CANDO Finances

Funding for CANDO Communications

The City of Salem each year has the discretion to include funding for City-recognized neighborhood association communications.  Historically, the Council budgets up to $500 per neighborhood association for "flexible communications", including Web hosting and outreach projects.  Typically, the Council has budgeted $250 per fiscal year with an additional $250 if "matched" by gifts or approximately 12 hours of volunteer work that benefits the neighborhood (limitations apply).  The Council may also re-appropriate funds not spent the previous year. 

Communications funds must be used for projects that support the goals of the Public Communication Enhancement Plan:

1. Support the Neighborhood Association to effectively fulfill its city recognized roles. 
2. Enhance the city's ability to communicate effectively with the public.

This is understood to mean that funds can be spent on creative communication or outreach projects that are approved by the board and contribute to the above goals.  The best practice is to seek approval prior to incurring any expense, and Neighborhood Services will require a copy of the minutes of the meeting in which the expenditure was approved before it will process an order or reimbursement.    

The City can either order products on behalf of CANDO, or reimburse individuals who spend their own funds on the projects and submit receipts and documentation. Reimbursement checks are usually available within two weeks. Funds must be expended and materials/services received from vendors by June 30th. The Treasurer must notify the Neighborhood Services staff by April 30th of any funds that will be unspent by June 30th (the end of the fiscal year).

As of July 1, 2015, the City had $595 set aside for CANDO communications (see below). 
Update: as of September 1, 2015, CANDO had met all the requirements for matching funds for FY 2015-2016.