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Nonprofits may face scrutiny on grants, after $800,000 went to groups with City Council ties

Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond
Sky Lebron
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Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond says he'll introduce legislation adding additional guardrails to the city's grant process for non-profits.

Grants to nonprofits could receive more scrutiny from the city of Jacksonville after more than $800,000 was awarded to four organizations with ties to City Council members.

City Councilman Rory Diamond, who represents District 13, filed legislation that would require all nonprofits to go through a competitive bidding process to obtain city grants.

During the City Council's regular meeting last week, three $100,000 reimbursement grants and one $500,000 COVID-relief grant were approved for nonprofits that employ or are overseen by members of City Council.

City Council Vice President Terrance Freeman, District 8 Councilwoman Ju-Coby Pittman and District 4 Councilman Kevin Carrico each received a $100,000 grant for organizations they either lead or hold a leadership position in.

District 7 Councilman Reggie Gaffney, who announced in July he is running for State Senate, secured a $500,000 COVID relief payment for his organization, Community Rehabilitation Center.

City Council approved all four grants unanimously and voted to waive requirements that other nonprofits be given a chance to compete for the money.

Diamond's legislation would require a competitive bidding process and add an additional, separate public hearing for nonprofits with ties to City Council members.

A news release from Diamond said the bill would be filed Wednesday and introduced during the council's regular meeting Oct. 12, with a final vote planned for early November.

The legislation appeared on the city of Jacksonville website Thursday and is co-sponsored by District 2 Councilman Al Ferraro. A draft of the bill was also sent to WJCT News:

Reporter Raymon Troncoso joined WJCT News in June of 2021 after concluding his fellowship with Report For America, where he was embedded with Capitol News Illinois covering Illinois state government with a focus on policy and equity. You can reach him at (904) 358-6319 or Rtroncoso@wjct.org and follow him on Twitter @RayTroncoso.