CONSENT ITEM
E-6
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LEILA HASSEN, CITY LIBRARIAN
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTING A $40,000 GRANT FROM THE
CANYON CITY FOUNDATION
BACKGROUND:
The Azusa City Library has been awarded a grant in the amount of $40,000 from the Canyon City Foundation (CCF). This grant will support social service referrals through the Neighborhood Connections (NC) division and lifelong learning programs such as Inspired Citizenship (IC) and Grassroots English as a Second Language (ESL). Funds will go towards staffing, instructional materials, program supplies, and curriculum development.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action:
1) Accept the $40,000 grant award from the Canyon City Foundation ANALYSIS:
The Azusa Library has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Canyon City Foundation. Funding will directly support the continuation and expansion of three core initiatives: Neighborhood Connections, Inspired Citizenship, and Grassroots English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, all of which are conducted at the Library and offsite locations throughout Azusa. Since their inception in 2015, these primarily grant-funded programs have delivered measurable benefits to the Azusa community. Positive outcomes include securing social services, housing, and employment for residents through Neighborhood Connections; obtaining U.S. Citizenship and naturalization through participation in the Inspired Citizenship program; and strengthening English conversation skills and digital literacy for adults in the Grassroots ESL courses.
Canyon City Foundation Grant Acceptance
September 21, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended actions; upon Council acceptance of this grant, staff will program the revenues into the Fiscal Year 26/27 budget under account 2830511061.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved by:
Leila Hassen Sergio Gonzalez
City Librarian City Manager
Attachment:
1) Canyon City Foundation Award Letter
August 5, 2026
Dear Ms. Hassen,
Congratulations your organization has been selected to continue as a grant legacy recipient for 2026. This year, the Foundation celebrates its 22nd year of investing in programs that improve quality of life in our growing Azusa community. The Board of Directors of the Canyon City Foundation is pleased to fund your projects in the requested amount of $40,000. We understand that waiting for the funds until we can share this good news with the City may create a financial burden, so the Board has elected to send the funds within the next week or so. In return, we ask that your organization send a representative to the October 5, 2026, of the Azusa City Council meeting to speak briefly—about two to three minutes—on the meaningful work your organization will provide to Azusa residents as a direct result of this grant.
The Foundation is making this grant with the understanding, based upon your representation, that your organization is a tax-exempt organization of the type described in Section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a government entity, and that it is not classified as a “private foundation” as the term is defined in section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. By executing this agreement, the Grantee represents that their status has not been revoked or modified.
Best wishes on your continued good work.
Mercedes Castro
Executive Director