Several of the 744 nonprofits in the greater Columbus metropolitan area are facing increasing uncertainty.
However, county government officials say they will be extremely limited on how much assistance they’ll be able to provide.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Bartholomew County government was able to help over a dozen nonprofits make up for lost revenue by providing them with federal funds allocated through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP). Those receiving help included rural volunteer fire departments that were each provided $100,000.
But now that all ARP dollars have either been spent or earmarked, the Bartholomew County commissioners find themselves far more limited on what they can provide, commissioner’s Chairman Carl Lienhoop says.
Four social service agencies are receiving funds through locally-collected tax dollars in 2025:
Centerstone, Inc. – $796,263 (in two installments of $348,151.50) to provide services to those with mental illnesses.
Developmental Services, Inc. – $100,000 to fund support services for handicapped citizens.
ARC of Bartholomew County – $20,000 (paid in four installments of $5,000) to provide support services for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Mill Race Center – Up to $5,000 for gasoline. The center’s vehicles provide support service for the elderly that includes Meals On Wheels, which provides home-delivered meals to Bartholomew County’s homebound community.
Elected officials cannot just hand out tax dollars to charity, Lienhoop said. All four social service agencies are receiving funds to provide specific services to residents who need assistance, he added.
“Just out-and-out donations? We don’t give them,” said Lienhoop. “It’s not our money. It’s tax dollars taken from everybody who has to pay taxes. They are relying on us to be responsible spenders.”
While the commissioners feel it is important to provide mental health services to those who can’t afford them, Lienhoop says the amount of money the county pays – and what provider receives it – has already been determined in Indianapolis.
“The payment to Centerstone is mandated by the state,” the chairman said. “We have no control over that one at all.”
When the commissioners pay $140,000 annually to the Bartholomew County Humane Society, they are making the nonprofit a partner with Bartholomew County Animal Control, Lienhoop aid. In exchange for the funds, the humane society’s shelter agrees to house, feed and take care of domestic animals brought in by animal control officers.
About $110,000 was spent this year to obtain two seats on the Columbus Economic Development Board – a substantial increase from the $15,000 the county previously paid for those seats.
But Lienhoop says the additional investment provides county government with the same level of service from the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corp. that has been provided to the city of Columbus in the past.
“We expect results from them and future benefits, in terms of broadening the economic base and providing employment, which will ultimately help our tax rolls,” the commissioner said.
County officials are keeping an eye on the organizations receiving tax money to make sure their missions don’t change, Lienhoop says.
Prior donations
The following 11 Bartholomew County nonprofit organizations received funds to make up for revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal dollars were allocated to Bartholomew County government through the American Rescue Plan.
- Bartholomew County 4-H Fair, Inc. – $125,000
- Family Services of Bartholomew County – $10,000
- Foundation For Youth – $50,000
- Mill Race Center – $25,000
- Turning Point Domestic Violence Services – $10,000
- Bartholomew County Humane Society, Inc. – $10,000
- Visitor’s Center, Inc. – $100,000
- Just Friends, Inc. – $10,000
- Bartholomew County Historical Society – $25,000
- YES Cinema – $75,000
- KidsCommons – $22,500
The following 11 Bartholomew County nonprofit organizations received funds to make up for revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal dollars were allocated to Bartholomew County government through the American Rescue Plan.
Bartholomew County 4-H Fair, Inc. – $125,000
Family Services of Bartholomew County – $10,000
Foundation For Youth – $50,000
Mill Race Center – $25,000
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services – $10,000
Bartholomew County Humane Society, Inc. – $10,000
Visitor’s Center, Inc. – $100,000
Just Friends, Inc. – $10,000
Bartholomew County Historical Society – $25,000
YES Cinema – $75,000
KidsCommons – $22,500
