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 the 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.
Organizations must meet the following conditions to be eligible to apply:
The total amount available for the FY 2021-2022 grant cycle (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) 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% 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.
The grant application re-opens on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, and the deadline is to submit is Friday, July 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. Note that the grant application portal will automatically close at that time and applications will no longer be accepted.
Grants are available to support organizational programming and/or projects that make use of the CSD’s aquatic centers, community centers, parks, and the Richmond Auditorium.
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, gift cards, instructor stipends and benefits, political campaigns, lobbying, religious projects, fundraising, supporting individuals, repayment of loans, and funding agency’s deficits.
The following materials must be submitted as part of a completed application packet online through our grant application portal:
Your application will be immediately disqualified if your organization:
*Organizations will not be awarded grant awards in consecutive fiscal year cycles. Therefore, if your organization received an FY2020-2021 award, you will not qualify for funding in this current cycle.
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) - 40 points
Outcomes and Evaluation - 30 points
Impact - 30 points
Grantees will be notified of decisions by Monday, August 6, 2021, by close of business via email with a grant award letter. Grantees must sign the award letter and submit proof of insurance by Friday, August 13, 2021.
Applicants receiving grant awards must:
For inquiries or clarification regarding this program or application, please contact the Community Services Department at recreation@ci.richmond.ca.us
Access the CSD Final Narrative Online Form here: