City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 18, 2024
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Kid Power Program Grant from Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a grant from the Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation for the Kid Power program in the amount of $15,000 and adjust the FY 2024-2025 Budget to reflect the adjusted revenue.
BACKGROUND
The Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation funds “youth-serving programs that allow youth to flourish and prosper”. Thus, staff thought that the Kid Power program would be a good fit for what they look to support. Staff applied for funding for a program that would incorporate STEAM activities into Kid Power and would allow staff to build some capacity for working with tools that would push the children’s learning to another level. Staff requested funding to purchase 3D pens that students can use to create, car building kits, which students will work in teams to build - incorporating engineering into the lessons, and arts supplies. As well as a bit of funding to support staff time and capacity building around these activities. Staff is also working with interns from CSUMB to create curriculum around these activities which their engineering students will then help to implement.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
These grants, although small, are a great way to fund programing in our signature programs while helping to slightly support our operating costs. Bringing these opportunities to the children of Kid Power will allow them to explore new STEAM activities and also allows us to start building programming and partnerships for the Teen Innovation Center.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
AGENDA
ITEM
15 Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: This grant supports the Vision by providing funds to support and enhance our current Kid Power programming.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ___ No.
Explain: It also supports the Mission. These type of programs and partnerships help us prepare for the grand opening of the Teen Innovation Center as it allows students to begin exploring more intentional STEAM activities and provides supplies to the program that we don’t currently have.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ___No.
Explain: Please refer to the explanation written above for the vision.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: This grant supports education, but it also supports our budget as it helps to offset some of our operating costs.
BUDGET
Accepting this grant would bring the City $15,000 in new revenue for the Kid Power program for FY 2024-2025, which needs to be spent in one calendar year.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a grant from the Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation for the Kid Power program in the amount of $15,000 and adjust the FY 2024-2025 Budget to reflect the adjusted revenue.
Attachments:
1. Award Letter