Thousand Oaks council approves $89,954 in community events grants for fiscal year 2026–27

The Thousand Oaks City Council unanimously approved the Community Funding Review Committee’s recommendations to award community events grants for fiscal year 2026–27.

Kyle Roarbach, chair of the Community Funding Review Committee, presented the committee’s recommendation that $89,954 be awarded to 27 programs from a $100,000 general fund allocation for community events grants (CEG), with $90,000 available through the annual competitive cycle and $10,000 reserved for off-cycle requests.

“These events and programs meet the CEG criteria and will benefit a wide cross-section of Thousand Oaks residents,” Roarbach said. The committee received 30 eligible applications and used predetermined scoring criteria and an equitable allocation methodology because total requests exceeded available funding.

Council member Newman moved to adopt the recommendations; the city clerk recorded a 5–0 vote in favor. The council did not amend the committee’s list on the floor.

Why it matters: CEGs fund local arts, cultural activities and school performance groups that hold events within the city boundary. The awards support neighborhood-level programming and help local nonprofit and volunteer groups stage community events.

Clarifying details: the fiscal-year 2026–27 general fund budget included $100,000 for CEGs; the committee recommended $89,954 in awards to 27 organizations, and $10,000 remains available for potential future off-cycle requests.

Ending: Council approved item 13A and the recommended awards; staff will complete administrative steps to finalize grant agreements and notify applicants.