Equity Without Cash Flow Is a Lie: Why Reimbursement-Only Funding Breaks Community Organizations

Reimbursement-only grants force community organizations to front public service costs for 45 to 120 days, shifting risk downward and filtering out the groups closest to the work. This is a structural equity failure, not an administrative hiccup. Here’s what better funding looks like, and what policymakers can do now.

Fund Us Forward WA: Ending Reimbursement-Only Funding Models in Washington State

Reimbursement grants do not provide new resources. They require community-based organizations to absorb financial risk in order to fulfill state obligations. This model limits participation, delays service delivery, and prevents asset development. Public funding should not come with private burden. Equity requires more than access; it requires accessible terms.