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 Department.

WHO CAN APPLY?

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

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

HOW MUCH IS AVAILABLE?

The total amount available for the FY 2019-2020 grant cycle (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020) 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 either a 100% up-front installment or a 50% up-front installment. Decisions regarding grant award amounts and up-front payments 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 fees, 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 deficits.

HOW TO APPLY

The grant applications may be submitted through Friday, March 29, 2019, by 5:00 P.M., via email to recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us with attention to Guadalupe Morales. The application shall be filled out using the form provided and should not exceed six (6) pages. Please use Arial 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. We only accept emailed applications.

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

• Completed application, including budget (all sections completed and questions answered)
• Proof of 501(c)(3) status (Non-Profit Status Determination letter from the IRS)
• City of Richmond W-9 form
• Vendor Supplemental Questionnaire 
• Signed agreement between the organization and the fiscal sponsor, if applicable

Your application will be immediately disqualified if your organization:

• Submits more than one (1) application per fiscal year.*
• Submits a handwritten or scanned application and supplemental attachments—it must be digitally typed, signed, and emailed.
• Submits an incomplete application.
• Requests grant funding for one-time special events with no supplemental enrichment programming.
• Requests grant funding solely for sports teams travel expenses.
• Requests grant funding solely for stipends.
• Requests a grant award amount higher than the grant maximum of $5,000.

*Organizations will not be awarded grant awards in consecutive fiscal year cycles. Therefore, if your organization received a FY2018-2019 award, you will not qualify for funding for this current cycle.

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:

1. Program/Project (Description and Concept)
   • The application is filled out appropriately and digitally-typed.
   • The application is clear and comprehensible. 
   • The timeline is practical and the proposed activities are well-defined and technically feasible. 
2. Outcomes and Evaluation 
   • The 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.
3. 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 NOTIFICTION OF A GRANT AWARD?

Grantees will be notified of decisions within approximately six (6) weeks following receipt of a completed application packet.

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

Applicants receiving grant awards must:

• Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City.
• 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.
• Submit a final report narrative which details how grant funds were utilized within the program/project and expenditure details (i.e. pictures, receipts, quotes, invoices, work logs, etc).

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