City Launches Community Participation Grant Program

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin today launched a Community Participation Grant Program. This program will take a portion of the settlement monies from the 2014 Freedom Industries MCHM spill and reinvest those funds back into the Charleston community. Each member of Charleston City Council will be apportioned a one-time sum of $5,000 to give back to organizations within the community. All monies must go to charitable organizations that have been designated a 501(c)(3). 

“The water crisis devastated our community from an economic standpoint long after the spill was remedied. We need to take a portion of the monies that were secured as part of the settlement and give back to our charitable organizations,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “Our twenty-six council members will work to provide extra financial support for organizations across the Capital City.”

“Council members work hard to be a voice and advocate for the residents of our City. Rarely do we have a chance to provide funding to our nonprofits who are also working hard to be a voice and advocate for our residents,” said Becky Ceperley, City Council President. “This program will spread needed funding throughout the City.”

"The Community Participation Grant Program is an innovative way for each Council Member to support those programs and organizations working to better the City and specific wards of the Members," said Joe Jenkins, Chair of the Finance Committee.

Members can consolidate some or all of their apportioned funds with other council members to facilitate larger projects. All member requests must comply with the West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act, including prohibiting the use of public funds for personal gain. Monies can also not be used to influence legislation or be used to further political activities, including supporting or opposing any candidate for public office.