As leaders of the 18% and Growing campaign, we know that many of our members and partners have questions about discretionary spending and how it works. In December 2023, CACF released “The 18% and Growing Campaign: A Guide To The Discretionary Process,” a detailed guide which both introduces the goals of our budget advocacy campaign and clearly explains the discretionary process to members and partners.

Each year, Members of the Council allocate discretionary funds to not-for-profit organizations in order to meet local needs and fill gaps in City agency services. Thus, discretionary spending is a critical tool in meeting needs in our communities. As with all taxpayer funds, the public deserves to know that discretionary funds are going to organizations with the capacity and integrity to provide quality services.

The following manual will serve as a guide and procedural resource to support your organization and team’s knowledge to better understand the discretionary funding process, eligibility requirements, and contracting parameters. Download the full guide here.