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Lodi’s $100,000 nonprofit fund begins distribution; recipients describe immediate benefits
Summary
Council’s district-based nonprofit fund has distributed $53,000 so far toward community programs; recipients at the meeting described how small awards supported Meals on Wheels, workforce training and other services and urged prompt distribution of remaining funds and a publicized application process.
Lodi City Council’s district-based nonprofit fund, established in fiscal year 2025–26 with a $100,000 allocation, has started distributing awards to local organizations and drew testimony from several nonprofit leaders and program participants on March 18.
City staff reported 15 proposal letters were received, 12 met the policy’s requirements and total requests amounted to about $198,710. So far the council has approved allocations totaling $53,000. Staff recommended creating an online status page and hosting a workshop for applicants to improve transparency and streamline future rounds.
Nonprofit leaders and beneficiaries addressed council. Kristen Bistle, United Way of San Joaquin County CEO, thanked council for unrestricted funding that helps organizations leverage additional support. Janelle Wilkinson of the Lodi Senior Center said the Meals on Wheels program—budgeted at roughly $216,000—provided more than 20,000 meals last year and that even small grants are essential; she noted suggested client contributions are low and per-meal reimbursements are limited. Representatives from Community Partnership for Families described how CPF Works funding supports transportation, training and placement for jobseekers; two program participants testified that CPF assistance with transportation and paid training helped them complete certification and take jobs.
Council members voiced support for a transparent, consistent application pipeline and asked staff to return reports once awardees have spent funds and demonstrated outcomes. Staff said they will present reporting and are developing the recommended workshop and a web-based application-status tool.
