SPC Discretionary Fund Allocation

Over the years, the EnableFund and the Loomio voting process have funded some worthy initiatives. However, for small projects or expenses, the process -- launching a discussion, submitting a proposal, running a poll -- is too burdensome.

The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) recommends it be given the authority to allocate limited funds from the EnableFund up to a specified amount, to cover expenses that may not warrant a full proposal and voting process. For example:

• Reimbursement of web hosting costs and other infrastructure-related expenses

• Addressing needs or requests from chapters or volunteers that involve less than $1,000 in funding

• Paying selected contractors for work that supports the community (i.e. the Communications Coordinator role)

Participation in our online SPC meetings is open to anyone in the community. Typically 1 to 3 people join the 4 "regulars":  Jeremy Simon, Jon Schull, Bob Rieger, and Ben Rubin. Notes and videos of the meetings are published to the hub for community review and oversight.

We propose that each week, SPC participants would review and discuss any funding needs or requests and would vote on whether or not to fund them. If all SPC participants agree to support a request, it is approved. If anyone strongly objects, there will be further discussion and/or changes to the proposed funding until a consensus is achieved.

The following limitations and guidelines would be observed:

• Up to one thousand dollars ($1000 USD) per individual discretionary award

• Up to 30% of the average available funds allocated annually (can be updated if new money comes in)

• The program would start upon approval of this proposal, with the discretionary limit for 2021 based upon 30% of the current balance of the e-NABLE Fund. Moving forward, the discretionary limit would be determined at the start of each calendar year and updated as needed when new funds are received.

Nothing would change with the existing mini-grant process. Funds would still remain available to support initiatives approved through community voting. This would just provide a more expedient way of funding smaller expenses and critical infrastructure costs.