On May 22, the Grover Beach City Council approved 11 recommended recipients for the FY 2023-24 Community Grants Program. The program distributes $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to nonprofit organizations that provide key community services or programs for Grover Beach residents.
“I am extremely grateful for all of our nonprofit organizations. Each and every one of them are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Grover Beach residents, and our Community Grants Program aims to support their ongoing efforts,” said Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright. “The selected grant recipients for this year’s program have demonstrated their qualifications and align closely to our Council Goals. We look forward to the greater impact this additional funding will bring.”
The City received 20 applications for the program. After careful review by the City Manager, Deputy City Manager and two community stakeholders, City staff recommended 11 applicants for City Council consideration.
-
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital – Homeless Patient Services Program
-
Boys and Girls Club of South SLO County – 8 Week Pickleball Play Program
-
Casa Solana – Services for low-income women with substance abuse
-
Environmental Center of SLO – Creeks to Coast litter pickup event
-
Five Cities Christian Women Food Pantry – Feeding Our Neighbors in Need
-
Hospice of SLO County – In-home Support and Grief Counseling Program
-
One Cool Earth – School Garden Nutrition Education Program
-
Shower the People – Mobile Shower Program
-
SLO Noor Foundation – Health clinics for uninsured residents
-
Smart Share Housing Solutions – Affordable housing and support for seniors
-
South SLO County Womenade – Winter Break Food Program
The City Council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation and awarded grant funds to all 11 organizations for their proposed programs. Each recipient received a one-time funding allocation ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
In 2021, the City was awarded $3.2 million in ARPA funding to support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Council adopted the Community Grants Program Policy in 2022 and allocated $100,000 of ARPA funding. After a successful year, the City Council approved allocating an additional $50,000 of the remaining $1.6 million ARPA funds toward the program.
“We were impressed by the number of qualified applicants, which made the selection process challenging. After thoroughly reviewing the applications, we selected the organizations that aligned the most with our established criteria for the program,” said Grover Beach City Manager Matt Bronson. “I am confident that this program will continue to leave a positive impact on Grover Beach’s nonprofit organizations and our community as a whole.”
For more information about the Community Grants Program, including details about the recipients, please visit the Community Grants Program webpage.