To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Resolution Amending the Policies and Procedures for the Nonprofit Funding Programs for the Town of Castle Rock
Body
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Executive Summary
When awarding the third quarter Council Community Grants on September 16, Council requested that staff bring back information on ways the program’s criteria could be tightened up. Staff followed up on that direction with a discussion at the November 18 Council meeting, and Council decided on several changes to the program. The resolution before Council tonight would implement the changes that were discussed on November 18.
Discussion
Council during its November 18 discussion considered about 10 ways that it might tighten up the Council Community Grant Program’s criteria. Ultimately, Council directed staff to proceed with these changes:
1. Increase the annual program budget to $20,000, with quarterly disbursements not to exceed $5,000.
2. Give preference to Castle Rock-based organizations, rather than those located outside of Castle Rock but serving Castle Rock residents.
3. Redirect performing and visual arts applicants to the Art and Culture Grant program that was established this year.
4. Specify that youth sports and high school sports/activities are not eligible unless they have an opportunity not repetitive, or a project that uniquely contributes back to the community.
5. Have staff prioritize quarterly applications based upon the criteria and recommend a top five; only those organizations will be recommended for grants and invited to the Town Council meeting at which they are awarded.
6. Require grantees cycle out of applying for one year after receiving grants two years in a row.
These changes - which would take effect for grants beginning in 2026 - are reflected in Exhibit 1 to the Resolution (Attachment A). The update also reflects an increase in funding for the Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Program, to align with current appropriations and awards, and makes minor updates for formatting and to reflect current program practices.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve Resolution No. 2025-XX: A Resolution Amending the Policies and Procedures for the Nonprofit Funding Programs for the Town of Castle Rock.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title.”
Alternative Motions
“I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title, with the following changes: (list changes).”
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on (date), to allow additional time to (list further actions needed).”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution
Exhibit 1: Policies and Procedures Philip S. Miller Resource Grant Program for Nonprofit Organizations, Council Community Grant Program for Nonprofit Organizations