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.

GRANT GUIDELINES 

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 2020-2021 grant cycle (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) 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, participant/youth stipends (not eligible for payment to instructors), CSD facility fees, and overall community enrichment. 

Ineligible uses include but may not be limited to: Salaries, instructor stipends 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 13, 2020, by 5:00 P.M., via email to recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us. 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: 

• FY20-21 CSD MINI-GRANT APPLICATION, including budget (all sections completed and questions answered)
• City of Richmond w9 Form W9 (COR)
• COR Vendor Supplemental Questionnaire
• Proof of 501(c)(3) status (Non-Profit Status Determination letter from the IRS)
• 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 for ineligible uses, such as salaries and 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 FY 2019-2020 award, you will not qualify for funding in 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.
   • The ability to sustain the program after grant funds are expended is demonstrated.
3. Impact 
   • The 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?

Grantees will be notified of decisions by Friday, March 20, 2020.

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

Applicants receiving grant awards must:

• Sign and submit a grant award letter outlining all terms and conditions of accepting the grant.
• Provide proof of insurance as outlined in the City of Richmond Insurance Requirements. Fiscal sponsors, serving as the grantee, must have insurance that covers all activities of the non-profit and/or community-based organization.
• Submit a final report narrative that 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) 620-6950.