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West Hollywood directs staff to design sports-and-clubs grant program after strong public support
Summary
The City Council voted to direct staff to develop a Sports & Clubs grant program to support volunteer-led local leagues and clubs, with an initial funding floor of $15,000 and council members signaling support to increase that amount up to $30,000 pending staff recommendations.
Council directed staff to develop a streamlined Sports & Clubs grant program after more than a dozen public commenters and several councilmembers said volunteer-led sports organizations provide vital community, health and economic benefits.
The item (F5) was introduced by Council member Byers as a modest, staff-administered pool to make small awards to qualifying clubs that meet eligibility rules. Public speakers representing the West Hollywood Soccer Club, the West Hollywood Run Club and other volunteer organizations told the council the grants would cover operating costs such as field rentals, insurance and hardship subsidies.
"These funds would go to qualifying organizations, not individuals," said Ken Sanchez, president of the West Hollywood Soccer Club, arguing the club spends roughly $25,000 a year on field rentals and related costs. "Organizations like ours bring hundreds of people into West Hollywood every week, supporting local restaurants, bars, and businesses."
Council members pressed staff on eligibility and legal limits. Council member Meister asked that staff define what it means to be "West Hollywood based," whether organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and how the city will prevent grants from subsidizing personal travel. Council member Erickson said the proposal should be treated as a starting point and asked staff to return with clear parameters.
"I think the $15,000 is the floor, not the ceiling," Council member Erickson said, urging colleagues to consider increasing the pool and suggesting the council could support up to $30,000 if staff recommends it. Mayor Heilman and other members emphasized the need for specific eligibility criteria before distributing funds.
Council voted to direct staff to develop program guidelines and return with recommendations that address eligibility, allowable uses, potential fundraising partnerships with businesses, and measures to avoid gifts of public funds.
Next steps: Staff will draft eligibility criteria, determine administrative procedures and report back to the council with recommended award amounts and legal protections.
