SAN ANTONIO — More than 50 nonprofit organizations rallied at City Hall Wednesday to oppose a proposed $5.1 million reduction in city funding for fiscal year 2028, warning that the cuts could reduce services for more than 9,300 residents across San Antonio.
The proposed reduction to the city’s Consolidated Funding Pool would affect 48 programs serving residents in all 10 City Council districts.
The programs provide housing and food assistance, mental health services, youth and family programs, senior services, education, workforce development and economic assistance.
Members and supporters of the organizations chanted, “Nonprofits get it done!” during the rally as nonprofit leaders and elected officials urged the city to reconsider the proposed cuts.
Cory McRae, advocacy chair of The Nonprofit Council, said nonprofits want a role in discussions about how the city addresses its financial challenges.
“We recognize the difficult financial decisions facing the city, and nonprofits are prepared to be part of finding solutions,” McRae said. “However, nonprofits should be at the table when decisions are being made about the very services our organizations are expected to deliver.”
McRae urged Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and City Council members to reject the proposed reduction and consult nonprofit leaders before making funding decisions.
He said reducing nonprofit funding would not eliminate residents’ need for housing assistance, food, mental health care, youth programs and other services.
Denise Barkhurst, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, said nonprofits often provide immediate assistance during emergencies.
She cited last week’s storm, which left some residents without power and facing the loss of food and other necessities.
“Cutting funding to delegate agencies, organizations that are literally lifelines for some of our city’s most vulnerable residents, is simply the wrong choice,” Barkhurst said.
Seventeen-year-old Ivory Anguiano, a senior at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, also spoke about the importance of youth programs. She described how Good Samaritan Community Services provided her with support and mentorship.
District 4 Councilman Edward Mungia said the proposed cuts could disproportionately affect lower-income communities. He said 70% of residents who could lose access to programs because of the reductions live in Council Districts 1 through 5.
Mungia called for the city to preserve services for children, seniors and families facing crises.
Jones said she has encouraged council members to consider other funding sources to support nonprofit programs.
She suggested using Ready to Work funds for workforce training and hotel occupancy tax revenue for arts programs and after-school services.
Jones also said the city must balance requests from nonprofits with its responsibility to manage public funds.
“We have to be fiscally disciplined. We have to be financially responsible, and we have to shore up our most vulnerable,” Jones said.
The proposed FY 2028 reduction follows a city budget proposal for FY 2027 that maintains significant funding for nonprofit delegate agencies, according to The Nonprofit Council.
Organizations represented at the rally included the San Antonio Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, Clarity Child Guidance Center, Thrive Youth Center, AVANCE, Girls Inc., Good Samaritan Community Services, Child Safe, SAMMinistries, Artpace and the San Antonio Education Partnership.
The participating groups provide services ranging from food and housing assistance to education, health care, youth development and workforce support.