2015-02-18 Grant Committee Agenda PacketCalifornia Public Records Act ("PRA"): In compliance with the PRA, the documents pertaining to agenda
items, including attachments, which are presented to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee in open
session are available for public inspection. They may be inspected during regular business hours in the City
Clerk's Office at Vernon City Hall, 4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California 90058, and on the City’s website
at www.cityofvernon.org. No prior appointment is required.
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”): In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to
participate in a meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (323) 583-8811. Notification of at least 48
hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable
arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Agenda
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund
Grant Committee Meeting
February 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Council Chamber
City Hall, 4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, California 90058
Michael Gavina, Chairperson
Lawrence Cooper, Committee Member
William Davis, Committee Member
Juliet Goff, Committee Member
Jessica Maes, Committee Member
Steve Veres, Committee Member
Vacant, Committee Member
CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT - At this time the public is encouraged to address the Grant Committee on any matter
that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Grant Committee. The public will also be given a chance to
comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during deliberation on those specific matters.
1. Self-introductions of newly appointed members.
2. Election of Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual election in August 2015.
Section 2.160(a) of the Vernon Municipal Code states that "[t]he Grant Committee shall have a
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, who shall be from different appointing categories pursuant to
section 2.158."
Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
November 12, 2014
Page 2 of 2
MINUTES – TO BE RECEIVED AND FILED
3. Minutes of the Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting held on
November 12, 2014.
GRANT AWARDING
4. Award of Docket II Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the award of the grants proposed is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies
to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Award Docket II grants totaling $255,000 to the six applicants identified below at the amounts
recommended:
Applicant
Original
Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
Community Partners on behalf of Las Fotos Project $10,000 $10,000 1 year
National Day Laborer Union on behalf of
Immigrant Youth Coalition $60,000 $5,000 1 year
Jovenes, Inc. $200,000 $75,000 1 year
Tides Center on behalf of Abriendo Puertas $250,000 $40,000 1 year
Southeast Churches Service Center $75,000 $50,000 1 year
Southeast Community Development Corporation $158,900 $75,000 1 year
ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda was
posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Vernon City Hall, located at 4305 Santa Fe
Avenue, Vernon, California, and on the City’s website, not less than 15 days prior to the meeting set forth on
this agenda. Dated this 3rd day of February 2015.
By: ________________________________
Ana Barcia, Secretary
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL VERNON COMMUNITY FUND
GRANT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014, AT 12:30 P.M. IN THE CITY
HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE
AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Gavina, Jessica Maes, Juliet Goff, and Yolie Flores
MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Veres, Lawrence Cooper, and William Davis
The meeting was called to order at 12:39 p.m. Grant Committee Executive Director Mark
Whitworth led the flag salute.
There were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
It was announced that this was the time allotted for public comment. There was no public
comment.
INTRODUCTORY ITEMS
1. Self-introductions by all Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee members.
Present members of the Grant Committee and Staff made self-introductions.
2. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual
election in August 2015.
It was moved my Maes and seconded by Goff to elect Member Gavina as the Chairperson. With
no further nominations, the motion carried, 4-0.
Flores recommended that the nomination for the Vice Chairperson be deferred to the next
Committee meeting. All were in agreement. The election of the Vice Chairperson will be
agendized at the next meeting.
3. Review of the Conflict of Interest Code and Rosenberg’s Rules of Order by City
Attorney’s Office.
Deputy City Attorney Zaynah Moussa conducted the oral presentation. Moussa addressed
various questions from Grant Committee members regarding potential conflicts of interest.
4. Staff Explanation of Meeting Stipends pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code
Section 2.160(d).
Committee Treasurer William Fox conducted the oral report.
5. Resolution No. VCF-1 - A Resolution of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant
Committee of the City of Vernon setting the date, time and place for regular
meetings.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that adoption of the proposed resolution does not constitute a “project”
pursuant to section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), because it constitutes an administrative activity; and even
if the adoption of the proposed resolution did constitute a project, it would be
exempt from CEQA in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that
CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2014
Page 2 of 3
(2) Adopt a resolution to set the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
(“VCF”) regular meeting schedule to be on the third Wednesday of February,
May, August, and November (second month of each quarter) at 10:00 a.m.
It was moved by Goff and seconded my Maes to approve Resolution No. VCF-1. Motion
carried, 4-0.
MINUTES – TO BE RECEIVED AND FILED
6. Minutes of the Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
held on September 16, 2014.
The proposed minutes were deferred to the next Grant Committee Meeting.
GRANT AWARDING
7. Award of Docket I Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants.
Recommendation:
(1) Find that the award of the grants proposed is exempt under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3),
the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the
environment; and
(2) Award Docket I grants totaling $244,500 to the six applicants identified below at
the amounts recommended:
Applicant
Original Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
East Los Angeles Women's Center $54,000 $54,000 1 year
Southeast Rio Vista YMCA $150,000 $35,000 1 year
Plaza Community Services $75,000 $35,000 1 year
Rio Hondo Vernon Rotary Club $50,000 $12,500 1 year
California Children's Academy $250,000 $60,000 1 year
Boy Scouts of America LA Chapter $65,000 $48,000 1 year
Total $579,000 $244,500
Grant Committee Executive Director Mark Whitworth reported on staff’s recommendations.
Fran Jemmott of Jemmott Rollins Group (JRG) reported on the process. At 1:17 p.m. the
Committee called for a recess in order to address individual questions with legal counsel
regarding a potential conflict of interest.
At 1:29 p.m. the Committee resumed the meeting. Member Maes and Chairperson Gavina
disclosed certain interests and positions, and advised that said interests do not constitute a
conflict.
Deputy City Attorney Zaynah Moussa further explained the determination.
Member Flores requested that staff go through each grant applicant and its highlights.
Member Goff requested additional criteria as part of future rankings.
JRG Staff Fran Jemmott James Hull and Hayley Roberts reported on the grant applicants and
addressed various Committee members’ inquiries and concerns.
Committee members requested a mapping tool or systematic method for tracking where grant
funds are going and who is benefiting from them. It is important for the information to also be
seen as part of the application.
It was noted that grant recipients can reapply for consideration of future grants.
Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2014
Page 3 of 3
In response to Member Goff, Jemmott advised that public relations will be used to publicize the
awarding of the grants.
It was moved Flores and seconded by Maes to approve the award of Docket I Vernon
CommUNITY Fund grants. Motion carried, 4-0.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:07 p.m.
________________________
Michael Gavina
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ana Barcia
Deputy City Clerk
REGEBVED
FEB 0 3 2015
CITY CLERt('S OFFICE
VERNON
REGEIVED
FEB 0 2 2015
CITY ADMINISTRATIONSTAFF REPORT
CommUNlTY FUND GRANT COMMITTEE
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
February 18,2015
Honorable Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
Mark C. Whitworth, Executive Direct ,, Z'y'1'el%&
(
Award of Docket II Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Grant Committee:
l) Find that the award of the grants proposed in this staff report is exempt under the Califomia
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general
rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment.
2) Award Docket II grants totaling $255,000 to the six applicants identified below at the
amounts recommended:
Applicant
Original Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
Community Partners
on behalf of Las
Fotos Proiect $10,000 $10,000 1 year
National Day Laborer
Union on behalf of
Immigrant Youth
Coalition $60,000 $5,000 1 year
Jovenes, lnc.$200,000 $75,000 1 year
Tides Center on
behalf of Abriendo
Puertas $250,000 $40,000 1 year
Southeast Churches
Service Center $75,000 $s0.000 1 year
Southeast Community
Development
Comoration $ 158,900 $75,000 1 vear
Backsround
As one of the key elements of the City's good governance reforms, the City Council created the
Vernon CommUNITY Fund ("VCF") to provide grants to charitable and governmental entities for
projects and programs that benefit those residing and working in Vernon. Given the exclusively
industrial nature of Vernon, the City Council determined that the VCF was in best interest of the
City and its residents, businesses, and workers.
On September 1, 2013, the City retained the services of Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. ("JRG") to
provide consultation, guidance, research and specialized administrative support services to the City
Administrator and City staff related to the VCF. JRG has extensive experience in non-profit grant-
making and gants management and specialized knowledge of ethics principles governing the grant-
making process.
On February 4, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1218 to establish the Vernon
CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee ("Grant Committee") and provide the basic guidelines and
operational procedures for said Committee and its officers, including those related to the allocation
of funds and the processes for reviewing and ranking applications and awarding grants.
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Funding
Pursuant to Vemon Municipal Code Section2.l64, the City Council appropriated $1,000,000 to the
VCF for fiscal year 2014-2015. The Grant Committee is required to allocate funds in accordance
with the following formula:
l) No less than 25% of fwtds available in any fiscal year shall be awarded to proposals to
expend frrnds on capital projects with a projected useful life of 10 years or more, or
otherwise reserve such funds for such projects to be awarded in the future.
2) The remainder of available funds in any fiscal year may be awarded to proposals to expend
funds on direct services. No single grant of this type shall be in an amount less than $5,000
or more than $250,000.
a) The Grant Committee may award multi-year grants. For such grants, all funds
necessary to fund the entire grant must be available to the Committee in the year of
the award. The total amount of any grant may not exceed $250,000, regardless of the
number of years over which the grant funds are to be spent. The Grant Committee
shall reserve sufficient funds to ensure that the grant can be fully funded without the
appropriation of additional City funds in future years.
In consideration of the minimum required set aside for capital projects, the total maximum amount
of grant funds available for award to proposals for direct services during fiscal year 2014-2015 is
S750,000. As such, JRG and City staff recommend the Grant Committee award approximately
$250,000 in grants for direct services at each of three quarterly meetings proposed to occur this
fiscal year, including this meeting. This will assure the availability of resources throughout the year
and a level playing freld for applicants.
Criteria for Rankins Grant Proposals
Pursuant to Vemon Municipal Code Section2.166, no grant shall be awarded unless doing so serves
a municipal purpose of the City, and the Executive Director and Grant Committee must rank all
proposals from eligible applicants using the following factors:
1) The extent to which the frrnds will promote the health, safety, and welfare of persons
residing or working within the Vernon Area.
2) The benefit anticipated to accrue to the Vemon Area.
3) The extent to which the public will appreciate that the benefits of the proposed actions were
a direct result of the funding provided by the City of Vemon.
4) Evidence that the funds will be used by an organization with sufficient capacity to do the
work, and will be used effectively and without inefficiencies, waste or fraud.
5) For proposals for capital projects, the ability and commitment to fund the maintenance and
repair of the project over the long term.
Docket II Grant Applications
As previously indicated, the second grant docket for the VCF contains six applications for review,
deliberation, and award by the Grant Committee. All applicants meet the eligibility requirements
set forth in Section 2.165 of the Vemon Municipal Code and all applications were thoroughly vetted
by JRG and City staff using the aforementioned ranking criteria.
Based on the application criteria, JRG's due diligence findings and the amount of funding available,
the total amount of grant frrnding recommended for Docket II is $255,000.
JRG staff has prepared a written summary for each grant application describing its merits and
potential risks, which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. These materials and recommendations are to
be used only as guiding documents for the Grant Committee's deliberation. The Grant Committee
is expected to debate the content of each application at its February 18, 2015 meeting. The full
applications are publicly available and can be accessed online at
or at the City Clerk's Office at Vemon City Hall.
Grant Agreement
Upon award of grants by the Grant Committee, each grant recipient shall be required to execute a
Grant Agreement in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Exhibit B. The Grant
Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the grant, including the amount and purpose(s) of
the grant, written reporting requirements, the return of any turused portion, and requirements
respecting the use of the VCF logo.
Fiscal Impact
The total recommended grant award amount of $255,000 is included in the 2014-2015 City Budget
and is within the recommended quarterly allocation of approximately $250,000 for this fiscal year.
Attachments
Exhibit A
Grant Application Summaries
Grant Recommendation Form
Organization Summary
I rvremuers' | |
Brief Narrative Description of the
Las Fotos Project (LFP) was inspired by Executive Director Eric lbarra's need to bridge his passion for the arts with the needs of
youth in resource-poor areas like Boyle Heights. Since 201L LFP has doubled its budget and attendance every year. Currently
the organization serves approximately 125-185 young women annually, with the majority l-70%l of their students hailing
from Boyle Heights. Although Las Fotos Project was originally conceived as strictly an arts education program, its scope has
grown and now includes leadership development, community engagement and mentorship as programmatic components.
LFP runs five main programs:
o Esta Soy Yo, an arts mentoring program
o Digital Promotoras, a leadership program utilizing digital photography and social media to raise awareness about
health disparities in local communities
o Limitless, a program focused on providing art therapy to young women suffering from mental illness
o Girl Fonrard, an arts education program for young women in juvenile detention centers
o Exposure, a cross-cultural arts program which utilizes online platforms to connect youth from different racial and
ethnic backgrounds
Participants across each program are mentored by artists based in the community as well as by program alumnae. To
supplement its core programs, LFP holds a number of seminars, public events and exhibitions open to Los Angeles residents
that are designed to encourage community engagement and connect program participants to their fellow residents in fun and
informal
Staff
Summary of Request (Narrative):
LFP is in its early developmental phase and the request for programmatic support from the Vernon CommUN|TY Fund will
assist the organization in acquiring equipment and expanding the reach of the Esta Soy Yo program for young women in Boyle
Heights. However, JRG staff believes the provision of a general operating support grant will allow the organization to continue
to improve its programming, provide increased amounts of training to staff and volunteers, and purchase or fix equipment for
the orograms.
Not only does LFP provide young women in East Los Angeles with a positive creative outlet, the programs also provide
participants with an opportunity to develop skills in research, writing and technology. The organization requires program
participants to sign in and provide contact information, therefore LFP staff doubts that tracking participants from the Vernon
area will provide any difficulty. Additionally, LFP's staff and volunteer leadership are invested in building partnerships with
other nonprofit and community organizations based in east and southeast Los Angeles, thereby extending the reach and
impact of the VCF's investment.
The main risk associated with a grant to LFP is the organization's youth-LFP is still developing, both programmatically and
financially. Although LFP is exploring options for earned income and expects to attract larger grants from a variety of funders
over time, they are still in the midst of building up the sustainability of the organization.
Amount Requested:S10,000 over 1 year
Documents reviewed
_x_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_x_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_x_ Organizational Budget
_x_ Proposal Budget
_x- Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Youth, women and girls
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmental landscape:
Las Fotos partners with a number of nonprofits in the region
and its increased capacity will bolster the strength of these
relationships. Las Fotos is also one of the few arts
tions focused on girls of color in this area of the city.
Cost/Benefit:S54-581 per student annually, based on an estimate of 125-185 participants.
Fund this proposal?x Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I Sro,ooo over l year
Suggested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Staff would like to recommend LFP for a general operating support grant as opposed to a project support grant.
Staff reviewer:Hayley Roberts
Signed:Date: / I
lY"
Brief Narrative Description of the
The lmmigrant Youth Coalition (lYC) was founded in 2011 following the enactment of the California DREAM Act. IYC's mission
is to empower and promote greater acceptance of immigrant and LGBTQ youth through programs that include youth
leadership development, public speaking, event planning and community outreach. IYC's programs also include community
education workshops that seek to ensure that immigrant youth and families are properly informed of their rights in terms of
health care access, obtaining identification and applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Lastly, IYC manages a
program entitled "Coming Out of the Shadows," aimed at providing a safe and healthy environment for closeted LGBTQ youth
via storytelling.
The organization currently operates out of a rented space in downtown Los Angeles, where staff meets and holds workshops
with 25 - 50 youth participants weekly.
Staff
Summary of Request (Narrative):
IYC is requesting general operating support from the Vernon CommUNlTY Fund. Currently, IYC's programs offer varying levels
of support for immigrant and LGBTQyouth across Los Angeles, mainly in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, where large
numbers of this population reside. VCF funds are anticipated to help with the continued operation of these programs and
with their possible expansion, ln particular, the organization is planning to lease a new location in downtown Los Angeles as
their base of operations.
Grant Recommendation Form
Documents reviewed
_X_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_X_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_X_ Organizational Budget
_X_ Proposal Budget
-X- Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:lmmigrant and LGBTQyouth in and around East Los Angeles
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmenta! !andscape:
Requested funds would support the continued operation of
IYC and its various programs. Direct beneficiaries of said
programs are immigrant and LGBTQyouth in East LA and
Boyle Heights in particular, which potentially represent
upwards of 30% of the population of those areas (using US
Census 2010 data). Added benefits include progress toward
an environment of acceptance and hope for members of one
of the most underserved communities: immigrant and LGBTQ
youth.
Cost/Benefit:S50 - S25 per person, based on 100-200 program participants
Fund this proposal?X Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I SS,OOO over one year
Suggested revision(s) to proposa!/fund amount, if applicable:
IYC has requested funds amounting to S15,OOO above their current organizational budget, which reflects the organization's
desire to expand, and incorporates costs for a new facility and increased program accessibility. Unfortunately, the amount
requested, if funded, would make the VCF the major funder. As the applicant has listed other funding sources that have been
reliable in the past (Liberty Hill Foundation, The California Endowment, OUTFund, et al.), JRG staff believes that funding for
expanded services should be more equally distributed across all funders and VCF's share would provide services for youths in
our catchment area. Also, as a relatively young organization, JRG encourages a more diverse funding base, which would be
more beneficial to the applicant. To this end, staff recommends 55,000 for general operating support.
Staff reviewer:James Hull
Signed:Date: / /
Organization Summary
t-tt
Brief Narrative of the
Located in Boyle Heights, Jovenes lnc. (Jovenes)is a place of transformation foryouth without consideration for race, religion
or sexual orientation. As the only youth shelter in Boyle Heights, it is unique in providing young people with the opportunity
to transition to permanent housing. Jovenes has doubled its capacity to meet the growing demand for homeless youth by
purchasing and rehabilitating houses in neighborhoods where younB people are integrated into community life. ln addition to
housing, Jovenes offers skills training, employment support and other community-based services in a safe, nurturing
environment. Each year Jovenes houses over 120 youth with an average of 60 youth living in their facilities at any given time.
Seventy percent of the youth are able to find employment; 80% are moved to permanent stable housing. ln addition to
housing young people, Jovenes offers domestic violence workshops - instrumental in reuniting families and family
preservation programs to prevent out-of-home placements of young people. Other activities such as Street Soccer and the
well-known Taco Festival engage the community, build strong relationships and raise funds. Jovenes understands and values
social connection as an i indicator of and emotional
Staff
Summary of Request (Narrative):
As part of the due diligence process, JRG staff visited Jovenes and toured the main shelter facility and drove through
neighborhoods where its permanent housing units are located. The home-like environment, tension-free relationships
between youth and staff, and the culture of respect and acceptance that permeates the facilities are most impressive. The
preparation of congregate meals, an old washing machine rumbling offthe kitchen and the neatly made beds informed our
impression of a caring, nurturing and supportive place for young people whose lives otherwise would be fraught with dangers
of living on the streets of LA. The programs offered are needed and would be appreciated by business owners in Vernon
looking to give a young person a fresh start in life.
There are also manageable risks associated with funding organizations such as Jovenes with complex reimbursement issues
around providing county and state-funded services, as well as purchasing and rehabilitating housing given market conditions.
Jovenes received a clean audit in 2013 although a management letter addressing undisclosed matters was issued. There
I
Grant Recommendation Form
appear to be ample assets from equity in real estate to offset operating deficits. Because the organization has had stable
leadership and physical locations over many years in addition to well-qualified and committed staff, JRG believes the risk of
default on a grant of 575,000 is minimal.
Amount Requested:S200,000 over two years
Documents reviewed
_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_x_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_x_ Organizational Budget
_x_ Proposal Budget
_x_ Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(sl served:Primarily Latino and African American youth between the
ages of 15 -20 and Latino and African American young adults
between the ages of 2t-24.
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmental !andscape:
Direct benefit to program participants include safety,
housing, training and opportunity for employment; for
communities, young people are off the streets in secure
environments requiring fewer government services - an
overall benefit to ice and hospitals.
Cost/Benefit: I tt costs approximately $8,000 to support a youth at Jovenes for one year; 575,000 provides
funds for nearly 10 youths
Recommended Amount: I SZS,OOO over one yearFund this proposal?
_X_ Yes
_No
Suggested revision(s) to proposalltund amount, if applicable:
The reduction in the request from 5100,000 per year to 575,000 could be viewed as reducing services to approximately three
young people.
Staff reviewer:Fran Jemmott
Signed:Date: / /
Tides Center on Behalf of Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors
lY"ttt
r lSAdvisoryCommittee
t--------t"'l
Brief Narrative of the
Abriendo Puertas (AP) was established in 2007 to help low-income parents become effectively engaged in their children's
schools. Over the past seven years, AP trained over 50,000 parents nationally and has built a number of partnerships with
school districts, community organizations, and family service agencies throughout southern California. The main building
block of AP's programming is its parent-education curriculum, which utilizes a "train-the-trainer" methodology. During the
trainings, parents are given more information about best practices in areas like language development, literacy, math,
nutrition, technology and socio-emotional development. After parents complete the training, AP certifies them as workshop
facilitators, with the expectation that they will assist with the implementation of the program in their communities.
Staff Analysis
of
AP is requesting grant funds in the amount of S25O,OOO to support outreach efforts, partnership expansion, and training and
technical assistance for current facilitators. Currently AP works with 112 LAUSD schools, of which approximately 23 are
located in the Vernon area. During each three-day training session AP provides bilingual programming, childcare and meals
for each participant to increase access to their programming for all community members.
AP's focus on a participatory program design, bilingual outreach and its established relationships with LAUSD schools and
Head Start sites make the organization a promising candidate for funding from the Vernon CommUN|TY Fund. AP staff
anticipates that they will be able to maintain the annual participation rate of approximately 500 Vernon-area parents if the
grant committee approves an award of s4o,0o0 rather than the s250,000 requested.
The program has gone through two separate evaluations which demonstrated the value of the trainings for parents and
communities in low-income areas. Abriendo Puertas was loted in Park and has managed to serve
approximately 600 families in the area annually since then. AP's most recent evaluation conducted by Child Trends, a
nonprofit research firm, found that AP was most successful in providing parents with increased knowledge about "enhanced
parenting practices that enhance preschool children's learning and preparation for school." JRG staff plans to closely monitor
the outreach efforts for and attendance at AP's trainings throughout the grant term in order to ensure the project is reaching
projected participation and successful completion rates.
Amount Requested:S250,000 over 18 months
Documents reviewed
_x_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_x_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_x_ Organizational Budget
_x_ Proposal Budget
-x_ Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Families, schools and community-based organizations
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmental !andscape:
Parents in southeast Los Angeles will have access to a
structured training program about how to improve the
educational outcomes and qualitv of life for their children.
Cost/Benefit:SSg per parent for training session (based on estimate of 500 attendees)
Fund this proposal?
_x_ Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I S+O,OOO over one year
Suggested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Reducing the grant size to 540,000 provides funds to train up to 600 parents using the Abriendo Puertas curriculum.
Staff reviewer:Hayley Roberts
Signed: Hayley Roberts Date: / I
Organization Summary
["
Brief Narrative Description of the
Southeast Churches Service Center (SCSC) provides essential needs such as food, temporary housing, utility payments and
transportation to distressed families concentrated in Huntington Park and its surrounding communities. At SCSC's start,
services were rendered from a church garage. Since then SCSC has grown to become an important resource in Huntington
Park, serving upwards of 200 individuals per week while employing a professional staff of three people assisted by several
volunteers.
The organization delivers services from a small center located in Huntington Park, which is easily accessible for those in need
in the area. An intake process is used to determine which services are required and SCSC attempts to find facilities that can
accommodate families for housing and helps them obtain a housing voucher. The organization maintain a food distribution
service on site from which individuals can obtain basic food items donated to the center or provided by larger organizations
such as the LA Food Bank.
Staff
Summarv of Request (Narrativel:
JRG recommends that the VCF provide funds to maintain operation of its food program at current capacity (530,000) with an
added 520,000 allotted towards core operating costs. Suggested funding would also represent approximalely 22% of the
organization's total budget. Support from the city of Vernon to a facility located in Huntington Park that services at-risk
families in the area will strengthen the image of Vernon as a proponent for a stable and improved standard of life for the
region as a whole.
Grant Recommendation Form
Amount Requested:575,000 over one year
Documents reviewed
_X_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_X_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_X_ Organizational Budget
_X_ Proposal Budget
_X_ Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Low income/poverty stricken individuals and families
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non- | Hundreds of Huntington Park residents rely upon the services
profit/governmental landscape: I provided by the SCSC for essential needs such as food, rent
comprehensive safety net for distressed families.
Cost/Benefit: I SZSO per person for services (e.g. food, temporary housing and transportation) for
approximately 200 people.
Fund this proposal?X Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I SSO,OOO over one year
Suggested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Staff recommends providing as much support as economically viable, while also creating an avenue for the easy tracking of
funding expenditures. As such, staff suggests a VCF grant in the amount of 550,000, with funds provided toward the coverage
of the SCSC's Food Program for the amount of 530,000, complimented with an additional 520,000 for core operating support.
Staff reviewer:James Hull
Signed:Date: / I
Grant Recommendation Form
Southeast Community Development Corporation
Type of Organization: I Community-Based Economic Development/ Community Development
Year Founded: I fgg+
Number of Board Members: | 4
Annual Budget: I SOfz,OOo
Brief Narrative of the
Founded in 1994 by a strategic coalition of six southeast LA County cities, Southeast Community Development Corporation
(SCDC) provides services to adults and children from communities surrounding Vernon. Their mission is to promote
community and economic development in the cities of Bell, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Downey,
Huntington Park, Maywood, South Gate, Lynwood, Vernon and unincorporated Walnut Park. The organization serves as a
technology hub for the region by increasing utilization of digital technology among workers, students and households, and
advocating for the closure of the digital divide. SCDC's application to the Vernon CommUNlTY Fund focused on funding for the
Digital Literacy Program Southeast Technology lnitiative, which will repair and refurbish computers and generate awareness
and enthusiasm among Vernon-area residents about learning and using technology.
Staff
Summary of Request (Narrative):
The application narrative described a broad array of services and three goals under which the organization would focus
programs and activities. proposed funding of S25O,OOO would be used to support increasing broadband access and advancing
public policy regarding access and availability of broadband in Southeast LA County for the purpose of eliminating the digital
divide. Given the organization's current capacity of 12 staff, JRG recommends SCDC focus on the immediate need to secure a
facility and recruit up to 500 children and youth for summer camp focused on digital literacy. Such a focus assures that SCDC
will have e resources needed to meet a critical need of families and track participation of residents from the VCF key areas
while simultaneously increasing their ability to potentially raise matching dollars from businesses and other donors.
Amount Requested:S158,900 over one year
Documents reviewed
_x_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_X_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
X_ Organizational Budget
_x_ Proposal Budget
-X- Proposa! fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Children and youth
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non- | Children and youth as well as their families through increased
profit/governmental landscape: I household access to needed services; digital literacy will
benefit classroom instruction.
Cost/Benefit: I S1ZO per child/youth for a week of summer camp and computer literacy for approximately 520
children.
Fund this proposal?X Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I Szs,ooO over one year
Suggested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
575,000 for this year instead of the S158,900 originally requested.
Staff reviewer:Fran Jemmott
Signed:Date: / /
Exhibit B
Grant Agreement
www.vernoncommunityfund.ort
(323)3sr-ile8
On [INSERT DATE] the Vernon CommUNlTY Fund (Grantor) awarded a Brant to [INSERT ORGANIZATION]
(Grantee) in the amount of S[INSERT AMOUNT] to support the following purposes: To support [INSERT
oRGANtZATtON MTSStON AND PROJECT DESCRtPTtONI.
Grantor and Grantee agree to the following terms and conditions of the grant:
1. Scope of Work:
Grantee shall use the grant funds solely for the purposes stated below, and Grantee shall repay to
Grantor any portion of the amount granted which is not used for those purposes. Any changes in the
purposes for which grant funds are spent must be approved in writing by Grantor before
implementation.
IrNsERT SCOPE]
2. Amount of Grant:
SIINSERT AMOUNT], payable upon the Vernon CommUNlTY Fund's receipt of this executed Grant
Agreement.
3. Conditions of Agreement:
Grantee agrees to the followinB conditions:
A. Reports. Grantee shall submit written reports to The Vernon CommUNlTY Fund as follows:
. A narrative report describing in detail the use of the granted funds, compliance with the terms
of the grant and the progress made toward achieving the purposes of the grant. A financial
report detailinB all expenditures resulting from the 8rant.. A copy of materials (if applicable) produced as part of the grant.
The schedule for such reports is:
Final report: [lNsERT DATE]
Please submit your report using your FluidReview account. lf you have any questions about the Erant
report, please reach out to Hayley Roberts, Senior Program Associate, The Vernon CommUNlTY Fund by
email at or call her at 323.351.1198.
Vernon CommUNlTY Fund Grant Agreement | 2
B. Expenditure of Grant Funds. Any funds not expended in accordance with the terms of this agreement
must be returned to Grantor. Grantee shall not use any portion of the funds granted herein to en8age in
any grassroots or direct lobbying, to intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to
any candidate for public office, to fund union activity, to induce or encourage violations of law or public
policy, to cause any improper prlvate benefit to occur, nor to take any other action inconsistent with
Section 501(cX3) of the lnternal Revenue Code.
C. PATRIOT Act. Grantee agrees that it will use the Brant funds in compliance with all applicable anti-
terrorist financing and asset control laws, regulations, rules and executive orders, including but not
limited to the USA Patriot Act of 2001.
D. Return of Funds. lf Grantor, in its sole discretion, determines that Grantee violates or fails to carry out
any provision of this Agreement, Grantor may, in addition to any other legal remedies it may have,
refuse to make any further payments to Grantee, and Grantor may demand the return of all or part of
the unexpended grant funds, which the Grantee shall immediately repay to Grantor.
E. Records and Audits. Grantee must maintain these grant funds in a separate fund dedicated to
charitable purposes. A systematlc accounting record shall be kept by Grantee of the receipt and expense
of such funds. Grantee shall retain original substantiating documents related to specific expenditures
and make these records available for Grantor's review upon request. Grantee shall be responsible for
maintaininB adequate financial records of this Brant.
F. No Further Obligations by Grantor. This Brant is made with the understandinB that Grantor has no
obligation to provide other or additional support or grants to Grantee.
G. Subgrantees. With regard to the selection of any subgrantees to carry out the purposes of this Brant,
Grantee retains full discretion and control over the selection process, acting completely independently
of Grantor. There is no agreement, written or oral, by which Grantor may cause Grantee to choose any
particular subgrantee.
H. LicensinB and Credentials. Grantee hereby agrees to maintain, in full force and effect, all required
governmental or professional licenses and credentials for itself, its facilities and for its employees and all
other persons engaged in work in conjunction with this agreement.
l. Organizational and Staff Changes. Grantee agrees to provide immediate written notice to Grantor if
significant changes or events occur during the term of this Agreement which could potentially impact
the progress or outcome of the grant, including, without limitation, changes in: a) the Grantee's
executlve staff or key staff responsible for achieving the grant purposes, or b) losses in funding. ln the
event that Grantee ceases its operations, Grantee shall transfer any property purchased with the grant
funds to Grantor.
J. Liability, Disclaimers and lnsurance Requirements. Grantee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Grantor, its
officers, directors, trustees, employees and aBents, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses
and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'fees) directly, indirectly, wholly or partially arising from
or in connection with any act or omission of Grantee, its employees or agents, in applying for or
acceptinB the Brant, in expending or applying the funds furnished pursuant to the Srant or in carryinB
Vernon CommUNlTY Fund Grant Agreement | 3
out the program or project to be funded or financed by the grant, except to the extent that such claims,
liabilities, losses or expenses arise from or in connection with any act or omission of Grantor, its officers,
directors, trustees, employees or agents. Grantees receiving grants in the amount of 575,000 or more
shall obtain from their insurance carriers certificates of insurance naming The Vernon CommUNlTY Fund
as additional insured.
K. ldentification of Grantor. Grant does not imply Grantor's sponsorship or endorsement. All of
Grantee's proposed external communications regarding Grantor or this grant, including approval of any
Grantor sponsorships, endorsements or use of the Grantor's logo, shall be submitted first to Grantor for
its review and approval. Grantor may request specific Vernon CommUNlTY Fund branding provisions at
any time during the term of this grant.
L. Entire Agreement. Grantor reserves the right to withhold or suspend payments of grant funds if
Grantee fails to comply strictly with any of the terms and conditions of the Agreement. This Agreement
shall supersede any prior oral or written understandings or communications between the parties and
constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement may not be amended or modified, except in a written document signed by both Grantor and
Grantee.
lN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Grant Agreement effective on the day of-
,20-.
[INSERT NAME], Grantee
Authorized Signature
Printed Name
Title
Date
CITY OF VERNON, Grantor ATTEST:
Ana Barcia, Deputy City Clerk
Name: Mark Whitworth
Title: City Administrator
Date:
By: