Calabasas ready to award grant money

The city of Calabasas announced it is giving funds to worthy community organizations.

The current grant cycle remains open for requests until March 31. The Calabasas City Council will award $70,126 in grants and if all funds aren't spent the city will conduct an additional funding cycle.

Calabasas established the community service grants program to recognize and support community groups that offer important services to Calabasas residents. A committee, consisting of members of the Calabasas Parks, Recreation and Education commissions, will make recommendations on how the grant monies should be sent.

The city hopes to assist as many organizations as possible with varying grant amounts. The city will give preference to those organizations that hold a 501 c (3) (nonprofit) designation and programs that address safety, education and environmental issues, or increase the welfare of the citizens or animals of Calabasas.

Officials say the requesting agency should serve a unique function and provide public services that the city doesn't already provide and that are consistent with the short and long-term goals and objectives of the city.

An organization may only receive one award per fiscal year.

The requesting agency should be prepared to provide the following:

+The amount sought

+The purpose of the organization

+The length of time the organization has existed

+The activities and services provided

+The number of expected beneficiaries in Calabasas

+Information about admission charges, membership fees or dues

+Justification for city funding and details on how the money will be used

+A documented track record for effectively serving the needs of Calabasas

Grant applications are available online and may be either submitted online or mailed or brought to Calabasas City Hall, 26135 Mureau Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302.

The city requires that each organization attach to its application a copy of the group's operating budget and a separate detailed list of expected expenditures.

For more information about the community service grants, call Shelley Thompson at (818) 8784225.