The purpose of the Health and Human Services Investment Review Committee (IRC) is to make recommendations to the County regarding the evaluation of funding applications for Adult Health and Human Services programs, to support a fair and objective review process, and to complete other duties as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.

The IRC serves in an advisory and scoring capacity only. Final funding decisions, contract execution, compliance monitoring, and oversight remain the responsibility of Manatee County Government and the Board of County Commissioners.

Each year, Manatee County invests funding in community organizations that provide Adult Health and Human Services programs. The County receives more funding requests than available resources can support, requiring a structured and transparent review process.

On January 27, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners approved updated funding priority areas and directed staff to establish a formal review committee. Resolution R-26-031 established the Health and Human Services Investment Review Committee.

• Resolution R-26-031
• Investment Review Committee Member Qualifications
• FY26–27 Health and Human Services Investment Information

Contact

Thu Le | Health Information Services Manager | [email protected] | (941) 704-3500 ext. 8173 

Renese Remy | Criminal Justice Policy Coordinator | [email protected] |34205 (941) 748-4501 ext. 3722

The Health and Human Services Investment Review Committee (IRC) is comprised of volunteers who dedicate time to the evaluation of County-funded health and human services programs.

The Board of County Commissioners appoints seven (7) Manatee County residents to serve staggered three-year terms representing the following areas:

Philanthropy / Foundation Representative

• Experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, or foundation leadership
• Experience evaluating nonprofit programs preferred

Financial Expert

• Experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting
• Preferred credentials: CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional experience

Housing Specialist

• Experience in housing, homelessness services, or housing policy
• Familiarity with local housing systems preferred

Medical or Public Health Representative

• Experience in public health or healthcare systems
• Preferred: MPH, MHA, or related field

Licensed Healthcare Provider

• Current or prior healthcare license
• Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical or service delivery experience

Senior Services Advocate

• Experience working with or advocating for older adults

Contract Management or Higher Education Representative

• Experience procurement, compliance, contract management, or higher education
• Preferred: Certified Contract Manager (CCM) or similar

Members must have no conflicts of interest with applicant organizations and must comply with all applicable public meeting and ethics requirements.

Members are expected to apply their subject-matter expertise to independently review and score applications in a fair, objective, and consistent manner.

Additional Requirements

• Must be a resident of Manatee County
• Must be able to commit time to independent application review and scheduled meetings
• Must complete required ethics, Sunshine Law, and public records training
• Must disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when appropriate

Applications are accepted when vacancies are advertised. Interested Manatee County residents with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply through the County’s standard advisory board application process.

Applicants should review the member qualifications prior to applying.

Advisory Board Application

The IRC evaluates funding applications using a standardized, Board-approved scoring process. Members review applications independently and provide scores and feedback based on:

• Program need and community impact
• Service delivery and feasibility
• Alignment with County priorities
• Organizational capacity and performance
• Budget reasonableness and cost effectiveness

Each member contributes subject-matter expertise relevant to their designated area to ensure a comprehensive, objective, and balanced evaluation process.

The committee’s scoring and feedback are provided to County staff to inform funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

Meeting Information

All meetings of the Health and Human Services Investment Review Committee are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

Meeting Location

• Public Safety Complex – Training Rooms A & B 2101 47th Terrace E Bradenton, FL 34203

Meeting Schedule

• The Health and Human Services Investment Review Committee meets in accordance with the County’s annual Health and Human Services funding cycle.
• Meetings are scheduled at key stages of the process, including orientation, application review, and scoring discussion. Committee members complete independent application review outside of scheduled meetings during the review period. Additional meetings may be scheduled as necessary to complete the evaluation process.

IRC Review Schedule (FY26–27)

June 26, 2026 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Orientation & Scoring Instruction Meeting

• Overview of funding process
• Training on scoring criteria and expectations
• Conflict of interest and Sunshine Law requirements
• Assignment of applications

June 26 – July 26, 2026
Independent Application Review Period

• Approximately 35 applications reviewed
• Independent scoring completed prior to July 24

July 27, 2026 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Scoring Discussion & Consensus Meeting

July 29, 2026 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM (If Needed)
Additional Review Meeting

August 26, 2026
Board of County Commissioners Meeting