Temecula Boosts Nonprofits That Aid Residents: $2.2 Million Available

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula City Council unanimously approved a total of $2.2 million in city funding for eligible nonprofit programs that benefit locals. That funding may be used to cover fundraising losses during the coronavirus pandemic, according to City Manager Aaron Adams.

During the city council session, Temecula Mayor Matt Rahn discussed the "unprecedented" program.

"The City of Temecula is infusing an unprecedented amount into the community," Rahn said. "It is the highest total sum ever made available by the City to nonprofit organizations during any year in Temecula's history — and we'll do this two years in a row."

Eligible nonprofits can receive as much as $50,000 annually to fund services or programs serving Temecula residents. The program, now known as Community Service Funding - Reinvestment in Temecula, will budget $1.1 million each year, for a total of $2.2 million, through the 2023 fiscal year.

Historically, the city's annual nonprofit organization grant program entitled Community Service Funding has historically awarded up to $5,000 per nonprofit organization, for a total of $100,000 budgeted annually. This new program will help many more, according to Rahn.

"These grants will come as a relief at a critical time now when inflationary concerns are an issue," he said.

The City Manager's Office will administer the program and eligible nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for a grant.

City Manager Aaron Adams shared more details on how the grant funds will work.

"Grant funds are not anticipated to be used for large capital projects, such as building improvements, but rather to pay for expenses associated with charitable goods and services that specifically benefit those who live in Temecula," Adams said. "Local nonprofits that struggled to fundraise during past COVID-19 closures will be allowed to submit for some costs incurred throughout the pandemic beginning March 20, 2020."

The grant application will be available on July 1, 2022, at 5 p.m., at TemeculaCA.gov/grants.

The deadline to submit is Monday, September 12, 2022. For questions about this grant, contact Betsy Lowrey, Assistant to the City Manager, at Betsy.Lowrey@TemeculaCA.gov.

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