) Youth Social-Emotional and Mental Health Services, (II) Youth Enrichment and Recreational Activities, or (III) Youth Academic Supports.  A total of $500,000 is available and grant awards will range between a minimum of $40,000 to a maximum of $50,000. The County anticipates selecting 10-12 awardees through this RFP.

Interested organizations must submit an application by Monday, November 16, at 5:00 p.m. via Jotform at https://dconc2.jotform.com/262796146830869.  For detailed information about program requirements, timeline, allowable expenses, selection process, evaluation criteria, and other important details, please review the attached RFP.

The County’s Organizational Effectiveness Department will be holding two virtual information sessions the week of November 2nd to review the application process, program requirements, and answer questions from potential applicants:

For questions regarding this funding opportunity, please contact Julia Hedelman, Senior Management Analyst, Organizational Effectiveness (jhedelman@dconc.gov). The County looks forward to receiving proposals and supporting our nonprofit community partners’ important work serving Durham’s youth.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager

Durham County Manager