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Council signals intent to preserve nonprofit support; seeks new structure for SAF funds and McCallum contribution
Summary
Council members agreed to retain city nonprofit support funding but asked staff to move $100,000 into a support‑for‑nonprofits account and to revisit how SAF funds and the city’s contribution to the McCallum Theatre are allocated and structured.
Rancho Mirage council members signaled unanimous support May 21 for preserving a baseline level of city support for local nonprofits and cultural institutions while asking staff to return with a revised structure for distributing those funds.
Council discussion centered on SAF (Special Assistance Fund) dollars and several longstanding contributions to regional partners. Council member O'Keefe and others expressed concern about protecting smaller nonprofits that rely on modest awards; council members discussed alternatives such as a capped city account for nonprofit support and forming a committee or other governance approach to allocate funds.
As a practical step, staff agreed to place $100,000 into account 7458, titled “support for nonprofits,” in the preliminary budget so the council can decide governance and allocation rules later. Members also discussed McCallum Theatre funding (previously $50,000) and the cultural commission budget; council agreed to restore the cultural commission budget to $37,500 and to tentatively reallocate funds for McCallum at a similar level pending direct discussions with the theatre.
Council emphasized they do not intend to eliminate charitable giving but want a refreshed process that ensures funds benefit local residents and smaller nonprofits. Staff will implement the interim budget changes and bring governance options back to the council for further discussion.
