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DATE: March 16, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director
Tiffany Oren, Recreation Manager
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: APPROVING THE FOSTER CITY COMMUNITY CENTER DONOR RECOGNITION WALL DESIGN; TIERED FUNDRAISING
FRAMEWORK; AND AUTHORIZING A $40,000 APPROPRIATION
FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (FUND 301)
RESERVES TO THE RECREATION CENTER REBUILD PROJECT
(CIP 301-678)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Foster City Community Center Donor Recognition Wall design, tiered fundraising framework, and authorizing a $40,000 appropriation from Fund 301 reserves to CIP 301-678 to support fabrication and installation.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Foster City Community Center (FCCC) represents a $65.9 million investment in a modern civic facility designed to serve the community for decades to come. As part of this investment, the City has an opportunity to recognize individuals, families, and businesses who choose to support the Community Center through philanthropic contributions.
The proposed Donor Recognition Wall creates a clear, tiered structure for acknowledging those contributions while maintaining a clean and cohesive design consistent with the
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architecture of the building. The wall will be installed in the first-floor Entry Atrium, becoming a welcoming feature within the space.
The framework includes four donation tiers ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per plaque, with an estimated fundraising capacity of approximately $381,500 based on the conceptual layout. Fabrication and installation costs are currently estimated at $35,000– $40,000, depending on final quantities.
Approval of the design and tier structure allows staff to move forward with donor outreach and fabrication consistent with the approved framework.
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS
During prior discussions regarding the Foster City Community Center (FCCC), the City Council expressed interest in exploring opportunities for philanthropic support and community fundraising. The proposed Donor Recognition Wall provides a structured and transparent framework to formally recognize contributions supporting the facility.
The City has already received significant contributions toward the Community Center project, including major donations from Gilead Sciences, Peninsula Clean Energy, SCAN Health Plan, and Group 4 Architecture. The Donor Recognition Wall will formally acknowledge these contributions while also creating opportunities for additional community participation.
The Donor Recognition Wall is intended to:
Acknowledge current and new philanthropic contributions supporting the Community Center
Encourage continued fundraising participation
Provide a permanent, professionally designed recognition feature within the facility Align donor recognition with the architectural character of the building The donor wall concept was developed by Group 4 Architecture, who provided in-kind design services in support of the donor wall project. The wall is integrated into the Entry Atrium and allows for phased installation beginning with Opening Day donors, with the ability to expand over time as additional contributions are secured.
Design Overview
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Image 1: Conceptual rendering of the Donor Recognition Wall as envisioned for Opening Day.
Image 2: Conceptual layout illustrating tier placement and relative plaque sizes.
The proposed donor wall consists of back-painted acrylic plaques in coordinated blue tones with satin finishes. Plaques increase in size and thickness by giving level, creating a clear but understated visual distinction between tiers.
All plaques will include vinyl lettering with concealed mounting. The final configuration and number of plaques per tier may be adjusted based on actual donor participation.
Proposed Donation Tiers
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The conceptual layout includes the following tier structure:
Tier 4: $2,500-$4,999 (approximately 27 plaques)
Tier 3: $5,000- $7,499 (approximately 14 plaques)
Tier 2: $7,500-$9,999 (approximately 12 plaques)
Tier 1: $10,000+ (approximately 19 plaques)
Based on the current layout and tier structure, total fundraising capacity at full buildout is estimated to range from approximately $300,000 to $380,000, depending on participation levels and final tier distribution. Actual revenue will vary and is not guaranteed.
The layout is intentionally flexible so quantities can be adjusted over time as fundraising progresses.
Policy Considerations-Sponsorship Policy Compliance
The proposed FCCC Donor Recognition Wall will be implemented in accordance with the City of Foster City Sponsorship Policy.
The wall includes structured recognition tied to defined contribution levels and therefore qualifies as a Sponsorship under the City’s policy. Section 8.03.02 specifically permits plaques, memorials, and recognition placed on a Sponsorship Wall.
Consistent with Section 4.03 of the Sponsorship Policy, no Sponsorship opportunity will be offered until a Fundraising Plan is approved by the City Council. Approval of the tiered recognition framework described in this report is intended to satisfy that requirement and serve as the approved Fundraising Plan for the Donor Recognition Wall.
The Fundraising framework includes:
Defined sponsorship tiers and corresponding contribution amounts Clear identification of the recognition provided at each tier Conditions for acceptance of sponsorships
Duration and placement of recognition
All Sponsorships will be documented through a signed Sponsorship form that serves as the required written agreement under Section 6.01 of the Policy. No recognition will be provided until the form is completed and payment has been received.
The City retains sole discretion to approve or deny any Sponsorship and to ensure all recognition complies with content standards, Municipal Code provisions, and applicable laws, consistent with Section 8.01 of the Sponsorship Policy.
Financial Considerations
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Estimated fabrication and installation costs range from $35,000–$40,000, depending on final quantities and layout configuration. Fabrication will proceed once a sufficient number of donor commitments are secured.
If we’re able to fill all the proposed tiers, the program will generate net revenue in excess of installation costs. Funds generated through the program may be directed toward Community Center enhancements or related capital needs consistent with City Council direction.
Actual revenue will depend on donor participation.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
In July 2023, the City of Foster City, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the State CEQA Guidelines adopted by the Secretary of Resources, and the City of Foster City Environmental Review Guidelines, prepared an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH # 20231009) with Standards Conditions and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCAMMRP), and CEQA Findings (IS/MND) for the Recreation Center Rebuild Project. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines section 15164(b), the City Council adopted an Addendum to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration on November 16, 2023.
No further review under CEQA is necessary as the Foster City Community Center Donor Recognition Wall design is consistent with the project considered under the IS/MND and the Addendum. No substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require revisions of the previous MND, nor substantial changes to the circumstances under which the project is being undertaken which will require major revisions to the MND, nor is there any new information of substantial importance, which was not known at the time the MND was approved pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15162.
FISCAL IMPACT
Fabrication and installation costs are estimated at approximately $35,000–$40,000, depending on final quantities. Staff are currently confirming whether fabrication and installation costs may be phased based on production milestones.
An appropriation of up to $40,000 from Fund 301 reserves to CIP 301-678 will be required to authorize fabrication and installation. This appropriation will add to the total project budget; however, costs are anticipated to be offset by donor contributions generated through the program.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure
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Smart Planning, Development, and the Local Economy
City Council Operations and Improved Community Engagement ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Donor Recognition Wall Design Presentation from Group 4 Architecture