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Nonprofit leaders want the candidates for county executive to know how important their groups are to Prince George's economy and quality of life. They also want to know what the new county leader will do to help them get paid for the work they do for the county.

The nonprofit executives gathered Thursday at a forum in Landover hosted by a seven-group collective, including the Human Services Coalition of Prince George's County, the Community Foundation of Prince George's County and the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable.

"We want to inform candidates of the role, values and necessity of what philanthropy nonprofit businesses bring to the community," said Desiree Griffin-Moore, executive director of the Community Foundation.

Among the concerns of the roughly 200 in attendance is the county's contracting process for businesses and nonprofits, many of whom complained about slow payment.

Del. Gerron Levi (D-Dist. 23A) of Bowie said the government needs time to review the projects for its own legal protection, "timely payment is critical."

"Many nonprofits also don't really understand the process, so we have to establish a center they can go to learn," said County Councilman Samuel Dean (D-Dist. 6) of Mitchellville. Five Democrats are running in the Sept. 14 primary. No Republicans have filed. Incumbent Democrat Jack B. Johnson cannot run for a third term.

Dean referred to the system the county has for its Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which connects lenders with prospective homebuyers to provide loans through a $10.8 million federal grant. Dean said this program has been especially efficient because it has an in-house attorney, which reduces legal delays. As of July, the program helped the sale of more than 569 foreclosed homes.

Candidates also talked about strategies for helping nonprofits supplement the government's service mission.

Levi referred to how the county's nonprofits have the lowest per capita revenue in the region, $8,124. She suggested the incoming county leaders look for ways to consolidate the county's small nonprofits – most with less than $25,000 in revenues – and build capacity for others.

Candidate Henry C. Turner Jr., a retired businessman, called for a center to assist nonprofits with grant proposals, allowing them more time to work on their missions. He also said the county needs to find ways to connect active seniors with nonprofits because many are willing volunteers.

lrobbins@gazette.net