2015-08-19 Grant Committee Agenda Packet (Amended)California 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
August 19, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Council Chamber
City Hall, 4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, California 90058
Michael Gavina, Chairperson
Jessica Maes, Vice Chairperson
Lawrence Cooper, Committee Member
William Davis, Committee Member
Juliet Goff, Committee Member
Steve Veres, Committee Member
Rafael Gonzalez, 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.
ELECTION
1. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to serve until the next annual election in August
2016.
Recommendation:
(Items A-C)
A. Find that election of chairperson and vice chairperson does not constitute a “project” pursuant to
section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA ”),
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
August 19, 2015
Page 2 of 3
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
B. Elect one of its members as Chairperson for a one year term; and
C. Elect one of its members as Vice Chairperson for a one year term.
MINUTES – TO BE RECEIVED AND FILED
2. Minutes of the Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting held on
February 18, 2015.
3. Minutes of the Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting held on May 20,
2015.
FISCAL YEAR 2014/2015 YEAR-END SUMMARY
4. Vernon CommUNITY Fund Year-End Summary for Fiscal Year 2014/2015.
Recommendation:
A. Receive and file a report prepared by City consultant Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. summarizing
the activities and results of the first year of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund.
B. Provide feedback to City consultant and City staff regarding the contents of the report,
experiences and impressions over the first year, and potential improvements that could be made
to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund grant making process.
GRANT AWARDING
5. Award of Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Docket I Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants.
Recommendation:
A. Find that the award of the proposed grants are 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
B. Award Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Docket I grants totaling $180,000 to the five applicants identified
below at the amounts recommended:
/ / /
/ / /
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
August 19, 2015
Page 3 of 3
Applicant
Original Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
Holy Angels Church
of the Deaf $43, 620 $45,000 1 year
Inner City Struggle $150,000 / 2 years $35,000 1 year
Los Angeles County
Bicycle Coalition $44,000 $35,000 1 year
Proyecto Pastoral $75,000 $40,000 1 year
Weingart East Los
Angeles YMCA $125,000 $25,000 1 year
DISCUSSION ITEM AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
6. Discussion regarding potential expansion of the Vernon Area.
Recommendation:
A. Hold a discussion regarding the potential expansion of the Vernon Area and provide specific
recommendations to City staff and City Council regarding any such expansion.
7. Discussion regarding rolling grant dockets and capital grants.
Recommendation:
A. Hold a discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of rolling grant dockets and
provide recommendations to City staff regarding the continuation of rolling grant dockets or
alternatives to rolling grant dockets.
B. Hold a discussion regarding how to most appropriately and effectively address capital grant
funding and awards and provide related recommendations to City staff and City Council.
ORAL REPORTS
8. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
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 4th day of August 2015.
By: ________________________________
Maria E. Ayala, Secretary
TO:
FROM:
RE:
STAFF REPORT
RECEIVED
AU6 0 4 2015
CITY ADMIIiISTRATION
Honorable Members of the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
Maria E. Ayala, City Clerk lryun
Election of Chairperson and Vice chairperson to serve until the next annual
election in August 2016
Recommendation
A. Find that election of chairperson and vice chairperson does not constitute a "project"
pursuant to section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the Califomia Environmental
Quality Act C'CEQA), because it constitutes an administmtive 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(bX3), the general rule that CEQA only applies
to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
B. Elect one of its mernbers as Chairperson for a one year term; and
C. Elect one of its members as Vice Chairperson for a one year term.
Background
It is recommended that the Vemon CommUNITY Fund Gmnt Committee conduct its annual
election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson pursuant to the Vemon Municipal Code.
Section 2.160(a) of the Vemon 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."
Section 2.160(b) of the Vemon Municipal code states that "[t]he Grant Committee members
shall elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson at its first meeting and annually thereafter. No
Grant Committee member may serve as Chairperson for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
The Chairperson shall preside over all Committee meetings. The Vice Chairperson shall, in the
absence of the Chairperson, perform the duties of the Chairperson."
CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
August 19, 2015
Page 1of2
Page 2 of 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON COMMUNITY FUND
GRANT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE CITY
HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER, LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE
AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Gavina, William Davis, Juliet Goff, and Jessica Maes
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lawrence Cooper, Rafael Gonzalez, and Steve Veres
Chair Gavina called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m. and led the flag salute.
Chair Gavina announced that there were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Gavina announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired whether
anyone in the audience wished to address the Committee. The public will also be given a chance
to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during Committee deliberation on those
specific matters.
No public comment provided.
Chair Gavina announced that the agenda items would be addressed out of order with the Minutes
being addressed first.
MINUTES
3. Minutes of the Special Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting
held on November 12, 2014.
Deputy City Clerk, Ana Barcia, announced that due to the fact that there is a change in the
Committee membership, and there will no longer be an opportunity to have a quorum of the
previous committee in order for the Minutes to be adopted. The Committee agreed to
administratively enter the Minutes presented into record.
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
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2015
Page 2 of 2
Fran Jemmott provided a report on the applications submitted and for recommendation tonight.
Ms. Jemmott also answered questions from the Committee that included: number of applications
submitted, site visits by the Jemmott Rollins Group, etc.
It was moved Maes and seconded by Goff to approve the award of Docket II Vernon
CommUNITY Fund grants. Motion carried, 4-0.
INTRODUCTORY ITEMS
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."
Chair Gavina announced that Agenda Items #1 and #2 would be TABLED for the next
meeting.
Fred Macfarlane, Senior Advisor to the City Administrator, provided an update on the Docket 1
Grants that have been distributed. The grant awards were featured in the recent Vernon
Quarterly, with information on the work of the Vernon CommUNITY Grant Fund Committee.
Mr. Macfarlane also provided information regarding an event to include Senator Pro Tempore
De Leon and City and Committee representatives to present ceremonial checks to the grant
recipients.
With no further business, at 11:19 a.m., Chair Gavina adjourned the meeting.
________________________
Michael Gavina
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
Secretary
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON COMMUNITY FUND
GRANT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CITY OF VERNON HELD
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBER, LOCATED AT 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE,
VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Gavina, William Davis, Lawrence Cooper, Juliet Goff,
Rafael Gonzalez, Jessica Maes, and Steve Veres
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
Chair Gavina called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. and led the flag salute.
City Clerk Maria Ayala announced the supplemental agenda that was issued (Agenda Item No.
4).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Gavina announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired whether
anyone in the audience wished to address the Committee. The public will also be given a chance
to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during Committee deliberation on those
specific matters.
No public comment provided.
INTRODUCTORY ITEMS
1. Self-introductions of newly appointed members.
Board Member Cooper introduced himself from Senator Ricardo Lara’s appointee. He
has worked in the State Capital for over 14 years, and is consistently in the L.A. area for
business purposes.
Board Member Gonzalez introduced himself, and is looking forward to serving on the
Committee that will be providing funding for a variety of services in the area.
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."
Board Member Veres nominated Board Member Maes for the position of Vice-Chair.
Board Member Gonzalez seconded the nomination. Nomination carried on a 6-0 vote
GRANT AWARDING
3. Award of Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Docket III Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grants.
Recommendation:
A. Find that the award of the proposed grants are 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
B. Award Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Docket III grants totaling $250,000 to the five
applicants identified below at the amounts recommended:
/ / /
/ / /
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2015
Page 2 of 3
Applicant
Original Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
East Los Angeles
Community
Corporation
(ELACC)
$250,000; adjusted to
$50,000 after
discussion with JRG $50,000 1 year
Eastmont Community
Center (ECC) $50,000 $50,000 1 year
Family Healthcare
Centers of Greater
Los Angeles
(FHCGLA) $100,000 $60,000 1 year
Project Return Peer
Support Network
(PRPSN) $40,000 $40,000 1 year
South Central Los
Angeles Regional
Center (SCLARC) $250,000 $50,000 1 year
Board Member Goff arrived at the meeting at 10:15 a.m. during Ms. Jemmott’s reports.
Fran Jemmott and Hayley Roberts of Jemmott Rollin Group provided reports on each grant
applicant and the recommendation. Ms. Jemmott, Mr. Fred MacFarlane, Senior Advisor to the
City Administrator, and staff responded to questions from the Committee that included: facilities,
use of grant monies, recognition for the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee as the
grantor (considerable dialogue on this topic), etc.
Mr. Macfarlane and Ms. Jemmott will work with City Administration and communication plan
for the Committee, and potentially develop a plan for a permanent fixture to recognize the
Committee for the grant award. Staff will report back at the next Committee meeting.
Each grantee’s application was considered in separate motion and vote to approve the award of
fiscal year 2014-2015 Docket III Vernon CommUNITY Fund grants as follows:
Applicant Motion Second
Motion
Carried
East Los Angeles Community Corporation
(ELACC) Maes Veres 7-0
Eastmont Community Center (ECC) Veres Maes 7-0
Family Healthcare Centers of Greater Los
Angeles (FHCGLA) Maees Gonzalez 7-0
Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN) Goff Davis 7-0
South Central Los Angeles Regional Center
(SCLARC) Goff Maes 7-0
DISCUSSION ITEM AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF
4. Discussion of Vernon Area Map and potential options for depiction of basic grant
related data.
Hayley Roberts of Jemmott Rollin Group provided a presentation on the geographic location of
the grantees and their service area.
Board Member Veres, requested that the City Council consider a method by which to consider
grant applications from agencies that provide services to “moving populations” such as homeless
individuals.
ORAL REPORTS
5. Brief reports on activities, other brief announcements, and directives to staff.
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2015
Page 3 of 3
Executive Director Mark Whitworth thanked everybody for their attendance and great discussion
and input. Staff will report back on branding information for the Committee.
Fred MacFarlane, Senior Advisor to the City Administrator, provided a report on the ceremonial
check presentation tour.
Chair Gavina thanked everybody for their attendance today and for participation in the check
presentation tour.
Board Members Veres and Gonzalez recommended that an opportunity to bring all grant
recipients together for a recognition event be considered and looked into.
With no further business, Chair Gavina adjourned the meeting at 11:42 a.m.
________________________
Michael Gavina
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
Secretary
REn="1r-D
AUI I )
CIIY CLErri; TJFFICE STAFF REPORT
CITY ADMINISTRATION
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE,:
August 19,2015
Honorable Members of the Vernon CommUNITy Fund Grant Committee
Mark C. Whitworth, City Adminisrr ^r(qaori gin ator: Kristen h,nomo to, Depu ty Clf*dffi/istra tor
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Year-End Summary for Fiscal year 2014/2015
Recommendation
A. Receive and file a report prepared by city consultant Jemmott Rolins Group, Inc.
summarizing the activities and results of the first year of the Vemon CommUNITy Fgnd.
B. Provide feedback to City consultant and City staff regarding the contents of the report,
experiences and impressions over the first year, and potential improvements that could be
made to the Vernon CommLINITy Fund grant making process.
Background
the City's ty Council created the
'VCF") to govemmental entities
at benefit Vemon. Given the
exclusively industrial nature of vemon, 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,,) toprovide consultation, guidance, research and specialized administrative support services to theCiry Administrator and City staff related to the VCF. JRG has extensive .*p".i"n"" in non-profitgrant-making and grants management and specialized knowledge of ethics principles goveming
the grant-making process.
on February 4, 2014, the city council adopted ordinance No. l21g to establish the vemonCommUNITY Fund Grant Committee ("Grani Committee") and provide the basic guidelines andoperational procedures for said committee and its officers, including those ielated to theallocation of funds aad the processes for reviewing and ranking appiications and awardinggmnts.
Page 1 of2
JRG Year One Summary Reoort (Fiscal Year 2014/2015)
Attached hereto is a report prepared by JRG recapping the key accomplishments and activities of
the first year of the Grant Committee.
The report includes statistical data on the gant funding provided over the first three dockets,
including service locations and service t)?es. It also summarizes some of the lessons leamed in
what has been somewhat of new experience for both JRG and city staff, and it describes some
recent operational changes at JRG.
JRG and City staff invite and encourage the Grant Committee to provide feedback on the year-
one activities, as well as on improvements that can be made as we tum our attention toward year-
two.
Fiscal Imoact
There is no fiscal impact related to this informational report.
Attachment(s)
l. Vemon Comm[NITY Fund: Year One Summary Report
Page 2 of 2
/, ^rrr*RolinsGcrah..
Vernon CommUNITY Fund: Year One Summary Report
Overview
This brief report is intended as an informational document for City of Vernon Administration, Vernon
CommUNlTY Fund Grant Committee, and others interested in results of the first full fiscal year of
operation ofthe Vernon CommUNtTy Fund.
vernon commuNlrY Fund (vcF) was established by ordinance 1218 of the vernon city council on
February 4, 2014 and completed its first year of grant awards for Fiscal Year 2015 in May of 2015. The
governance, administrative and operational aspects of vcF successfully achieved the goals of a
community-based grantmaking program. JRG is pleased to report the following:
. The formation of an active and engaged Grant Committee;. The development and implementation of a transparent, incluslve and rigorous application,
review, and approval process;
o Successful disbursement ofgrant funds in accordance with fiscal year calendar;. The establishment of reporting and monitoring processes for awarded grants;. lmplementation of a state-of-the-art on-line platform under license from Fluid Review (now
owned by Survey Monkey) to assure a highly transparent grant application, review and
management process
with the strong support city of vernon Adminlstration, the vcF Grants committee and the civic
engagement of elected officials, the grantmaking conducted in year one succeeded in reflecting and
responding to the values and priorities expressed in the Fund's origination. Grants totaling 5749,500
were awarded in this pilot first year. A complete summary of grantmaking data is provided in the
sections below and in the charts that follow.
Lessons and experience from implementation during this year will help inform plans and process in the
coming years, assuring continued success and positive impacts for businesses and residents in Vernon,
Bell, Maywood, commerce, Huntington park, Boyle Heights and unincorporated East Los Angeles.
Grantmaking Totals
Docket rqElPeste! Anoalnt
Number of G rants
Made
2015 Docket I
2015 Docket ll
2015 Oocket lll
5 zqc,ffiS zss,mS ,r,*
6
6
5
Total s 749,W L7
Summory Repott, Yeot One - July 2075
/ ^rrr*Rollir:s
3.4;-..
The first grant docket of the Vernon Community Fund was approved on November 12, 2014. The docket
consisted of six awards totaling $244,500. Over the next two grant dockets approved awards to the
eleven organizations totaling S505,000. All of the awards provided funding to organizations serving
residents in the Vernon catchment area (defined as the cities of Vernon, Bell, Commerce, Huntington
Park, Maywood, unincorporated East Los An8eles, and the Boyle Heights neighborhood in the City of Los
Angeles). ln total, the vcF Grant committee awarded s749,500 dollars to 17 local nonprofits, with an
average grant amount of approximately 544,000. While dockets I and ll awarded funds to 6
organizations each, docket lll was slightly smaller with a total of5grants. lt is important to note thatthe
VCF Grant Committee distributed grant awards at three meetings; in future years the Grant Committee
will meet four times.
A full list of grantees organized by docket can be found as an appendix to this report.
Grantee Service Locations
Although the Vernon CommUNlW Fund focuses on seven specific areas in Southeast Los Angeles, the
nonprofit infrastructure in East Los Angeles, specifically Boyle Heights, is much more mature than in
other areas in the Southeast citles. Fully 15 of the 17 organizations that recelved funding in the VCF'S
inaugural year of grantmaking anticipate they will service residents of Boyle Heights and East Los
Angeles over the course of their grant term. However, it ls important to note that only six of those
organlzations focus solely on those geographic areas. The remaining nine organizations provide services
to residents in the other four regions in the Vernon area beyond Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles.
Grantee Service Types
The 17 VCF grantees represent the diversity of the nonprofit sector. Grantee's focus areas range from
providing emergency shelter for families to a digital photography program for young Latina women. A
slight majority of VCF from FY2015 funding supports educational and social services programming. As
the VCF continues to make grants to new organizations JRG will continue to track any emerging trends in
the types of organizations and programs being funded in order to avoid duplication of effort as well as
encourage collaboration. A more detailed breakdown of VCF grantee pro8ram service categories can be
found listed below:
. 5 organizations have a primary focus on connective social services (e.g. emergency housing,
food and shelter)
. 5 orBanizations have a primary focus on education (youth and parent)
. 2 organizations have a primary focus on recreation and sports. 2 organizations have a primary focus on community engagement programming
. 2 organlzations have a primary focus on healthcare. l organization has a primary focus on the visual arts
Lessons Learned
As contractors serving the City of Vernon Administration, the management assistance provided has been
veryrewardingand a meaningful learning experience. While steeped in thewaysof organized private
philanthropy, the JRG team faced a challenge in finding and applying policies and practices for a
government operated fund. Through regular meetings, research, consultation with key leaders, and a
Surnmory Report, Yeor One - July 2075
/, *r*Rolinscu'cu;r&:.
reliable set of core values, the VCF completed the first year without significant mishaps for external
criticism. Many lessons were learned, including:
The importance of oversight, guidance and involvement of many City personnel assured that
activities were legal, ethical, responsive and effectively communicated to specific audiences;
The significance of rigorous due diligence to assure VCF Grant Committee of the capacities of
grant applicants to use funds as stated, and to inform them of any known risks, was more
important in government than in private grantmaking. There is a higher level ofstewardship
expected of tax dollars than private resources;
Community education and strategic communications must be fair, balanced and aimed at all
segments of communities the VCF is intended to benefit;
Open public meetings to review the grant docket present unique challenges for preparation,
clarity of language, protocol and respect for the role of the VCF Grant Committee in determining
awards;
. The importance ofopenness and transparency in our work cannot be overstated;. The maintenance ofthe on-line platform and telephone communication with applicants requires
more vigilance than originally anticipated; there is an on-going need to support VCF Grants
Committee and applicants with the existinB platform and in the monitoring of the phone
system.
Operational Chantes at JRG
The growth in grantmaking volume and grant monitoring as the first grant reports are coming due
requires changes in the administration, monitoring and provision of appropriate support to VCF. The
Jemmott Rollins Group (JRG) has responded to this growth in activity by adding Anne-Marie Jones to the
JRGteam. JamesHull will focus exclusively on technology and will be present at VCF Grant Committee
meetinBs. Moving forward, not only are we planning for an increase in applications as awareness ofVCF
is raised, but we are also planning for increased grant monitoring responsibilities, as more grants are
open simultaneously. Future reports to the City Administrator and the Grant Committee will begin to
reflect the transition of grants from the application phase to the monitoring phase, and eventually their
final close out, to allow room for new grants and applications.
5ummary
JRG is very open to feedback from the VCF Grants Committee, City Administration and Grantees. Please
know that your assessment of our work is vital to meeting expectations and in the viability of the VCF to
continue as an instrument of good wlll for the City.
Surnnory Repoft, Yeot One - July 2015
Appendix I
/, ^"r*Rolins&'cqi;.i.
Grantee Docket Grant Amount
Boy Scouts of America LA Chapter Docket I s48,0O0
California Child rens Academy Docket I S6o,ooo
East Los Angeles Women's Center Docket I Ss4,ooo
Plaza Community Services Docket I S3s,ooo
Rio Hondo Vernon Rotary Club Docket I s12,soo
Southeast Rio Vista YMCA Docket I 53s,000
Community Partners/Las Fotos
Project Docket ll Slo,ooo
Jovenes, lnc.Docket ll s7s,000
National Day Laborer Organizing
Network/lmmigrant Youth
Coalition Docket ll Ss,ooo
Southeast Churches Service Center Docket ll Sso,ooo
Southeast Community
Development Corporation Docket ll 57s,000
Tldes Center/Abriendo Puertas Docket ll s40,000
East Los Angeles Community
Corporation Docket lll Sso,ooo
Eastmont Community Center Docket lll ss0,000
Family Healthcare Centers of
Greater Los Angeles Docket lll 56o,ooo
Project Return Peer Support
Network Docket lll 54o,ooo
South Central Los AnBeles Regional
Center Docket lll ss0,000
Summory Repoft, Yeor One - July 2075
RECEIVED
AUG 0 3 zo15
CWCLTRKSOIIICE
STAFF REPORT
CITY ADMINISTRATION
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
August 19,2015
Honorable Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
Mark C. Whitworth, f,xecutive Director
Originator: Lilia Hernandez, Executive Assist Administrator
Award of Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Docket I Vernon CommUNITY Fund Crants
Recommendation
A. 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(bX3),
the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the
environment.
B. Award Fiscal Y ear 201512016 Docket I grants totaling S180,000 to the five applicants
identified below at the amounts recommended:
Applicant
Original Amount
Requested
Amount
Recommended
Proposed
Term
Holy Angels Church
ofthe Deaf $43, 620 s45,000 I year
Inner City Struggle $150,000 l2years s35,000 1 year
Los Angeles County
Bicycle Coalition $44.000 s35,000 I year
Proyecto Pastoral $7s,000 s40,000 I year
Weingart East Los
Anseles YMCA s 125,000 s25,000 I year
Backsround
As one of the key elements of the City's good govemance reforms, the City Council created the
Vemon CommUNITY Fund C'VCF") to provide grants to charitable and govemmental entities
for projects and programs that benefit those residing and working in Vemon. Given the
Page I of3
exclusively industrial nature of Vemon, the City Council determined that the VCF was in best
interest of the City and its residents, businesses, and workers.
On September l, 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
gant-making and grants management and specialized knowledge of ethics principles goveming
the grant-making process.
On February 4, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1218 to establish the Vemon
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
glants.
Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Fundine
Pursuant to Vemon Municipal Code Section 2.164, the City Council appropriated $1,000,000 to
the VCF for tiscal year 2015-2016. The Grant Committee is required to allocate funds in
accordance with the following tbrmula:
1) No less than 25oh of funds available in any fiscal year shall be awarded to proposals to
expend funds on capital projects with a projected useful life of [0 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 ofthis type shall be in an amount less
than $5,000 or more than 5250,000.
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 ofany grant may not exceed $250,000, regardless
of the number of years over which the gant funds are to be spent. The Crant
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
2015/2016 is $750,000. As such, JRG and City staff recommend the Grant Committee award
approximately $ 187,500 in grants for direct sewices at each of four quarterly meetings proposed
to occur this fiscal year, including this meeting. This will assure the availability of resources
throughout the year and a level plalng tield for applicants.
Criteria for Ranking Grant Proposals
Pursuant to Vemon Municipal Code Section 2.166, to grant shall be awarded unless doing so
seryes a municipal purpose of the City, and the Executive Director and Grant Committee must
rank all proposals from eligible applicants using the following factors:
Page 2 of 3
l) The extent to which the funds will promote the health, safety, and welfare of persons
residing or working within the Vemon Area.
2) The benefit anticipated to accrue to the Vernon 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 ineffrciencies, 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.
FY 2015/2016 Docket I Grant Applications
As previously indicated, the first gant docket for the VCF contains five applications for review,
deliberation, and award by the Crant 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 staffusing 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 funding recommended for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Docket I is
$ r 80,000.
JRG staffhas prepared a written summary for each grant application describing its merits and
potential risks, which is attached hereto as Attachment l. 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 August 19,2015 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 Asreement
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 Attachment 2. 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 retum of any unused portion, and requirements
respecting the use ofthe VCF logo.
Fiscal Impact
The Fiscal Year 2o1512016 Docket I total recommended grant award amount of $180,000 is
included in the 2015/2016 City Budget and is within the recommended quarterly allocation of
approximately $ 187,500 for this fiscal year.
Attachment(s)l. FY 2015/2016 Docket I Grant Application Summaries
2. Form Grant Agreement
Page 3 of 3
Attachment 1
FY 201512016 Docket I
Grant Application Summaries
Grant Recommendation Form
Holy Angels Church of the Deaf
Type of Organization:No n p rofit/ Religious
Year Founded: I 1987
Number of Eoard Members: | 10 (Advisory Board)
Annual Eudget: I 5342,100
Brief Narrative of the
Since its establishment nearly 30 years ago the Holy Angels Church of the Deaf (HACD) remains the only parish in Los Angeles
County focused specifically on serving the deaf community. HACD commits itself to serving the deaf community in Southeast
Los Angeles regardless of religious background. The Church is an important source of support, socialization and refuge for
deaf community members and their families. Services and church activities are conducted in En8lish, Spanish and ASL in order
to reflect the needs of the local community and be as inclusive as possible. ln addition to providing spiritual services HACD
also conducts youth enrichment activities ranging from job training to counseling in order to create a sense of community for
the younger deaf resldents of Southeast Los AnBeles.
Staff Ana
Summary of Request (Narrative):
HACD's executive staff members consist of individuals who are either hearing impaired themselves or who have deaf
immediate family members. Therefore the staff is well-attuned to the needs and challenges faced by both the deaf
community and their famllies. This firsthand experience helps the staff to address common issues and make referrals to
appropriate agencies when necessary. For example, deaf and hearing impaired individuals often find themselves isolated both
at home and in public due to difficulties with communicating. To that end, HACD provides parents with counseling on how to
improve communication, learn ASL and bond with their deaf family members.
HACD'S youth ministry gives deaf youth the opportunity to build a sense of community and connect to other young people
with similar life experiences and challenges. While the Church provides parents and family members with supportive services,
the deaf youth have a place to come to where they can build social skills by connecting with their peers, develop basic job
skills by working in the church catering hall and connect with their families and other community members by participating in
game niShts and other activities orBanized by the church. HACD is one of the few spaces in Southeast Los Angeles for
on:
members of the deaf community in Southeast Los Angeles to congregate and develop relationships.
Amount Requested:S43,620
Documents reviewed
_x_ Audit/lRs Form 990
_x_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_x_ OrBanizational Budget
x Proposal Budget
-x- Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Children and Youth, Families
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non- | Families, children and youth without regular access to
profit/governmental landscape: I supportive services for the hearing impaired.
Cost/Benefit: I SaS,OOO/fOO youth= S45O per youth participant
Fund this proposal?x Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I 545,000
Suggested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Staff reviewer:Hayley Roberts
Signed:Date: I I
Grant Recommendation Form
I Type of Organization: l communit
fYe
I Number of Board Members: l8l
|A"^la| &,dc"t:| 51,400,000 |
Brief Narrative of the
lnner City Struggle is a long-standing, well-respected community advocacy organization located on the Eastside of Los
AnBeles. StartinB as a proBram associated with Proyecto Pastoral, the organization was formally established in 1994 and has
been a champion of social change ever since, focusing on issues of educational justice and civic engagement to improve the
lives of people living in the communities of Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Lincoln Heights and unincorporated East Los Angeles.
The orBanization has been actively involved in successful campaigns to reduce class size in local middle and high schools;
ensure that local schools provide colleBe preparatory classes; and influence allocation of State Education Funds for school-
based health centers. As a part ofthese efforts, ICS has established a robust leadership programforyoung people, providing
them wlth skills to be advocates for positive change in their school communities and districts, while catalyzing high rates of
graduation and college enrollment for pro8ram participants.
Staff
Summary of Request (Narrative):
ICS requests general operating funds to support the strategies they have implemented successfully for the last 20 years. Key
program activities to take place over the next 18 months include: the provision of intensive academic supports for students to
prepare them for post-secondary education; education and workshops for parents of hiBh-school aged children at 4 campuses
to increase their capacity to identify educational barriers and advocate for effective solutions for their children; youth
leadership activities; promotion and outreach to students and families regarding available services at school-based health
centers.
tt
Documents reviewed
_x_ Audit/lRs Form 990
_x_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_x_ Organizational Budget
_ Proposal Budget
_ Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(sl served:Teens, Youth, Parents, Fa milies
Eeneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non- ] Beneficiaries wlll be youth and parents in the 4 communities
profit/governmental landscape: ] tCS serves
cost/Benefit: | 535,000/2000 (combination of parent participants and students receiving academic support) =
S18 per person
Fund this proposal?
_x_ Yes
_No
Recommended Amount: I SfS,OOO / f year
Suggested revision(s) to proposaUfund amount, if applicable:
Staff reviewer:
Signed:Date: I I
Grant Recommendation Form
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition
Type of OrBanization:
Year Founded: I 1998
Number of Board Membe6: | 1.2
Annual Budget: I 5864,500
Brief Narrative of the
The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) is the lar8est membership-based active transportation advocacy
organization in Southern California, with a mission of making local communities fun, safe, and healthy places to ride a bike.
The organization serves all 88 cities and all unlncorporated communities within the county, with 1.2 local chapters, a staff of
10, and an expansive network of volunteer advocates across the region.
Their program activities include bike safety education for youth; distribution of free bike safety equipment, such as helmets
and bike lights; data collection and research on bicycle ridership to support appropriate transportation master-planning for
local municipalities; advocacy for policies and local infrastructure to make bicycling safer for all riders, and in particular, for
bicycle commuters; and finally they provide expertise to and coordination among local municipalities with the Boal of creating
more effective, efficient and safe multi-modal transportation.
Staff Ana
Summary of Request (Narrativel:
I-ACBC is requesting funds to support specific work in 7 cities in Southeast Los Angeles: Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy,
Commerce, Huntington Park, Maywood and Vernon. ln terms of direct services, the project will consist of monthly
community activities focused on bike safety and education, including family bike rides, safety festivals, direct outreach and
student engagement. Distribution of bike helmets to participants who don't have them, as well as safety lights for commuters
who travel in the evening, and bilingual safety "Quick Check" pamphlets are all included in these activities. ln addition, as the
LACBC is already taking an active role in supporting the transportation planning process in the 7 cities, funding community
activities in these areas is an effective way to link municipal planning to residents, and can be a mechanism for gaining
community input, as well as sharing proposed policies and plans.
With the Browing investment in and emphasis on regional transportation solutions in Southern California, including projects
such as the Slauson Rail to River Corridor, bicycling and modes of alternative transportation are increasinBly important
components in supporting healthy, safe and vlbrant communities.
Amount Requested:544,ooo
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:Residents and workers in Southeast Los Angeles; School-aged
in Southeast Los
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmental landscape:
Southeast Los Angeles municipalities will be provided with
expertise and coordination for transportation policies that
all local residents and commuters
Cost/Benefit: I S3s,ooo/minimu, 599 = $70 per person
(300 bike lights distributed; youth safety trainings at schools; 20,000 pamphlets distributed at
events in Southeast Los
Fund this proposal?x Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I 535,000
Sugtested revision(s) to proposaUfund amount, if applicable:
Staff reviewer:An ne-Marie Jones
Signed:Date: I I
Grant Recommendation Form
I Type of Organization: J Communityttt
tYe
ttt
Brief Narrative Description of the
Founded in 1986 by Father Greg Boyle and community residents, Proyecto Pastoral's mission is to empower the community of
Boyle Heights through grassroots projects in education, leadership and service. Over the last the last three decades, Proyecto
Pastoral has established myriad successful pro8rams to address issues that community members themselves have identified
as significant barriers in nurturing thriving, healthy communities: poverty and gang violence, low educational attainment by
children and youth, and limited opportunities for economic and civic engagement.
Serving over 4,000 community members annually, the orBanization currently operates early childhood education centers;
provides after school, summer enrichment, and sports program for youth; delivers social services to and runs an emergency
shelter for homeless individuals; offers job training for community residents; makes available a community second-hand
goods Distribution Center; and convenes a neighborhood advocacy group focused on community health, safety and well
being.
Staff
Summary of Request (Narrative):
Proyecto Pastoral requests general operatin8 funds to help support an expansion of services children, youth, families and
individuals living in Boyle Heights. The organization's 3o-year track record of success has allowed them at this point in time
to: take on broader leadership roles in partnerships with local community organizations and government agencies, such as
Promesa Boyle Heights, one of the few Promise Zones established in California; develop and implement curriculum to train
community advocates and organizers to improve quality of life issues in their own neighborhoods; expand proven models of
direct service delivery in order to serve more youth and families.
Proyecto Pastoral
Amount Requested:s7s,000
Documents reviewed
_x_ Audit/lRS Form 990
_x_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_x_ Organizational BudBet
_x_ Proposal Budget
_x_ Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Teens and Young Adults (age 15 - 20)
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmental landscape:
Boyle Heights residents will have greater access to services
and there will be increased opportunity for collaboration
cost/Benefit: | 4ooo clients/540,966 = $100 per client
Fund this proposal?
_x_ Yes
_No
Recommended Amount: | 40,000
SuBgested revision(sl to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Staff reviewer:Anne-Marie Jones
Signed:Datei I I
Grant Recommendation Form
Weingart East Los AnBeles YMCA
Type of Organization:Community-based, Sports and recreation
Year Founded: I 1911
Number of Board Memberc: 163
Annual Budget: I 581,632,000
Brief Narrative of the
Currently the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA (Wein8art YMCA) services approximately 8,000 residents of all ages from Boyle
Heights and unincorporated East Los Angeles on an annual basis. The WeinBart YMCA offers a location for indoor and outdoor
physical activity in addition to offering workshops and overnight camps that promote physical and mental wellness. Although
the YMCA may be best known for providing low-cost space for recreation and physical fitness, it also provides community
members with opportunities to engage in early education, receive or provide mentoring and tutorinB, and participate in
supervised afterschool activities. The Weingart YMCA has 11 programs focused on a variety of needs, including: swimming
lessons, youth leadership institutes, youth civic enga8ement, parent support counseling and early childhood education.
5taff
5ummary of Request (Narrative):
The areas served by the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA face high levels of poverty and inequity: 67% of households live
below the federal poverty level and 90% of families lack access to affordable, licensed childcare. Although Weingart one of
the most utilized YMCA locations in metropolitan Los Angeles, over 75% of its members require financial assistance to cover
the cost of their memberships. The Y has pursued key partnerships with nearby elementary and high schools and provides
students with a spacious and appropriate venue for physical education. Other programs like the After School Clubs at the Y
offers mentoring and counseling for schoolchildren at the end of the school day, giving children a safe and productive space to
stay while their parents may still be at work. Giving the YMCA funds to address the documented need for affordable childcare
and recreation in the area is a funding opportunity that has the potential to positively impact the lives of numerous families in
the Vernon area.
Amount Requested:s 12s,000
Documents reviewed
_-_ Audit/lRS Form 990* (submitted for LA Metro YMCA)
_X_ Board Member/Volunteer Staff List
_X_ Organizational Budget
_X_ Proposal Budget
_X_ Proposal fits with the mission/purpose of VCF
Population(s) served:Adults and school-age children in Boyle Heights, East Los
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profi t/governmental landscape:
LA Weingart YMCA potentially benefits hundreds of residents
in the Boyle Heights and East LA area. Funds granted as
recommended would specifically promote the physical health
and education of the community through targeted workshops
and activities.
Cost/Benefit: After School Clubs program: -200 youth /525,000 = S125 per participant
Fund this proposal?
_X_ Yes
No
Recommended Amount: I SZS,OOO
SuBgested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Weingart YMCA has requested $t25,000 for general operating supporU however, JRG recommends 525,000 in general
ratins suDport. This location orovides numerous to address the issues outlined in the srant
Staff reviewer:Hayley Roberts
Signed:Date: / I
Attachment 2
Form Grant Agreement
(323)3s]-1re8
IFun4
gusinssa
On [INSERT DATE] the Vernon CommuN|TY Fund (Grantor) awarded a grant to [INSERT ORGANIZATIONI
(Grantee) in the amount of SIINSERT AMOUNTI 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 Brant 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 Brant funds are spent must be approved in writing by Grantor before
implementation.
lrNsERT SCOPEI
2. Amount of Grant:
5[INSERT AMOUNT], payable upon the Vernon CommUNlTY Fund's receipt of this executed Grant
Agreement.
3. Conditions of Agreem€nt:
Grantee agrees to the following 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 detailing all expenditures resulting from the grant.
A copy of materials (if applicable) produced as part of the grant.
The schedule for such reports is:
Final report: [INSERT DATE]
Please submit your report using your FluidReview account. lf you have any questions about the grant
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 enBa8e 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 private benefit to occur, nor to take any other action inconsistent with
Section 501(c)(3) of the lnternal Revenue Code.
C. PATRIOT Act. Grantee aBrees that it will use the grant funds in compliance with all applicable anti-
terrorist financing and asset control laws, regulations, rules and executive orders, includinB 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 systematic 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
maintaining adequate financial records of this grant.
F. No Further Obligations by Grantor. This grant is made with the understanding that Grantor has no
obligation to provide other or additional support or Brants to Grantee.
G. Subgrantees. With reBard to the selection of any subBrantees to carry out the purposes of this grant,
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. Licensin8 and Credentials. Grantee hereby aBrees 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
executive 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, indemnifo and hold harmless Grantor, its
officers, directors, trustees, employees and agents, 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
accepting the grant, in expending or applying the funds furnished pursuant to the grant or in carrying
Vernon CommUNlTY Fund 6rant 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 City of Vernon as
additional insured.
K. ldentification of Grantor. Grant does not imply Grantor's sponsorship or endorsement. All of
Grantee's proposed external communications regardinB Grantor or this grant, including approval of any
Grantor sponsorships, endorsements or use of the Granto/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
ABreement 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 SiBnature
Printed Name
Date
Clry OF VERNON, Grantor ATTEST:
Maria E. Ayala, City Clerk
Name: Mark Whitworth
Title: Citv Administrator
Date:
Title
By:
MEMO
To: Grant Committee, Vernon Comml,JN|TY Fund
From: Fran Jemmott, Principal and CEO, Jemmott Rollins Group (JRG)
Re: Grant Recommendation - Revision
Date: August 6,2015
$ .r**RotlinsG,u4ltin
REEEIVED
AUG 0 6 20t5
CITY ADl.ilINISTRATION
ln the Grant Committee Materials that were posted last week, recommendations for grants to five
separate organizations were included: Holy Angels church of the Deaf; proyecto pastoral; lnner city
StruBgle; Los AnBeles Bicycle Coalition; and Weingart YMCA. The organizations all submitted strong
applications and there are no changes to the substantive components of their requests.
This memo is intended to offer clarification on the analysis that was prepared for Proyecto Pastoral's
(Proyecto) request. ln the write-up that was disseminated last week, part of the background referenced
Proyecto's role in implementing a federally funded Promise Zone initiative. The correct citation should
read that Proyecto is a lead agency in implementing Promesa Boyle HeiBhts, an initiative which was
federally funded during its planning phase, but is currently funded through private foundations.
Proyecto has met the Vernon CommUNlry Fund standard for qualification and eligibility. Their
organizational documents and structures have been found to be compliant and in order. Their request
is for general operating support, and not linked to a specific project associated with the Promesa Boyle
Heights initiative. This correction stemmed from a lack of clarity it the recommendation write-up, not in
the original grant request.
Attached is the revised recommendation for the organization, which is the version that should be used
for review purposes.
August 2015
I
lvear
Brief Narrative of the
Founded in 1986 by Father Greg Boyle and community residents, Proyecto Pastoral's mission is to empower the community of
Boyle Heights through Brassroots projects in education, leadership and service. Over the last the last three decades, proyecto
Pastoral has established myriad successful programs to address issues that community members themselves have identified
as significant barriers in nurturing thriving, healthy communities: poverty and gang violence, low educational attainment by
children and youth, and limited opportunities for economic and civic engagement.
Serving over 4,000 community members annually, the or8anization currently operates early childhood education centers;
provides after school, summer enrichment, and sports proBram for youth; delivers social services to and runs an emergency
shelter for homeless individuals; offers job training for community residents; makes available a community second-hand
goods Distribution Center; and convenes a neighborhood advocacy group focused on community health, safety and well
being.
Proyecto Pastoral requests general operating funds to help support an expansion of services children, youth, families and
individuals living in Boyle Heights. The organization's 3o-year track record of success has allowed them at this point in time
to: take on broader leadership roles in partnerships with local community organizations and government agencies, such as
Promesa Boyle Heights; develop and implement curriculum to train community advocates and organizers to improve quality
of life issues in their own neighborhoods; expand proven models of direct service delivery in order to serve more youth and
fa m ilies.
Amount Requested:s7s,000
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:Teens and Young Adults (age 15 - 20)
Beneficiaries and/or potential impact on the non-
profit/governmental landscape:
Boyle Heights residents will have greater access to services
and there will be increased opportunity for collaboration
Cost/Benefit: ] 4000 clients/540,000 = 5100 per client
Fund this proposal?
_x_ Yes
No
Recommended Amount: 40,000
Suggested revision(s) to proposal/fund amount, if applicable:
Staff reviewer:Anne-Marie Jones
Signed:Date: / /
RECEI\/ED
AUG l3 2015
CIIY CLERK'S OFFICE
STAFF REPORT
CITY ADMINISTRATION
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
August 19, 2015
Honorable Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Members
Nrark C. whitworth, City Administrator Aq
Originator: Kristen Enomoto, Deputy City .LtEr{fifiiator
Discussion Regarding Potential Expansion of the Vernon Area
Recommendation
A. Hold a discussion regarding the potential expansion of the Vernon Area and provide
specific recommendations to City staff and City Council regarding any such expansion.
Background
The Vemon CommUNITY Fund ('VCF') provides grants to eligible non-profit organizations
and govemmental entities whose programs or projects serve persons residing or working in the
"Vemon Area." Section 2.157(c) of the Vernon Municipal Code ("VMC") defines the "Vemon
Area" as that which includes the cities of Vemon, MaJr,vood, Bell, Huntington Park, and
Commerce, the area within the City of Los Angeles known as Boyle Heights, and the
unincorporated area known as East Los Angeles.
At the May 20, 2015 Grant Committee meeting, a recommendation was made by one of the
Grant Committee members to ask the City Council to consider expanding the "Vemon Area" to
include areas further north of Vemon and west of Boyle Heights that are known to have a large
transient/homeless community with mental health and other health related issues. It was
explained that the close proximity and mobile nature of this particular community has a direct
impact on the Vemon Area.
Currently, there is no formal restriction with regard to the consideration of awarding grants to
organizations located or serving persons residing or working outside of the Vemon Area.
Section 2.166 of the VMC requires the Grant Committee to rank grant applications based on the
extent to which the grant will promote the health, safety, and welfare of persons residing or
working within the Vemon Area, the benefit anticipated to accrue to the Vemon Area, and the
extent to which the public will appreciate that the benefits ofthe gant are a direct result ofVCF
funding, among several other factors. As such, the recommended expansion of the Vemon Area
may not be necessary to reach the intended transient/homeless community discussed above.
Page I of2
resswoman Lucille Roybal_Allard recommended
distinguish it (similar to Boyle Heights or East I
that encom?ass it. Further, the city was informed that there was greater need for the types ofresources the VCF provides funding for in the areas currently contained in the Vemon Area thanin the area(s) directly west of vernon. However, the city remains open to any suggestions onthe topic.
It is recommended that the Grant committee discuss the potential expansion of the vemon Areain greater detail and, if it wishes, provide more specific'recommendations or direction to staffwith regard to the matter.
During the discussion and deliberation process, it is further recommended that the Gmntcommittee keep in mind the infancy statu; of the vcF and the challenges tn" -ity tur,l ruc" irit had to scale back any expansion at a later date.
city staff will display the vemon Area map at the meeting to aid the discussion, and cityconsultant Jemmott Rollins Group ('JRG') will be on hani to provide
"aai
;"r"i poinu orconsideration with regard to any potential expansion of the Vemon Area.
Fiscal Imnact
No fiscal impact is anticipated as a re
funding for rhe Vemon ComrnLjNITy
factors. However, given that the leve
Attachment(s)
None.
Page 2 of 2
RECEiVED
AUG t 3 2015
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE STAFF REPORT
CITY ADMINISTRATION
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
August 19,2015
Honorable Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Members
Mark C. Whitworth, City Administr ^ror@O riginato r : Kristen Enom oto, Oep u ty C iryffi/isfra to r
Discussion Regarding Rolling Grant Dockets and Capital Grants
Recommendation
A. Hold a discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of rolling grant dockets
and provide recommendations to City staff regarding the continuation of rolling grant
dockets or altematives to rolling grant dockets.
B. Hold a discussion regarding how to most appropriately and effectively address capital
gant funding and awards and provide related recommendations to City staff and City
Council.
Background
The Vemon Comm[INITY Fund ('VCF") has successfully completed its first year of operation
and improved its visibility in the philanthropic community. With that comes increasing interest
and higher numbers of grant applications. As such, City staff and City consultant Jemmott
Rollins Group C'JRG) have identified a need to discuss with the Grant Committee the issue of
rolling grant dockets and potential backlog, and seek recommendations from the committee
regarding the continuation of rolling grant dockets or implementing some altemative to rolling
gant dockets.
While the VCF has received some inquiries regarding capital grant funding, JRG has yet to
receive any applications for capital funding, and JRG and City staff believe further procedural
requirements and a separate or supplemental capital funding application and grant agreement
may be in order. As such, city staff and JRG believe this would be an appropriate time to begin
a discussion with the Grant committee regarding how to most appropriately and effectively
address capital grants.
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Fund Approoriation and Allocation
Pursuant to Section 2.164 of the Vemon Municipal Code ("VMC"), the Vemon CommLtllTy
Fund receives lump sum funding annually as appropriated by the city council during the normal
budgetary process. Based on recommendations from City consultant Jemmott Rollins Group
C'JRG') and City staff, and in an effort to provide a fair, equitable, and reliable playing field for
all eligible gant applicants, the Grant Committee has elected to allocate funds evenly throughout
each fiscal year over four quarterly meetings.
The Grant Committee is required to set aside a minimum of 25%o of the total funds in any fiscal
year to be reserved for and awarded to capital project grant applicants, whose projects have a
projected usefirl life of 10 years or more. There is no limit on the percentage of funds the Grant
Committee may set aside in any fiscal year for capital projects. All amounts set aside for capital
funding that remain unused at the end ofa given fiscal year are indefinitely rolled over into each
subsequent fiscal year.
After the capital set aside, the amount remaining in a given fiscal year may be awarded to
eligible grant applicants for direct services in amounts ranging from S5,000 to $250,000 per
applicant. The Grant Committee may award multi-year grcnts up to a total of $250,000 per
grantee. However, all funds necessary for the entire grant must be available and encumbered in
the year the award is granted.
In fiscal year 2014/2015, the City Council appropriated $1,000,000 for VCF grant awards. The
Grant commi$ee elected to set aside the minimum $250,000 (25%) required for capital projects
and allocate the remaining $750,000 evenly over only three of four quarterly meetings scheduled
for that year (approximately $250,000 per meeting).
In the current fiscal year (201512016), the city council appropriated another $1,000,000 for vcF
gant awards. JRG and City staff are again recommending that the Grant Committee set aside
the minimum $250,000 for capital projects and allocate the remaining $750,000 evenly over only
the four quarterly meetings scheduled for this year (approximately $187,500 per meeting).
Rollins Grant Dockets and Potential Backloe
For each quarterly round of funding, after due diligence and application review, grants are
essentially awarded to qualirying organizations on a first come, first served basis. For the
organizations that submitted their request later within each round of review, qualifying
applications that cannot be accommodated within the current budget are rolled over into the next
quarter's docket. Thus far, after three dockets, this has not been a significant problem.
However, if this practice continues going forward, several scenarios could emerge:
I ) The number of "roll-over applications" could crowd out opportunities for new applicants.2) The backlog or "waiting list" could grow to be several years long if the list remains open
and applications continue to be accepted. Applying for funding might feel like a futile
exercise because of the long wait.
3) Existing and prior grantees could be dissuaded from submitting a request for renewal or
another funding application because of the long wait times and minimal opportunity.
Page 2 of 4
4) If the City or Grant Committee were interested in focusing on a particular part of the
gant progam, implementing that direction could be delayed for multiple cycles
depending upon the length ofthe waiting list.
5) There is potential for negative publicity, as the fund could be perceived as "inaccessible"
ald too exclusionary if wait times drag on or the application process were to periodically
be closed to new applicants.
The following options offer ways to, at a minimum, ameliorate the projected consequences of the
current rolling grant dockets practice. JRG will elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages
ofeach of the following options during the discussion.
1) Require organizations to apply/re-apply each round instead of automatically "rolling
over" those that were not funded in a given cycle.
2) Set a lower ceiling on gant award amounts to allow for more grants at smaller amounts.
3) Publicize three rounds of grantmaking per fiscal year, with a founh and final round
designated for clearing out "rollover" grants.
Caoital Grant Fundine
Cunently, $500,000 is available for capital funding; this consists of the $250,000 set aside that
was rolled over fiom last fiscal year, and the $250,000 set aside in the current fiscal year.
The city and its constituents were fortunate to witness a successful capital grant funding
endeavor with the completion and installation of a new artificial turf soccer field at Salt Lake
Park in Huntington Park, aptly named Hon. Kevin de Leon Campo de Futbol, in September
2014. The City's contributions toward the project represented the fulfillment of one of three
separate commitments under the City's Good Neighbor Program. City staff and JRG believe that
the ability cities have to raise additional grant funding and to support and maintain their own
infrastructure were critical to the success of the project. By comparison, many nonprofit
organizations do not have the well-established infrastructure and consistent operating budgets to
support and maintain capital projects.
Along those lines, JRG continues to advise the City of the importance of exercising extreme
caution and diligence when considering any tlpe of capital gants progam. There is a wide
array of opinions from as maly different experts about the efficacy of capital gmnts for most
nonprofit organizations. while capital grants offer a mechanism to invest more fully in the
mission of an organization, build organizational assets, and create tangible, visible, long-lasting
results, there is also a case to be made that the operating burden that such investments impose on
most nonprofit organizations can potentially reduce contributions of project, program, and core
support from other donors.
In order to develop a responsible and effective capital grants program, city staff and JRG will
study and present models to frame discussions that include strategic partnerships with larger
foundations and nonprofits that serve the Vemon Area. United Way LA, Local Iniiiative Service
Corporation, and funders such as the Weingart Foundation that have experience in awarding
capital grants will be engaged. It is anticipated that this report will be presented at the next Grant
Page 3 of4
Committee meeting for review and further discussion. City staff and JRG invite any initial
thoughts, questions, or direction the Grant commitree may have or want to offer before we begin
more extensive work on the development ofa proposed capital grants program.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion items outlined in this staff report. The
potential fiscal impact ofany recommendations emanating from this discussion will be iddressed
when such recommendations are evaluated by city staff and./or presented to the city council.
Attachment(s)
None.
Page 4 of 4