City Offering $75,000 to Nonprofit Groups

Although faced with a tight fiscal budget that includes few new programs and no cost-of-living raises for city employees, Santa Clarita once again is offering $75,000 in grants for nonprofit agencies.

The city’s Community Services Grant Program was established in 1990 and has been offered annually--except in 1992. During that year, the funds were used for recreation activities at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.

Nonprofit organizations that can show a benefit to the city and demonstrate financial need are eligible for a grant.

A workshop is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. July 29 at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., to assist agencies with grant applications. The deadline to apply for a grant is 5 p.m. Aug. 26.

“In order to equitably distribute the funds, the city will solicit applications and proposals from a variety of agencies in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Rick Putnam, city director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

Past awards have included $5,000 for the Assn. to Aid Victims of Domestic Violence for a family violence protection project, $5,000 to the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club for after-school programs at two campuses, $3,000 to the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center for expanded service hours, and $2,500 to the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry for computers.