Department of City Manager’s Office
Reference: Establishing a public purpose for donations to nonprofits planned in the 2026 budget
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Kathryn Mortensen, Budget and Performance Manager
Date Prepared: October 9, 2025
PURPOSE
To establish a public purpose for donations to nonprofits planned in the 2026 budget.
BACKGROUND
The State Constitution prohibits donations of funds to any corporation, including non-profit corporations. Courts have created an exception that allows donation by government entities with a finding of a public purpose benefiting the community. Each year, the City Council donates to nonprofits that serve a public purpose and provide a benefit to the residents of the City of Brighton. This resolution establishes the amounts for known donations to nonprofits that are planned in the 2026 budget for a total of $334,367 and sets out the public purpose for these donations. This includes the following amounts:
|
Boys and Girls Club |
$ 89,367 |
|
Legacy |
$ 230,000 |
|
Colorado Legal Services |
$ 12,000 |
|
Almost Home |
$ 3,000 |
Staff is recommending approval of this resolution to ensure the amounts appropriated in the budget for these organizations can be spent in a timely manner.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
All City donations must have a public purpose.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total financial impact of this resolution is $334,367 and is included in the 2026 budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff is recommending approval of this resolution.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Approve, amend, or deny the proposed resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Resolution