WHY DOES NEOSO SEEK FUNDING FROM FOUNDATIONS?
NEOSO is a mechanism designed to help local governments in Northeast Ohio control their costs and increase their existing operating capacities. A reasonable question is: why don't the Members finance NEOSO's implementation and growth strategy?
Northeast Ohio's communities, particularly the inner-ring suburbs that participated in the pilot, are facing incredibly difficult budget situations. Most of the FSDC communities began 2005 with a budget deficit and have been hard at work reducing expenditures by cutting services and eliminating staff positions. As a result, the prospect of investing money in any new programs, even if those programs will pay for themselves in a few short years, is a non-starter. There is no free cash to invest.
FOUNDATIONS ALSO PROVIDE POLITICAL NEUTRALITY
Foundations are considered by many to be the most apolitical, neutral funding source in Northeast Ohio. Their participation in this project lends tremendous credibility to NEOSO in the eyes of potential Members. Foundations also serve as conveners of potential members and advocates on NEOSO's behalf.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS FUNDERS
NEOSO has been operating with support from:
The Cleveland Foundation
The Abington Foundation
William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation
Cuyahoga County also has pledged funds.
WHO FUNDED THE PILOT PROJECT?
The Cleveland Foundation provided a $195,000 grant to fund the pilot project.
Several private sector firms partnered with the founding team and FSDC to provide approximately $200,000 worth of time and expertise as well. Those partners include:
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