Several local nonprofits asked Bradford County commissioners on July 1 for targeted funding to support childcare, senior services and youth programs.

Britney Stangler, assistant vice president of programs at Principal Children Services, requested $3,750 in the countybudget for fiscal year 2025–26 to meet a required 6% community match for the stateDivision of Early Learning school‑readiness program. Stangler said the $3,750 local match would draw about $58,750 in federal funds and, when the state match is applied, produce an estimated $62,500 total in care funding — enough to cover an annual childcare slot for roughly 13 children last year. She told commissioners the funds are used directly for childcare costs and that families must reside in Bradford County and meet income eligibility thresholds.

Swanee Berg (Economic Council) described senior services and asked for $6,463 to support meal delivery, homemaking and respite care programs; the Economic Council said it delivered 7,412 meals year‑to‑date and provided 1,216 hours of respite for family caregivers. Berg and county commissioners also discussed regional transit connections to Gainesville and opportunities to coordinate transportation.

Glenda Bruce, vice president of the Concerned Citizens of Bradford County (speaking for Alicia McMillan, who was absent), requested $15,000 to fund after‑school and summer programming, including reading and math labs and meals for participating children. Bruce described roughly 45 students served through recent summer‑camp activities and noted annual facility insurance costs of approximately $9,000 as a major operating expense for her organization.

Board response was primarily supportive and inquisitive: commissioners asked clarifying questions about eligibility, administrative overhead and leverage from federal and state matches. No formal appropriations were made at the workshop; staff indicated that outside‑organization line items are being reviewed in the FY26 budget process and that the board would consider requests during formal budget hearings.

Taper: The organizations were invited to submit any follow‑up materials requested by staff; county staff will include the requests in the budget package for commissioner consideration during the August tentative‑budget hearing.