CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution authorizing Global Urban Strategies, INC. to provide grant writing services to prepare a grant application for Arts in California Parks – Local Parks Grant Program Meeting Date: May 28, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the resolution which will authorize Global Urban Strategies, INC. to prepare a grant application (for the amount of $6,600) for the Arts in California Parks—Local Parks Grant Program administered by Parks California.
BACKGROUND:
Arts in California Parks is a program from California State Parks that supports artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and communities in creating artwork that offers perspective on our past and present. This grant program is designed to foster vibrant community engagement, support local artists, and celebrate cultural diversity through the creation of art and culture programming in local parks. The grant aims to enhance the natural beauty of local parks with culturally enriching art programs that invite exploration, understanding, and a deepened connection to our shared landscapes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations, California native tribes, fiscally sponsored community organizations, Land Trusts, Foundations, and Local Government Agencies.
With the Arts in California Parks first launch of the 2024 grant cycle, eligible applicants may apply for either one of two types of grant funding opportunities intended to provide local community connections through art in public parks.
Eligible applicants may apply for funding for Planning and Development grants, and applicants may request up to $250,000.00, the objective for this type of grant is to support the early stages of project development with a focus on building partnerships, artist selection, and developing project plans. This grant cycle would run from October 2024 through May 2025.
ANALYSIS:
Global Urban Strategies, INC., is a grant writing services firm that has extensive experience in composing and winning various grant proposals that enhance community development. Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution to allow Global Urban Strategies, Inc. to prepare a grant application for the pursuit of the Arts in California Parks grant.
Global Urban Strategies, INC. would propose submitting a Planning and Development grant on behalf of the City.
The grant would be a necessary source of funding needed to support a diverse set of art mediums to enhance the experiences for all park visitors. This grant would allow eligible cities to cover the costs of planning and development expenses such as workshops, community engagement activities, staff time, planning materials, and other forms of equitable artist selection practices.
Global Urban Strategies, INC. proposes to prepare and submit the application not to exceed the amount of $6,600.00. The grant writer will prepare the following elements for the grant proposal:
Establish an Initial Consultation
Conduct an in-depth meeting with key stakeholders to provide information about the grant program and understand the city’s needs and goals.
Gather information to develop a competitive scope of work, including project partners, budget and timeline information, and relevant supporting data.
Construct a Proposal Preparation
Manage access to the submission portal.
Complete all application questions, as well as the budget worksheet and narrative.
Gather all supporting documents, including proof of concept and partnerships, financial statements, etc.
3. Collaborative Review Process
a. Facilitate a review process with key stakeholders and gather feedback at least three business days before the submission deadline. b. Make revisions and edits promptly, maintaining open communication with city staff throughout the process.
4. Final Submission and Support
a. Submit the completed grant application on behalf of the city before the submission deadline of June 14, 2024. b. Provide a digital copy of the grant application to the city.
The grant application period will close on June 14, 2024, and will announce the grant awards in September 2024. Grant funding would allow the City to enhance its connection between its local parks and rich cultural history, further strengthening sustainable community connections, and the resident's overall health, and well-being.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If the City Council approves the engagement with Global Urban Strategies, Inc. for grant writing services, an appropriation of $6,600.00 from the Art in Public Places Fund Balance to 32-1020-52001 (Contractual Services) would be recommended.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation; or
Provide further direction to staff
Prepared by: Gisselle S. Delgado, Management Analyst
Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Approved by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Global Urban Strategies, Inc. Proposal