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City Council OKs $199,974 in Community Social Service Grants for FY 2025–26
Summary
The Thousand Oaks City Council approved the Community Funding Review Committee's recommendation to award $199,974 to 29 nonprofit programs in fiscal year 2025–26. The committee increased the program's annual funding to $200,000 and applied a points‑based allocation; two late or unsigned applications were not reviewed.
The Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously June 24 to approve the Community Funding Review Committee’s recommended distribution of $199,974 in fiscal‑year 2025–26 Community Social Services Grants to 29 nonprofit programs.
The grant program — included in the proposed FY 2025–26 city budget — provides annual support for nonprofit organizations that are 501(c)(3) and that are located in or primarily serve Thousand Oaks residents. Denise Monden, chair of the Community Funding Review Committee, told council that the committee scored 33 applications and recommended funding the top 29 eligible proposals after a robust review process; two applications were not reviewed because one was late and one lacked a signature.
Monden said the application window ran from March 3 to April 3 and staff publicized the opportunity through prior applicant email lists, City Scene, social media and an application workshop. The committee voted unanimously in favor of a points‑based allocation method, with three committee members abstaining from specific votes as required by committee procedure. The total recommended award was $199,974; councilmember comments at the meeting noted the program had been doubled from approximately $100,000 to $200,000 this cycle.
In public comment, Sarah Hawkins, executive director of Conejo Free Clinic, thanked the city and described the clinic’s legal and medical services for residents regardless of immigration status; she noted the clinic will use the grant to expand legal consultations and telehealth services. Councilmembers praised the Community Funding Review Committee’s work and asked staff to help groups that missed technical requirements in this cycle — staff said an online application system will reduce late or incomplete filings in future rounds.
Councilmember Ty Gutierrez and other council members emphasized the limited scope of local action on federal immigration enforcement but reiterated the council’s capability to support residents through local grants and services. After brief remarks, the council voted 5–0 to adopt the CFRC’s recommendations and authorize staff to implement the grants.
Ending: The approved grants will fund a range of services — from senior nutrition and youth programs to legal and medical assistance — beginning in the 2025–26 fiscal year; awardees and program descriptions were included in committee materials. Two applicant program names were not funded because of late or unsigned submissions; staff said they will provide technical assistance and an online application for the next cycle.
