20201118 VCF Agenda Packet
Agenda
City of Vernon
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant
Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 10:00 AM
City Hall, Council Chamber
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, California
Leticia Lopez, Chair
James Chang, Committee Member
Steven Froberg, Committee Member
Michael Gaviña, Committee Member
Mark Gonzalez, Committee Member
Judith Merlo, Committee Member
Vacant, Committee Member
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO GOVERNOR NEWSOM'S EXECUTIVE
ORDER N-29-20
The public is encouraged to view the meeting at www.cityofvernon.org/webinar-vcf or by calling
(408) 638-0968, Access Code 957-8657-7394#.
You may submit comments to PublicComment@ci.vernon.ca.us with the subject line “November
18, 2020 Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Public Comment Item #__.”
Comments received prior to 8 a.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2020, will be read into the record.
CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF 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.
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Agenda
November 18, 2020
Page 2 of 3
PRESENTATIONS
1. City Clerk
Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Recommendation:
Select one member to serve as Chair and one member to serve as Vice Chair for
the term ending June 30, 2021.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion. Items may be
removed from the Consent Calendar by any member of the Committee. Those items removed will
be considered immediately after the Consent Calendar.
2. City Clerk
Approval of Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve the May 20, 2020 Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
meeting minutes.
1. 20200520 VCFGC Minutes
3. City Administration
Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Activity Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the report, as it is being provided for informational purposes only.
1. FY 2019/2020 Grantee Awards List
NEW BUSINESS
4. City Administration
Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Docket I Vernon CommUNITY Fund Direct Service Grants
Recommendation:
Award Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Docket I direct service grants totaling $373,325 to the
following applicants:
1) Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles (Returning Grantee) - $17,475;
2) Camp TLC at East LA Rising - $48,850;
3) Center for Nonviolent Education & Parenting (Returning Grantee) - $40,000;
4) Chicas Rockeras South East Los Angeles - $25,000;
5) East LA Community Corporation (Returning Grantee) - $60,000;
6) Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (Returning Grantee) - $30,000;
7) Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County (Returning Grantee) - $20,000;
8) Human Services Association (Returning Grantee) - $25,000;
9) Southeast Churches Service Center (Returning Grantee) - $50,000;
10) Woodcraft Rangers (Returning Grantee) - $30,000; and
11) YWCA Greater Los Angeles - $30,000.
1. FY 2020/2021 VCF Docket I Direct Service Grants Transmittal Report
2. FY 2020/2021 VCF Docket I Direct Service Grant Recommendation Forms
3. VCF Direct Service Grant Form Agreement
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Agenda
November 18, 2020
Page 3 of 3
ORAL REPORTS
Brief reports, announcements, or directives to staff.
Next regular meeting: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing
agenda was posted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. Regular and Adjourned
Regular meeting agendas may be amended up to 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Dated this 12th day of November 2020.
By: __________________________________
Sandra Dolson, Administrative Secretary
Vernon Community Fund Grant Committee Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-393-2020
Submitted by: Sandra Dolson
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
SUBJECT
Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Recommendation:
Select one member to serve as Chair and one member to serve as Vice Chair for the term ending June
30, 2021.
Background:
At its July 21, 2020 meeting, the City Council appointed Judith Merlo, Vernon Area Representative and
reappointed James Chang, Business Representative and Mark Gonzalez, Legislative Representative.
Section 2.160(a) of the Vernon Municipal Code states that “the Grant Committee shall have a
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, who shall be from different appointing categories pursuant to section
2.158.” For reference, the appointing category of each Committee Member is listed below:
James Chang - Business Representative
Leticia Lopez - City Council Representative
Mark Gonzalez - Legislative Representative
Steven Froberg - Vernon Area Representative
Michael Gaviña - Vernon Area Representative
Judith Merlo - Vernon Area Representative
Section 2.160(b) of the Vernon Municipal code states that “the 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.”
Committee Member Lopez was appointed as Chair on February 20, 2019 and is eligible to continue to
serve as Chair for another year if the Committee so desires.
It is appropriate for the Committee to select its Chair and Vice Chair for the coming year.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
Attachments:
Vernon Community Fund Grant Committee Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-201-2020
Submitted by: Sandra Dolson
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
SUBJECT
Approval of Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve the May 20, 2020 Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee meeting minutes.
Background:
Staff has prepared draft minutes and hereby submits the minutes for approval.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments:
1. 20200520 VCFGC Minutes
MINUTES
VERNON COMMUNITY FUND GRANT COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lopez called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.
FLAG SALUTE
Administrative Analyst Figueroa led the Flag Salute.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:Leticia Lopez, Chair (via remote access)
Juliet Goff, Vice Chair (via remote access)
James Chang, Committee Member (via remote access)
Steven Froberg, Committee Member (via remote access)
Michael Gaviña, Committee Member (via remote access)
Mark Gonzalez, Committee Member (via remote access)
STAFF PRESENT:
Diana Figueroa, Administrative Analyst
Zaynah Moussa, Senior Deputy City Attorney
Lisa Pope, City Clerk
Frances Jemmott, City Consultant
James Hull, City Consultant
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Gonzalez seconded a motion to approve
the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6
May 20, 2020
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Froberg seconded a motion to approve
the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following item:
1.Approval of Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve the February 19, 2020 Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee
meeting minutes.
NEW BUSINESS
2.Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meetings
Recommendation:
A. 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
B. Adopt a resolution to set the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee ("VCF")
regular meeting schedule to be on the third Wednesday of May and November (two
meetings per year) at 10:00 a.m., repealing all resolutions in conflict herewith.
Administrative Analyst Figueroa presented the staff report.
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Gaviña seconded a motion to: A. 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 B. Adopt a resolution to set the Vernon CommUNITY Fund
Grant Committee ("VCF") regular meeting schedule to be on the third Wednesday of May
and November (two meetings per year) at 10:00 a.m., repealing all resolutions in conflict
herewith.
3.Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Docket III Vernon CommUNITY Fund Direct Service Grants
Recommendation:
A. Find that the award of the grants proposed is exempt under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is a government fiscal activity that will not result in direct
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6
May 20, 2020
or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a
“project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. And even if such action were a
“project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review 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 2019/2020 Docket III direct service grants totaling $74,725 to the
two (2) applicants identified below at the amounts recommended:
1) Applicant: Inclusive Action for the City
Original Amount Requested: $60,000
Amount Recommended: $34,725
Proposed Term: 1 year
2) Applicant: YMCA Metropolitan Los Angeles*
Original Amount Requested: $100,000
Amount Recommended: $40,000
Proposed Term: 1 year
*Returning Grantee
Fran Jemmott, Jemmott-Rollins Group, summarized the applicants, requested grant amount
and recommendation.
In response to Committee questions, Ms. Jemmott explained other available funds and
timing for use.
Committee Member Gonzalez discussed the benefits of the YMCA services and thanked
the Committee for recommending the grant. Chair Lopez stated the YMCA was delivery
food to Vernon residents and making a difference in supporting families during the
pandemic.
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Chang seconded a motion to: A. Find that
the award of the grants proposed is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”) because it is a government fiscal activity that will not result in direct or
indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not constitute a “project”
as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. And even if such action were a “project,”
it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the
general rule that CEQA only applies to projects thatmay have an effect on the environment;
and B. Award Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Docket III direct service grant to Inclusive Action
for the City in the amount of $34,725. The question was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Gonzalez seconded a motion to award
Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Docket III direct service grant to YMCA Metropolitan Los Angeles
in the amount of $40,000. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6
May 20, 2020
4.City Administration
Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Vernon CommUNITY Fund Capital Grants
Recommendation:
A. Find that the award of the grants proposed in this staff report is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is a government fiscal activity
that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore
does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. And even
if such action were a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with
Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an
effect on the environment. As to the proposed capital projects, the City of Vernon is not a
“lead agency” for purposes of CEQA, and the grant agreement requires that recipients
submit proof of approvals under CEQA for any applicable work to be completed with grant
funds; and
B. Award Fiscal Year 2019/2020 capital grants totaling $81,375 to the three (3) applicants
identified below at the amounts recommended:
1) Applicant: LA Music and Art School
Original Amount Requested: $31,600
Amount Recommended: $31,600
Proposed Term: 1 year
2) Applicant: Mark Taper Foundation Shelter
Original Amount Requested: $35,906
Amount Recommended: $24,775
Proposed Term: 1 year
3) Applicant: Southeast Community Foundation
Original Amount Requested: $25,000
Amount Recommended: $25,000
Proposed Term: 1 year
Fran Jemmott, Jemmott-Rollins Group, summarized the applicants, requested grant amount
and recommendation.
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Gaviña seconded a motion to: A. Find
that the award of the grants proposed in this staff report is exempt under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is a government fiscal activity that will
not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not
constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. And even if such
action were a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with Section
15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect
on the environment. As to the proposed capital projects, the City of Vernon is not a “lead
agency” for purposes of CEQA, and the grant agreement requires that recipients submit
proof of approvals under CEQA for any applicable work to be completed with grant funds;
and B. Award Fiscal Year 2019/2020 capital grant to LA Music and Art School in the
amount of $31,600. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6
May 20, 2020
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Froberg seconded a motion to: A. Find
the action exempt under CEQA; and B. Award Fiscal Year 2019/2020 capitalgrantto Mark
Taper Foundation Shelter in the amount of $24,775. The question was called and the
motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Committee Member Gonzalez moved and Committee Member Froberg seconded a motion
to: A. Find the action exempt under CEQA; and B. Award Fiscal Year 2019/2020 capital
grant to Southeast Community Foundation in the amount of $25,000. The question was
called and the motion carried unanimously.
5.City Administration
Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Vernon CommUNITY Fund Scholarship Grants
Recommendation:
A. Find that the award of the grants proposed in this staff report is exempt under the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is a government fiscal activity
that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore
does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. And even
if such action were a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review 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 2019/2020 scholarship grants totaling $20,000 to the eight (8)
applicants identified below at the amounts recommended:
1) Applicant: #6 - Mariela Barrales
Amount: $2,000
School: Garfield High School
Resident City: East Los Angeles
2) Applicant: #8 - Angelica Garcia
Amount: $2,000
School: Garfield High School
Resident City: East Los Angeles
3) Applicant: #2 - Daniel Gonzalez
Amount: $3,000
School: Maywood Center for Enriched Studies Magnet School
Resident City: Bell
4) Applicant: #4 - Britney Juarez
Amount: $2,000
School: Garfield High School
Resident City: East Los Angeles
5) Applicant: #3 - Sara Lopez
Amount: $3,000
School: Garfield High School
Resident City: East Los Angeles
6) Applicant: #1 - Arely Ordonez
Regular Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6
May 20, 2020
Amount: $3,000
School: Bell High School
Resident City: Huntington Park
7) Applicant: #7 - Samantha Tomayo
Amount: $2,000
School: Bell High School
Resident City: Huntington Park
8) Applicant: #5 - Citlaly Zazueta
Amount: $3,000
School: Marquez School of Social Justice
Resident City: Huntington Park
Administrative Analyst Figueroa presented the staff report.
MOTION
Vice Chair Goff moved and Committee Member Gaviña seconded a motion to: A. Find
that the award of the grants proposed in this staff report is exempt under the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it is a government fiscal activity that will
not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore does not
constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines section 15378. And even if such
action were a “project,” it would be exempt from CEQA review 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 2019/2020 scholarship grants totaling
$20,000 to Mariela Barrales, $2,000; Angelica Garcia, $2,000; Daniel Gonzalez, $3,000;
Britney Juarez, $2,000; Sara Lopez, $3,000; Arely Ordonez, $3,000; Samantha Tomayo,
$2,000; and Citlaly Zazueta, $3,000. The question was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
ORAL REPORTS
Administrative Analyst Figueroa thanked the Committee for approving the grants, all being
relevant to the current COVID-19 epidemic situation.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Chair Lopez adjourned the meeting at 11:02 a.m.
________________________
LETICIA LOPEZ, Chair
ATTEST:
_______________________
LISA POPE, City Clerk
(seal)
Vernon Community Fund Grant Committee Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-411-2020
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa
Submitting Department: City Administration
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
SUBJECT
Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee Activity Report
Recommendation:
Receive and file the report, as it is being provided for informational purposes only.
Background:
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 the best interest of the City and its residents,
businesses, and workers.
On February 4, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1218, as amended by Ordinance Nos.
1238, 1257, and 1265 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 2019/2020 Funding
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.164, the City Council may appropriate funds to the VCF.
Through the normal budgetary process, City Council authorized an amount of $500,000 to the VCF for
fiscal year (FY) 2019/2020. Prior to the modifications set forth in Ordinance No. 1265, the Grant
Committee was required to allocate funds for FY 2019/2020 in accordance with the following formula:
1) Administrative Costs shall be determined for the fiscal year and the amount shall be allocated for
payment from funds appropriated to the VCF.
2) After Administrative Costs, no less than 25% of funds available in any fiscal year shall be awarded to
proposals to expend funds on capital projects with a projected useful life of 10 years or more (capital
project grants were eliminated by Ordinance No. 1265 and shall no longer be available for FY
2020/2021, or in subsequent years).
3) The remainder of available funds in any fiscal year may be awarded to proposals to expend funds on
direct services and/or scholarship grants. No single grant of this type shall be in an amount more than
$250,000.
Service Grant Awards
The Grant Committee held three grant award meetings during the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year. There were
three separate grant dockets, with a combined total of eight (8) Service Grant Awards approved for FY
2019/2020. All grantees and their awarded amounts are listed in the attached table. The total amount
awarded for Direct Service Grants was $224,125.
Capital Grant Awards
The Committee adopted a Capital Grants Program on May 18, 2016 which defined, among other things,
the parameters of the capital award process and procedures for applicants, and criteria and timeline for
awards. For FY 2019/2020, the City’s VCF capital project allocation of 25% equated to $81,375 which
was expended in FY 2019/2020 to benefit three (3) separate capital grant projects in the Vernon Area.
Moving forward, the VCF will no longer grant funds for capital projects, as it was determined that the
administration of such grants was cumbersome and costly, and is not aligned with the goals of the Grant
Committee to streamline expenses for administrative management.
Scholarship Grant Awards
At its November 8, 2017 meeting, the VCF Grant Committee agreed to proceed with a VCF Pilot
Scholarship Program for FY 2018/2019. In response to its successful inaugural year as a pilot program,
the Grant Committee approved an allocation in the amount of $20,000 toward the VCF Scholarship
Program in FY 2019/2020 as well. As such, the Grant Committee awarded $20,000 in scholarship
grants to a total of eight (8) high school seniors from the Vernon Area at its May 20, 2020 Grant
Committee meeting.
Related Administrative Expenditures
In June of 2020, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Administrative Management of
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Activities. After a thorough evaluation of respondents’ proposals,
Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. (JRG) was awarded a three (3) year contract with the City to provide
administrative management for the VCF with an effective date of August 1, 2020. JRG has extensive
experience in non-profit grant-making and grants management and specialized knowledge of ethics and
principles governing the grant-making process.
During FY 2019/2020, JRG was instrumental in the City’s ability to accept applications, evaluate
submissions and, ultimately, award 19 grants with a grand total value of $325,500. The total budgeted
cost for their services in FY 2019/2020 was $174,500. For FY 2020/2021, administrative management
services for Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee activities have been reduced to $106,675 (a
yearly reduction of $67,825) and will continue to be paid from the Vernon CommUNITY Fund monetary
allocation.
A $500,000 VCF allocation was approved by City Council during the adoption of a Citywide budget for
FY 2020/2021. VCF Direct Service Grants amounting to approximately $373,325 will be awarded at the
November 2020 Grant Committee meeting and VCF Scholarship Grants totaling $20,000 will be
awarded in May of 2021. The number of grantees and amounts awarded will depend upon the pool of
applicants, their proposed projects, and/or funds available.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments:
1. FY 2019/2020 Grantee Awards List
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Awardees for FY 2019/2020
Grantee Docket # Amount Awarded
Direct Service Grants
Jovenes, Inc. I $25,000
Neighborhood Music School Association I $25,000
Southeast Community Foundation I $25,000
Boyle Heights Youth Football II $14,400
Libros Schmibros II $15,000
LA Family Housing II $45,000
Inclusive Action for the City III $34,725
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (Rio Vista) III $40,000
Subtotal Direct Service Grants ALL $224,125
Capital Grants
Los Angeles Music and Art School III $31,600
Southeast Community Foundation III $25,000
Mark Taper Foundation Shelter III $24,775
Subtotal Capital Grants ALL $81,375
Scholarship Grants
Applicant #6 Mariela Barrales III $2,000
Applicant #8 Angelica Garcia III $2,000
Applicant #2 Daniel Gonzalez III $3,000
Applicant #4 Britney Juarez III $2,000
Applicant #3 Sara Lopez III $3,000
Applicant #1 Arely Ordonez III $3,000
Applicant #7 Samantha Tamayo III $2,000
Applicant #5 Citlaly Zazueta III $3,000
Subtotal Scholarship Grants ALL $20,000
GRAND TOTAL GRANT AWARDS 19 IN ALL
CATEGORIES $325,500
Vernon Community Fund Grant Committee Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-410-2020
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa
Submitting Department: City Administration
Meeting Date: November 18, 2020
SUBJECT
Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Docket I Vernon CommUNITY Fund Direct Service Grants
Recommendation:
Award Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Docket I direct service grants totaling $373,325 to the following
applicants:
1) Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles (Returning Grantee) - $17,475;
2) Camp TLC at East LA Rising - $48,850;
3) Center for Nonviolent Education & Parenting (Returning Grantee) - $40,000;
4) Chicas Rockeras South East Los Angeles - $25,000;
5) East LA Community Corporation (Returning Grantee) - $60,000;
6) Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (Returning Grantee) - $30,000;
7) Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County (Returning Grantee) - $20,000;
8) Human Services Association (Returning Grantee) - $25,000;
9) Southeast Churches Service Center (Returning Grantee) - $50,000;
10) Woodcraft Rangers (Returning Grantee) - $30,000; and
11) YWCA Greater Los Angeles - $30,000.
Background:
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 the best interest of the City and its residents,
businesses, and workers.
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 grants management and
specialized knowledge of ethics and principles governing the grant-making process.
On February 4, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1218, as amended by Ordinances No.
1238 and No. 1257 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 2020/2021 Funding
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.164, the City Council may appropriate funds to the VCF.
Through the normal budgetary process, City Council authorized an amount of $500,000 to the VCF for
fiscal year 2020/2021. The Grant Committee is required to allocate funds for fiscal year 2020/2021 in
accordance with the following formula:
1) Administrative Costs shall be determined for the fiscal year and the amount shall be allocated for
payment from funds appropriated to the VCF.
2) The remainder of available funds in any fiscal year may be awarded to proposals to expend funds on
direct services and/or scholarship grants. No single grant of this type shall be in an amount more than
$250,000.
In consideration of Administrative Costs of $106,675, the total maximum amount of grant funds available
for award to proposals for direct services and scholarships during Fiscal Year 2020/2021 is $393,325.
With $20,000 dedicated to scholarship awards, $373,325 remains for direct service grants. With the
recent changes to the grant committee meeting structure and frequency of meetings, as a general
guideline, JRG and City staff recommend the Grant Committee award direct service grants at their
November meeting and scholarship grants at their May meeting. Prospective grantees will be provided
designated periods within which they may submit their applications which will coincide with each of the
two meetings proposed in a given fiscal year (a total of two, including this meeting, are scheduled).
Criteria for Ranking Grant Proposals
Pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 2.166, 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 funds will promote the health, safety, and welfare of persons residing or
working within the Vernon 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 Vernon.
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.
FY 2020/2021 Docket I Grant Applications
Docket I and 2020/2021 year to date information is summarized in the Grant Review Committee
Transmittal Report attached hereto as Attachment 1.
As previously indicated, the first VCF grant docket for FY 2020/2021 contains eleven (11) applications
for review, deliberation, and award by the Grant Committee. All applicants meet the eligibility
requirements set forth in Section 2.165 of the Vernon 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 funding recommended for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Docket I is $373,325.
JRG staff has prepared a written summary for each grant application describing its merits and potential
risks, which is attached hereto as Attachment 2. 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 November 18, 2020 meeting. The full applications are
publicly available and can be accessed at the City Clerk’s Office at Vernon City Hall, or via the City’s
website www.CityofVernon.org wherein Docket I grant applicant information is posted online in “Public
Meetings” under the “Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee (VCFGC)” link.
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 Attachment 3. 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 unused portion, and requirements respecting the use of the VCF
logo.
Fiscal Impact:
The Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Docket I total recommended grant award amount of $373,325 is included in
the 2020/2021 City Budget and is within the Direct Service Grant recommended fiscal year allocation.
Attachments:
1. FY 2020/2021 VCF Docket I Direct Service Grants Transmittal Report
2. FY 2020/2021 VCF Docket I Direct Service Grant Recommendation Forms
3. VCF Direct Service Grant Form Agreement
Grant Review Committee
Transmittal Report
November 18, 2020
Current Cycle: Docket I FY2020-21
Direct Service Grants
Total $ Amount of Grant Requests $479,395
Total Grant Budget – Current Cycle $373,325
Total # Recommended Grants 11
Average Recommended Grant Amount $33,939
Summary of Recommended Grants
DIRECT SERVICE GRANTS
ORGANIZATION REQUESTED
AMOUNT
RECOMMENDED
AMOUNT
COMMUNITIES SERVED
Alzheimer's Greater Los
Angeles
$17,475 $17,475 Bell, Boyle Heights, Commerce, Huntington Park,
Maywood, East Los Angeles, Vernon
Camp TLC at East LA Rising $45,850 $45,850 Unincorporated East Los Angeles (Maravilla,
Union Pacific, City Terrace)
Center for Nonviolent
Education & Parenting
$40,000 $40,000 Bell, Boyle Heights, Commerce, Huntington Park,
Maywood, Unincorporated East Los Angeles (City
Terrace)
Chicas Rockeras South East
Los Angeles
$26,070 $25,000 Bell, Boyle Heights, Commerce, Huntington Park,
Maywood, Unincorporated East Los Angeles
East LA Community
Corporation
$60,000 $60,000 Boyle Heights, Unincorporated East Los Angeles
Girl Scouts of Greater Los
Angeles
$30,000 $30,000 Bell, Boyle Heights, Commerce, Huntington Park,
Maywood, Unincorporated East Los Angeles
(Belvedere Gardens, Eastmont, City Terrace),
Vernon
Girls on the Run of Los
Angeles County
$20,000 $20,000 Bell, Boyle Heights, Huntington Park, Maywood,
Vernon
Human Services Association $60,000 $25,000 Bell, Commerce, Huntington Park, Maywood,
Vernon
Southeast Churches Service
Center
$50,000 $50,000 Bell, Commerce, Huntington Park, Maywood
Woodcraft Rangers $30,000 $30,000 Huntington Park, Maywood, Vernon
YWCA Greater Los Angeles $100,000 $30,000 Bell, Boyle Heights, Commerce, Huntington Park,
Maywood, Vernon
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AMOUNT $373,325
GRANT RECOMMENDATION FORM General Applicant Information
Applicant Organizati on: Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles
Type of Organization: Health/Human Services I Year Founded: I 1981
IAnnualBudget:
I Amount Requested:
Type of support requested:
1$5,345,000
1$17,475
✓General OperatingD Project/Program
Brief Narrative description of the organization
I No. of Board Members: 123
I Recommended Amount: I 17,475
D First Time Applicant
[Z] Returning Grantee Prev. Award amount: $40,000 - FY2018-19
Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles (ALZGA) is a 501c3-community-based health organization with a mission is to increase
awareness; deliver effective services; provide compassionate support; and advocate for quality care and a cure. Through
culturally competent and linguistically tailored services, ALZGLA's goal is to increase the community's caregiving skills and
capacity in order to help their families cope resulting in a better quality of life for caregivers and family members with
dementia. ALZGLA has a 23 member strong, active board, including well known local leaders including Susan Disney Lord,
Val Zavala, and Leonor Gavina-Valls, a member of the Gavina family whose coffee plant is an established Vernon based
business.
Since 2002 AZGLA has maintained an office in East Los Angeles and provided services in Spanish for residents of the
Vernon catchment areas. Services are tailored to address needs of low-income, non-English speaking families facing
significant barriers accessing care and entitlements. Among the prestigious awards received by AZGLA was the 2019
Grantmakers in Aging recognition for its long term investments in meeting the needs of diverse communities as well as the
2014 Rosalynn Carter Caregiving Award for caregiver education programs
Organizational strengths:
Established, recognized organization continuously operating since 1981;
Innovative and responsive to the needs of diverse populations
Created the El Portal project in 2001, a regional service office to serve the local population with linguistically matched service;
The Executive leadership team is comprised of individuals with a broad skill set that both enhances and supports the overall
mission of ALZGLA;
ALZGLA has adapted to current conditions and provided continuous services to vulnerable, low-income, non-English speaking
consumers. The organization hired a Spanish language staff person to compensate for the reduction in volunteers in the
COVD19 era.
Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Agreement
On [INSERT DATE] the Vernon CommUNITY Fund (Grantor) awarded a grant to [INSERT ORGANIZATION]
(Grantee) in the amount of $[INSERT AMOUNT] to support the following purposes: To support [INSERT
ORGANIZATION MISSION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION].
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.
[INSERT SCOPE]
2. Amount of Grant:
$[INSERT AMOUNT], payable upon the Vernon CommUNITY Fund’s receipt of this executed Grant
Agreement.
3. Conditions of Agreement:
Grantee agrees to the following conditions:
A. Reports. Grantee shall submit written reports to The Vernon CommUNITY 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:
Interim report: [INSERT DATE]
Final report: [INSERT DATE]
Please submit your report using your FluidReview account. If you have any questions about the grant
report, please reach out to the Vernon CommUNITY Fund by phone at 323.351.1198 or by email at
vernoncommunityfund@ci.vernon.ca.us.
Vernon CommUNITY Fund General 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 engage 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 Internal Revenue Code.
C. PATRIOT Act. Grantee agrees that it will use the grant 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. If 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 grants to Grantee.
G. Subgrantees. With regard to the selection of any subgrantees 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. Licensing 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.
I. 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. In the
event that Grantee ceases its operations, Grantee shall transfer any property purchased with the grant
funds to Grantor.
J. Liability, Disclaimers and Insurance 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 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 CommUNITY Fund General 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 $75,000 or more
shall obtain from their insurance carriers certificates of insurance naming the City of Vernon as
additional insured.
K. Promotion and Publicity. Recognition of the grant brings valuable attention to the mission and
activities of both Grantee and Grantor. Grantee agrees that Grantor may include information regarding
Grantee and/or this grant, including the amount and purpose of the grant, any photographs or materials
Grantee has provided for promotional purposes, Grantee’s logo or trademark, and/or other information
or materials about Grantee’s organization and activities, in Grantor’s periodic public reports,
newsletters, events, and media releases. Grantee may, subject to Grantor’s right of approval in its
reasonable discretion, promote Grantor and/or this grant by:
1.Reporting on the partnership with Grantor in Grantee’s communication materials,
including but not limited to, newsletters, events, media interviews, website posts, and
promotional e-mails;
2.Assisting Grantor on cross-promotional events and endeavors.
Grantor must review and approve all materials (including website postings) that use its name or logo,
prior to production or publication. Such approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
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.
[Signatures begin on next page]
Vernon CommUNITY Fund General Grant Agreement | 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Grant Agreement effective on the _____ day of
______ ____ , 2020.
[INSERT NAME], Grantee
Authorized Signature
Printed Name
Title
Date
CITY OF VERNON, Grantor ATTEST:
By:
Lisa Pope, City Clerk
Name: Carlos R. Fandino, Jr.
Title: City Administrator
Date: