Troubled Times for Austin Nonprofits

Beard Papa/flickrAs the country’s most whispered recession rolls on, the city budget faces an estimated $25.3 million deficit in 2009. At this economically fragile hour, Austin’s nonprofit human services organizations worry that the city will cut their funding when their assistance is needed most. Some local organizations like Caritas, who are integral in providing vital services to people in need, receive a large portion of their funds through the city of Austin. Nonprofit leaders have asked for a 10% increase in funding to meet the rising demand for their services, but it seems they have a hard time ahead of them. City council member Lee Leffingwell told KVUE, "I don't think that's going to be possible." The city manager is set to present a balanced budget to Council by next week. Between July and August, the council will... [read full story]