An important part of the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget process is allocating our Community Partner Funds. This part of the budget is the City’s contribution to other organizations who provide vital services to our community, providing critical human services or economic growth. These services better our community and are better provided by someone other than the City itself.
We accepted applications through the summer, and a few weeks ago, the Council had the unenviable job of choosing the funding. It’s always a difficult choice. This year, we allocated $250,000 in funding, which is a lot of money, but we received over $400,000 in requests. First, I want to highlight an organization who didn’t apply. Vadis helps people with disabilities find jobs, join their communities, and find accessible homes. They received funding in the last budget and sent us this message: “I am writing to let you know that Vadis will not be applying for city funds for this cycle. The reason is pretty basic. We are not in a high ‘need’ mode at this moment. As an organization who has pursued and accessed funds from all sources for many decades, we are all too familiar with how limited resources are and how competitive it can be. We hold in very high regard, strong stewardship of public funds, based on true need and efficient utilization. That so, we want to honor those organizations in a higher need mode than we are and support their receipt of funds.” That’s an incredibly beautiful sentiment. I couldn’t be prouder of Vadis and the Sumner community for remaining collaborative through a competitive funding process.
Who will get funding in 2027-2028? The list is below. Sumner has many, many great non-profits and organizations serving our community. If you wish that one or more of these organizations got more support, then don’t hesitate to jump in too. Look them up and find ways to volunteer or donate as well. The City’s contribution should be just the start of community support for those organizations that support our people in so many ways.
Exodus Housing $15,000
Generous Influencers – Night Market $10,000
Mi Casa Housing $15,000
Mother 2 Many $15,000
Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce $15,000
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District – Family Resource Center $70,000
Sumner Community Food Bank $50,000
Sumner Main Street Association $60,000
Mayor Carla Bowman
Click the video below to watch the applicants’ presentations and the Council’s decisions to allocate funding
