City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR, VICE-MAYOR, AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: KATE GARVEY, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND
HUMAN SERVICES /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Framework for the FY 2027-2029 Alexandria Fund for Human Services Grant Cycle.
BODY
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ISSUE: Transmittal of the City Council requested framework for the Alexandria Fund for Human Services (AFHS) FY 2027-2029 grant cycle.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
(1) Receive and approve the proposed operational framework and recommendations for the Alexandria Fund for Human Services FY 2027-2029 grant cycle.
(2) Consider and approve the recommended reporting format for ensuing AFHS grant cycles.
BACKGROUND:
On June 10, 2025, during the City Council Legislative Session, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and Community Science staff presented findings and recommendations from the independent evaluation of the Alexandria Fund for Human Services, which was completed in April 2025.
The Council accepted the report, and approved its placement on June 14, 2025, Public Hearing docket for public and key stakeholder feedback. Council subsequently directed staff to develop an operational framework and make recommendations for the forthcoming grant cycle. City Council also provided staff with the following guidance to inform the process:
* Engage stakeholders in development of a framework that aligns with the findings and recommendations from the independent evaluation.
* Assess funding strategies, that include options for both fewer large-scale grants and smaller community-focused mini and/or incubator grants.
* Preview components of year-end reports to be issued during the grant cycle to include performance data that validates the impact of the funded programs and services and other ben...
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