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 2023 Second Quarter Council Community Grant Program, Four Applications
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
The Council Community Grant Program (CCGP) has an annual budget of $8,000 funded by the Town Council Non-profit Grants account in the General Fund. The Town disburses funds for the grants quarterly in $2,000 increments to non-profit organizations within the Castle Rock community. Individual grants cap at $500 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 four (4) qualified applications for the Second Quarter CCGP (Attachment A).
|
Organization |
Amount Requested |
Purpose |
|
Lady Trailblazer |
$500 |
Girls’ Persist Leadership Program |
|
Douglas Land Conservancy |
$500 |
Presenters for the Educational Outreach Program |
|
Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS |
$500 |
Scholarships for educational needs |
|
Rimmel’s Ranch |
$500 |
Finding Belonging After Experiencing Loss event |
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 2021-2023 Council Community Grant Program.
Brief Overview of Application:
Lady Trailblazer, $500 - 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.
Douglas Land Conservancy, $500 - 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.
Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS, $500 - a nonprofit that provides a community of support and connection for those with ALS or who have lost a loved one to ALS. Funds requested will help provide scholarships for educational needs for Douglas County students pursuing their post-secondary educations.
Rimmel’s Ranch, $500 - a nonprofit whose mission is to facilitate healing from loss. Grant money will help support the Finding Belonging after Experiencing Loss event at the Fairgrounds. This event will create a space of sharing and better understanding for anyone who has experienced a loss and has struggled with finding belonging again.
Budget Considerations
The 2023 budget includes $8,000, $2,000 available for each quarter, in the Town Council Non-profit Grants account in the General Fund for the 2023 Council Community Grant Program.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve a $500 award to each of the non-profit organizations presented in this grant cycle.
Proposed Motion
“I move to award funding to the following organizations:
Lady Trailblazer $500
Douglas Land Conservancy $500
Paul’s Mystery Ship to End ALS $500
Rimmel’s Ranch $500”
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