City Council set aside $60,000 of the current budget for the grant program
Local community benefit nonprofit organizations can apply now for grants from the City of Morro Bay and while the total amount available won’t balance the federal deficit, it could do a lot of good in Morro Bay.
“The city is currently accepting applications for community grants for Fiscal Year 2024/25,” reads an announcement from the city administration. The City Council set aside $60,000 of the current budget for the grant program. Deadline to apply is Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.
There are two general categories of grants: community and social services, and cultural arts.
Examples of community and social services grants are: crisis intervention and/or centers; active adult service agencies; youth services and athletics; health and safety; youth-serving agencies; social service agencies and programs; bilingual service agencies; low-income service agencies; economic development; and, of course, homelessness.
Examples under cultural arts include: museum, including artistic, historical or scientific display or education; performing arts, including music and theater arts; and fine and visual arts.
You must fill out an application and the city urges anyone thinking about applying to study the policies on the program; they can be found at morrobayca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19545/Community-Grant-Agreement-and-Policy-FY-24-25.
Among the requirements is an accounting for the money.
“Please note that if awarded, an annual report on grant expenditures and program outcomes will be required, as well as providing evidence such as canceled checks, receipts, bank statements, financial statement, etc. demonstrating how funds were expended,” reads the application.
You’ll also have to justify the need for your grant.
“Describe briefly the demonstrated need in the Morro Bay community for the program,” the application states. “Cite data sources as appropriate.”
Whatever the program being funded may be, it cannot have anything to do with politics or religion, “So as to maintain local government impartiality towards political campaigns, religious activities, and fundraising endeavors.”
The deadline to spend grant monies and the program’s completion is June 30, 2025. Applications can be submitted via email to cityclerk@morrobayca.gov, or mailed or hand delivered to City Hall, Attn: City Manager, 595 Harbor St., Morro Bay.
