Westlake Village announces grant funding

The Westlake Village City Council recently approved $90,000 in grants to 27 community organizations in the region..

"The Community Service Grant Program is designed to help nonprofit organizations that provide programs to the residents of Westlake Village," said Audrey Brown, assistant city manager.

The council received a recommended list of grant recipients and a description of each program.

The council decided funds should be distributed based on financial need and services rendered. Organizations with a history of sound financial management were favored.

The first of two funding cycles will distribute 90 percent of the funds to approved applicants. The remaining 10 percent will be used to cover unanticipated requests filed after the initial submissions and will be handed out during the secondary funding cycle.

The council earmarked a minimum of $10,000 annually for educational organizations serving the city and set a minimum of $250 for each grants.

An amendment to the 2005 Community Services Grant Program Agreement, extending an award to the New West Symphony for a year, was also approved by the council.

"Last year, New West Symphony was awarded a total of $3,300 to allow third to fifthgraders the opportunity to play in the symphonic adventures program," Brown said. "Unfortunately, the kids were not able to participate due to unforeseen circumstances."

This year's top recipients included the White Oak Elementary Art Education program ($20,000), Friends of the Westlake Village Library Inc. ($6,900), Conejo Hospice Inc. ($6,000), Lutheran Social Services of Southern California ($7,000) and Agoura High School ($4,900).