San Fernando Valley Community Grants (Participatory Budgeting)

San Fernando Valley Community Grants

Alternative Name: Northeast Valley Best Start Community Grants 2023

Geographic Scope: San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California, including:

• Northeast San Fernando Valley (NEV) - facilitated by LAEP
• Panorama City & Neighbors (PCN) - facilitated by El Nido Family Centers

Program Type: Community-centered, participatory budgeting grants for community-identified projects

Through a collaborative participatory budget process (PBP), LAEP and El Nido Family Centers work with community members to identify neighborhood needs and vote on projects that local organizations propose to address those needs. Grantees are required to involve the community in project implementation and provide progress updates.

Mission Alignment: Supports community-led initiatives addressing important issues for local families and children, promoting kindergarten readiness and school success.

2023-2024 Grantees:

• Champions in Service (NEV)
• Child and Family Guidance Center (PCN)
• Discovery Cube Los Angeles (NEV)
• Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC Schools) (NEV)
• Urban Partners – LA Baby Cooperative (PCN)
• YMCA (PCN)

Total Investment: $450,000 across six organizations

• $225,000 invested in Northeast San Fernando Valley
• $225,000 invested in Panorama City & Neighbors area

Award Ceremony: 2023-2024 grants were awarded at an "United in Action" Grant ceremony at Las Palmas Park in August

Past Project Examples (from previous years):

• Multicultural storytimes
• School wellness lounges
• Cultural events and community art
• College scholarships
• Nature exploration activities
• Mental health workshops

Program Management: LAEP and El Nido provide training to committee members on the participatory budget process to manage the program annually in a community-centered, community-led, community-driven manner.

Contact Information:

• Los Angeles Education Partnership
• 1541 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200
• Los Angeles, CA 90017
• Phone: (213) 622-5237
• Email: info@laep.org

Application Process

Based on the participatory budgeting model:

1. Community Engagement: LAEP and El Nido host community meetings to identify local needs
2. Organization Project Proposals: Local nonprofit organizations develop project proposals addressing identified community needs
3. Community Voting: Community members participate in voting on which proposed projects should receive funding
4. Grant Award Ceremony: Selected grantees are celebrated at an official grant award ceremony
5. Community Involvement Requirements: Grantees must:
   • Invite community members to participate in project activities
   • Report back to the community on project progress and outcomes
6. Implementation: Projects are implemented over the 12-month funding period

Note: Detailed application deadlines, specific forms, and submission procedures are not provided in available website materials. Contact LAEP directly for current application timeline and requirements.