Knox County Commissioners Propose Restrictions On Non-Profits Using Grant Money To Aid Illegal Aliens

Image Credit: commission.knoxcountytn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

Two Knox County Commissioners are seeking to tighten the rules for how nonprofit, charitable, and civic organizations qualify for county grant funding. 

Commissioners Andy Fox and Angela Russell have introduced a proposal that would require nonprofits to meet 12 detailed criteria before they could qualify for grant funding from Knox County.

The proposed ordinance is designed to give the county a comprehensive look into the internal operations, finances, and accountability practices of any organization applying for public funds. 

Applicants would be required to submit the following documentation along with their grant application:

1. Itemized financial statements, including a copy of an external audit from the previous year
2. Detailed list of expenses paid with grant money awarded by the county in the previous year, if applicable
3. Itemized budget for the organization, including planned expenses to be paid for using county grant funding
4. Copy of the organization’s charter, bylaws, or other similar corporate documents
5. A signed statement agreeing to allow Knox County’s internal audit department to access records as needed to complete financial, operational, and compliance review
6. A statement disclosing any potential conflicts of interest with staff or board members
7. A copy of documentation from the IRS, confirming the organization’s tax-exempt status
8. A statement the nature of the organization and the extent to which the organization will serve Knox County residents and how grant funding will be used for that purpose
9. A summary and explanation of all administrative costs and other programs of the organization, as well as details regarding any additional funding sources for those expenses “so that the citizens of Knox County may be fully apprised of the financial status of each nonprofit organization”
10. A sworn statement from the executive director affirming that
    1. No funds will be used for any individuals who are “in violation of the United States immigration laws”
    2. Procedures are in place within the organization to ensure that no funds are used for any person who is illegally in the country
11. Salary information for the organization’s chief officer and the next highest paid employee
12. Any additional information as requested by the county commission

The Knox County Commission will discuss the proposal during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.