BACKGROUND

The Richmond Community Services Department (CSD) Mini-Grant, a component of the Richmond Environmental Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) Grant Program, was approved by the City Council in January 2017.  In alignment with the ECIA Grant, the Community Services Grant provides support for those organizations that serve the needs of community, youth, and youth sports. The CSD Mini-Grant is designed to support organizations that are Richmond-serving and that partner with and/or consistently utilize facilities managed by the Community Services Departments.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Organizations must meet the following conditions to be eligible to apply:

• Provide services focused on the community, youth, and/or youth sports to Richmond and North Richmond Residents
• Operate as a not-for-profit entity:
• Non-government entities (e.g. non-profit organizations)
• 501(c)(3) tax status(non-governmental entities) or utilize a fiscal sponsor (Fiscal Sponsor Agreement will be required)

HOW MUCH IS AVAILABLE?

The total amount available for the FY 2018-2019 grant cycle (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) is $50,000. Grant awards can be up to $5,000, and the number of grant awards available will be determined based on the amount of each award. Grant awards will be paid in a 100% reimbursement installment. Decisions regarding grant award amounts will be based on the discretion of the CSD and the review panel.

WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE AND INELIGIBLE USES?

Grants are available to support organizational programming and/or projects that make use of the CSD’s aquatic centers, community centers, parks, and the convention center. 

Eligible uses include but may not be limited to: Youth sports leagues and teams, special events, educational forums and classes, recreational classes, stipends, CSD facility rental fee payments, and overall community enrichment. 

Ineligible uses include but may not be limited to: Salaries and benefits, political campaigns, lobbying, religious projects, fundraising, supporting individuals, repayment of loans, and funding agency’s deficit.

HOW TO APPLY?

The grant applications must be submitted electronically to recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us  by 5 pm, December 31, 2018, with attention to Guadalupe Morales at the Community Services Department.

The following materials must be submitted as part of the completed application packet:

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status (Non-Profit Status Determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service)
• A City of Richmond W9 and vendor application form

• One (1) high-resolution action photograph that highlights your program or project

• Signed Agreement between the organization and the fiscal sponsor, if applicable

Organizations may be limited to one (1) grant application per fiscal year. The application should not exceed four (4) pages, single-sided. Please use Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced with 1-inch margins.

HOW ARE GRANTS SCORED? 

Applications will be evaluated by a review panel which may consist of one (1) CSD staff, one (1) Recreation and Parks Commissioner, and one (1) community member using the criteria listed below:

Program/Project (Description and Concept)

• Application is clear and comprehensible
• Timeline is practical and the proposed activities are well defined and technically feasible

Outcomes and Evaluation

• Program/project components are clearly stated and specific
• Outcomes are measurable, clear, and data driven
• An evaluation component is included and connected to the program component and outcomes
• Ability to sustain program after grant funds are expended is demonstrated

Impact

• Quality and quantity of the program or project impact is clearly articulated and measurable
• The program or project has the ability to positively contribute to the targeted population

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF A GRANT AWARD?

All grantees will be notified electronically of decisions no later than February 1, 2019. Please make sure a valid and appropriate contact email is supplied within the application.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS IF MY ORGANIZATION IS AWARDED A GRANT?

Applicants receiving grant awards must:

• Meet City of Richmond insurance requirements. Fiscal sponsors, serving as the grantee, must have insurance that covers all action of the non-profit and/or community-based organization. Insurance certificates and endorsements must by received electronically to recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us by March 1, 2019.
• Submit electronically to recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us a final report narrative which details how grant funds will reimburse within the program/project and expenditure details (i.e. pictures, receipts, quotes, invoices, work logs, etc) by May 1, 2019.               

For inquiries or clarification regarding this program or application, please contact Guadalupe Morales at the Community Services Department at (510) 620-6553.