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Youngstown needs to work with university to ensure successes with obtaining grants, YSU research official says
YOUNGSTOWN
There are numerous opportunities for the city to obtain grant money, but steps must be taken to ensure success, a Youngstown State University research official says.
The city’s board of control signed a contract last Thursday to pay up to $200,000 – at a rate of $50 an hour – to YSU’s Regional Economic Development Initiative during the next 24 months to help the city obtain grants it doesn’t normally receive.
REDI officials met Monday with city council members to discuss the deal and what is expected from each side.
The work will succeed only with ongoing communication, a dedication to successfully submitting applications, quick decision-making and spending as much time on the grant application as possible, said Michael Hripko, YSU’s associate vice president for research and head of REDI.
Hripko asked for a single point of contact in city government to help expedite grant applications. Mayor John A. McNally said Finance Director David Bozanich would be that person.
The plan, Hripko said, is for city officials to define areas of interest and priorities, and YSU will search for potential grants. Also, he said, the city will determine what scope of work it wants from REDI such as convening meetings, identifying potential funding sources and preparing proposals for the city to sign.
Councilmen Nate Pinkard, D-3rd, expressed concern that city officials would inundate REDI with proposals to obtain grants and “the $200,000 is spent in six months.”
Councilman Mike Ray, D-4th, said it is important for council members to prioritize projects.
McNally added, “That’s why we want to have [Bozanich] be that clearing house.”
Before applying for a grant, Hripko said REDI would provide a cost estimate determined by the amount of research needed, writing the application and providing follow-up support. The cost for a typical grant is $3,000 to $8,000, he said.
When asked how many grants it would seek for the city, Hripko said, “Hopefully we’ll do a dozen a year.”
McNally said the amount of grants will be based on “council establishing grant priorities.”
The mayor said he’s already sought grant money through REDI for parks and social services while the health department has requested research be done for two health issues.