Nonprofits Can Tap Matching Funds

Ventura County Discovery Center officials want to build an interactive science museum and Imax theater next to the Civic Arts Plaza. Conejo Valley YMCA representatives want a gym in Thousand Oaks and a satellite facility in Newbury Park. And Senior Concerns officials want to expand their building.

With most of these projects expected to cost more than $2 million, the city has established a matching-fund program that will give each of the nonprofit organizations $1 million over the next four years if they can raise the same amount.

The city is able to do this because it has some one-time surplus funds in the budget thanks to the strong local economy, said Scott Mitnick, deputy city manager. The money is only for capital improvements and can only be used for acquiring land or construction of a building, Mitnick added.

“We’re spending money throughout the community,” Mitnick said. “It won’t be spread out for only one age level. Since the surplus taxes came from the community as a whole it only makes sense to spend it on the community as a whole. We’re very confident that they will raise the money.”

The city approved the matching grant unanimously at last week’s City Council meeting.

“We are delighted to receive this support from the city,” said Mary Anne Isaac, executive director of the Discovery Center. “It sends a strong message that this is a good public-private partnership.”