To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Trish Muller, CPA, Finance Director
Title
Discussion/Direction of Applications for the 2024 3rd Quarter Council Community Grant Program, Four Applications
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
Town Council unanimously voted to increase the CCGP award budget for the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2023. Beginning in 2024, the Council Community Grant Program (CCGP) has an annual budget of $16,000 funded by the Town Council Non-profit Grants account in the General Fund. The Town disburses funds for the grants quarterly in $4,000 increments to non-profit organizations within the Castle Rock community. Individual grants cap at $1,000 per request. The Town of Castle Rock Finance Department receives the applications, reviews them for eligibility, and presents the grant requests to Town Council.
The Town received five (5) qualified applications for the 3rd Quarter CCGP (Attachment A). One (1) organization has agreed to transfer their request to the fourth quarter.
This memo intends to present these applications to Council for consideration and approval.
Discussion
The General Fund acts as the source of monies for the Council Community Grant Program. Specific non-profit organizations for community-based projects receive CCGP funds. Organizations may apply on an as-needed basis, and staff reviews applications quarterly.
Eligible project areas for CCGP include projects that contribute to Castle Rock’s “quality of life” with special emphasis on programs and activities for:
• Youth
• Seniors
• Community based environment and sustainability
• Community based performing and visual arts
Qualifying applications not approved in the previous quarter would remain eligible for approval upon resubmission by the applicant, if the request remains valid upon the next quarterly review.
Attachment B lists the amounts awarded for the 2022-2024 Council Community Grant Program.
Brief Overview of Application:
Castle View Gridiron Club, $1000 - A booster organization for the Castle View High School football team dedicated to purchasing or re-certifying safety and training equipment. The club also ensures the team has bus transportation to all away games.
Douglas Land Conservancy, $1000 - A land trust dedicated to the protection and conservation of the natural character, habitats, ecosystems, and open space of Douglas County and other areas along the Front Range is requesting funding to offset the cost of presenters and educational speakers for their educational outreach program
Lady Trailblazer, $1000 - Girls’ Persist program benefits the Town’s youth by advancing evidence-based efforts by providing an equitable STEM leadership program specific for girls 10-17 years of age. The program is designed to put problems into practice while fostering an environment for girls to thrive.
The Mane Mission, $1000 - An organization offering animal-assisted therapy to underserved individuals including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds would be used to support youth programs for individuals ages 12-19.
Budget Considerations
The 2024 budget includes $16,000, $4,000 available for each quarter, in the Town Council Non-profit Grants account in the General Fund for the 2024 Council Community Grant Program.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve a $1,000 award to each of the non-profit organizations presented in this grant cycle.
Proposed Motion
“I move to award funding to the following organizations:
Castle View Gridiron Club $1,000
Douglas Land Conservancy $1,000
Lady Trailblazer $1,000
The Mane Mission $1,000
Alternative Motions
“I move to award funding to the following organization(s) for a different amount:
Organization (New Amount)
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on _____ date to allow additional time to (list information needed).”
Attachments
Attachment A: Applications
Attachment B: Award History