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City outlines leverage-support grant rules and timeline; economic development removed from this cycle
Summary
The budget office described eligibility, award ranges ($50,000–$500,000), and the March 2–April 10 application window for the city’s leverage-support program and said arts, environment and equity/inclusion are the categories for FY2027; economic development will be handled separately.
Doctor Dudes told the hearing that leverage support is intended for existing nonprofit organizations with at least a three-year track record and required financial documentation; startup organizations should apply instead to the city's 'boots on the ground' program. He said capital projects are ineligible and awards are generally between $50,000 and $500,000.
For FY2027 the program's active categories are arts, environment, and equity & inclusion; Doctor Dudes said a fourth category—economic development and neighborhood support—is not part of this application round and will be announced separately. The online application opened March 2 and closes April 10; Tanya Smith in the city manager’s office is managing the process and applicants should plan project budgets to match the funding period (Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027). Award notifications are expected in early August.
During the public-comment period, multiple organizations urged council to continue or expand leverage-support awards. Speakers described how city leverage-support helped their programs: Camp Joy said it enabled in-school student leadership lessons and provided measurable student outcomes; Bethany House and Santa Maria Community Services said leverage funds supported shelter and family-stabilization services; KidFuture CPS and Artsville asked for support for marketing, program-finder tools and facility improvements; several business chambers asked for funding to prepare minority-owned firms for contracting opportunities.
The administration did not take votes at the hearing and will return to council with budget-policy language and the manager’s recommendation in coming weeks.
