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Council allocates $1,000 to each of 18 applicants and sets aside reserve for nonprofits
Summary
After public testimony from schools and local nonprofits, the council approved awarding $1,000 to each of 18 grant applicants for FY26–27 and created a small reserve to address emergent requests during the fiscal year.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council on May 4 approved distributing discretionary grant funds for fiscal year 2026–27 to community organizations, awarding $1,000 to each of the 18 eligible applicants and establishing a modest reserve for later requests.
City staff had recommended a $20,000 allocation ($1,000 per applicant) with a $2,000 buffer. Public commenters included students and leaders of Carmel Mock Trial, Leadership Carmel and the Carmel Heritage Society, each describing program goals and funding needs. Bill Schreier, coach of the Carmel High School Mock Trial team, asked for the maximum $3,000 to support travel to the World Championships in Chicago; students from the team explained the educational and networking value.
After council discussion about fairness, program scale and administrative burdens, members voted on a substitute motion that awarded $1,000 to each applicant and added a larger reserve to address urgent applications later in the year. The motion carried by roll call vote.
Staff will prepare grant agreements and distribute checks after recipients sign agreements and demonstrate proper use within the fiscal year.
