Kenai approves $10,380 matching grant to Triumphant Theater to unlock $40,000 Block Foundation paving award

The Kenai City Council voted March 4 to award a one‑time $10,380 matching grant to Triumphant Theater (operated by the Alaska Children’s Institute for the Performing Arts) so the nonprofit can accept a $40,000 Block Foundation grant to pave its parking lot and meet city landscaping requirements.

“Block Foundation in Anchorage has offered us a $40,000 grant for paving the parking lot as per the requirements by the city,” said Triumphant Theater executive director Joe Rzone, asking the council to supply the matching funds for landscaping estimated at about $10,300. Rzone described the theater’s rapid growth over the past 10 months and said the organization leveraged city property into a $3.5 million facility that draws thousands of attendees.

Youth participants spoke directly to council about the program’s local impact. “Triumphant is teaching me and many other kids valuable life skills. We learned self‑confidence, public speaking, personal responsibility and teamwork,” said a student performer, Byron, describing how theater participation improved school performance and community ties.

Council debated the amount and source of funds; city manager Eubank said the likely source would be a general‑fund appropriation of fund balance, although staff will confirm the exact appropriation and prepare the ordinance. The council amended the original motion and approved a $10,380 grant by unanimous consent; the clerk advised the council will see an implementing ordinance in a subsequent meeting.

Council members praised the organization’s outreach and the students’ testimony. The award is a one‑time grant to meet a private foundation match; council members and staff said they expect to evaluate funding sources and notify the public via the finance process when the appropriation ordinance is presented.