If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Fueling Futures Through Aviation will be delivered through a hub-and-spoke model designed to maximize access for Rancho Cordova youth. The primary program hub is Mather Airport, including California Capital Airshow education programming, ACE Academy summer camp activities, and largescale youth STEM engagement events.
Additional programming will take place at community partner locations hosting outreach workshops, mentorship sessions, and mobile STEM programming.
Select program components may also occur at regional aviation, aerospace, education, and workforce partner sites to provide real-world career exposure. These experiences may include industry demonstrations, career exploration visits, and hands-on learning opportunities hosted by aviation training providers, airport operations partners, public safety aviation units, and higher education collaborators.
Locations are intentionally distributed across multiple sites to reduce transportation barriers, expand equitable access, and meet students within their own communities while connecting them to regional workforce pathways.
Third Party Letters of Support (Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading) LOS_Capital_Airshow_ToT_Grant_1.pdf
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Marya
Sahota
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
Capital Airshow Group
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Community Engagement and Partnerships Director
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide contact
phone number:
Provide contact
email:
[email protected]
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
No
What is the name of
this project or
program's primary
contact if not the
person submitting
this application?
Darcy
Brewer
What is the email of
the primary contact?
[email protected]
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
No, someone else would sign the contract
If selected by the
City Council to
receive an award,
what is the name of
the person at your
organization who
would sign the
contract?
Darcy
Brewer
What is the title of
this individual?
CEO
What is the best
phone number where
we could contact the
signatory?
+
What is the best
email address to
contact the
signatory?
[email protected]
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Organization Name: Capital Airshow Group
Project Name: Fueling Futures Through Aviation-Focused Educational Programming
PROJECT EXPENSES
COLUMN A
Amount of Project Expense from
source other than City of RC
COLUMN B
Amount Requested
from City of RC
COLUMN A+B =
Grand Total
Personnel: List project Personnel Expenses. Be specific and identify if employee is full time, half-time or a consultant. Please include the percentage of time the staff person will spend on the project.
Title: Credentialed Teacher (FT/Contracted): 16% $ 15,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 20,000.00 Title: Community & Engagement Director/Youth Dir (FT/Cont) 30% $ 20,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 25,000.00 Title: Camp Staff (Contracted) $ 4,000.00 $ - $ 4,000.00 Title: Media and PR Director (Contracted); Graphic Designer (Cont) $ 4,500.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 8,500.00 Operating/Production Expenses. Be specific
Facilities (rent or overhead expenses) $ - $ - $ -
Equipment (rental or purchase) - tables & chair rental, linens $ 9,400.00 $ 14,000.00 $ 23,400.00 Supplies- Materials, exhibits, décor, activities, crafts $ 700.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 7,700.00 Printing - lanyards, backpacks, workbooks, t-shirts, signage $ 17,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 32,000.00 Advertising, promotion $ 5,700.00 $ - $ 5,700.00
Meeting/Travel - Buses for students, accommodations for speakers $ 23,500.00 $ - $ 23,500.00 Other (specify): A/V equipment, screens, staging, technician $ 6,800.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 16,800.00 Other (specify): Food/beverages for students; graduation event $ 15,400.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 30,400.00 Other (specify): Scholarship Awards $ 78,000.00 $ 78,000.00 TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSES $ 200,000.00 $ 75,000.00 $ 275,000.00 SOURCES OF PROJECT REVENUE:
COLUMN A
Secured Funding
COLUMN B
Pending Funding
COLUMN A + B =
Grand Total
City of Rancho Cordova Grant funding request. This amount should be the amount you are requesting for the described project and be placed in the "Pending Funding" column $ - $ 75,000.00 $ 75,000.00 Foundations (please list the names of the Foundations and amounts individually - add lines as needed) - Wilkie Foundation (pending) $ - $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00 Business and Corporate contributions (please list the names of the Corporations/businesses and amounts individually - add lines as needed) - Verizon - $2000; SW Air - $2500 - Atlas Disposal - $5000 $ 9,500.00 $ - $ 9,500.00 Individual contributions - Snyder & Taylor Families $ 5,000.00 $ - $ 5,000.00 Government Grants (please list the names of the Granting organizations - add lines as needed) - Sac County TOT Grant request $ - $ 35,000.00 $ 35,000.00 Other (specify source of funding - add lines as needed) - (Projected Sponsorship & Individual Giving Campaign) $ 55,500.00 $ 55,500.00 Events or Ticket Sales - MATCHING FUNDS from CA Capital Airshow $ 50,000.00 $ - $ 50,000.00 Publications & Products $ - $ - $ -
Membership Income $ - $ - $ -
In-kind Support (please list the type of in-kind support and corresponding value of that contribution) - Teichert Construction equipment, Sunbelt rental equipment, elite power electrical support $ 20,000.00 $ - $ 20,000.00 TOTAL PROJECT REVENUE $ 84,500.00 $ 190,500.00 $ 275,000.00 TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSE $ 275,000.00
TOTAL SECURED FUNDING $ 84,500.00
TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSE LESS SECURED FUNDING $ 190,500.00 ** It is expected that you may be seeking more funding than the project expense. 2026-27 Rancho Cordova CEIF GRANT PROGRAM BUDGET FORM
Clarifications (details about supplies needed, foundation contributions and amounts, etc.) Additional funding is being actively pursued through corporate sponsorships, individual donor campaigns, foundation grants, and earned revenue strategies. The Capital Airshow Group maintains a diversified funding model and has a demonstrated history of successfully closing annual budget gaps through strategic fundraising and community partnerships.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
TOT funding will directly support the sustainability and growth of these educational efforts, ensuring that thousands of students can continue to benefit from immersive learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. The Capital Airshow Group has demonstrated strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a clear vision for long-term community impact.
SMUD fully supports this request and encourages the County to invest in the Capital Airshow Group’s educational programming as a meaningful contribution to the region’s economic vitality, workforce pipeline, and future innovation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my delegate at, [email protected].
Sincerely,
Dr. Markisha Webster
Director of DEIB, Learning, and Sustainable Communities Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Cc: Lora Anguay
Jose Bodipo-Memba
James Frasher
Corporate Files
Docusign Envelope ID: A8DB2C23-288F-4103-8559-F269CB437BB4 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
2 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW..............................................................................................................4 SECTION I — ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION .....................................................................................5 Mission, Vision and Values.....................................................................................................................5 SECTION II — PROGRAM PROPOSAL AND COMMUNITY NEED.............................................................7 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................................7 Program Explanation...............................................................................................................................9 Fueling the Future – Our Program Going Forward ..............................................................................11 Program Goals.......................................................................................................................................12 Collaboration and Partnership.............................................................................................................14 Primary Collaborative Partners Include:.........................................................................................16 SECTION III — PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ...................................................17 Sustaining the Program.........................................................................................................................17 Staffing and Capacity............................................................................................................................17 Performance Metrics ............................................................................................................................18 Reporting Schedule...............................................................................................................................18 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................................................19 SECTION IV — FINANCIAL HEALTH & GOVERNANCE REVIEW ............................................................20 Financial Stability..................................................................................................................................20 Administrative Efficiency......................................................................................................................20 Audit Status ...........................................................................................................................................20 Board Engagement................................................................................................................................20 Conflict of Interest Policy .....................................................................................................................22 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
3 SECTION V – FUNDING SCENARIOS AND SCALABILITY .......................................................................23 Funding Scenario Table ........................................................................................................................23 Tiered a La Carte Descriptions.............................................................................................................23 If awarded up to $25,000, possible activities include: ..................................................................24 If awarded up to $50,000, possible activities include: ..................................................................24 If awarded up to $75,000, possible activities include: ..................................................................24 If awarded up to $100,000, possible activities include: ................................................................24 SECTION VI – CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................25 APPENDIX 1 – Program Impact Media .....................................................................................................27 APPENDIX 2 — Sample Program Budgets & Cost Breakdown ..............................................................27 APPENDIX 3 — A Day in the Life: Destination Aviation Summer Camp................................................29 APPENDIX 4 — The Gap We Must Close .................................................................................................30 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
4 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Ask someone to name the kinds of jobs available in aviation, and most people will offer the same three answers: pilot, flight attendant, or air traffic controller. Our programs exist to expand that horizon. When a student completes one of our summer programs, they leave understanding that aviation is not a single pathway—it is a universe.
It is aircraft mechanics, technicians,
emergency response pilots, TSA
specialists, and cargo logistics teams. It
is accountants, attorneys, real estate
planners, environmental scientists,
wildlife biologists, cybersecurity
specialists, engineers, communications
experts, and the 5,200+ people who keep
Sacramento County’s airports operating
safely every day. Aviation is not one
career. It is hundreds of them—spanning
every interest, every talent, and every
educational level. And most young people
have never been exposed to the endless opportunities that exist.
The California Capital Airshow Group respectfully submits this proposal to expand our free, hands-on, aviation-centered STEM and workforce development programs—programs that use the power and magic of flight to open young minds, especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities, to futures they’ve never been invited to imagine. Each year, more than 3,500 students from eight counties step into flight simulators, program drones, experiment with aerodynamics and robotics, and meet the real professionals who make our region’s aviation ecosystem run. Many of these students have never seen the inside of a hangar or watched an aircraft launch up close. But once they do, everything changes.
Our programming transforms “I didn’t know this
existed” into “I can see myself doing this.” With
your partnership, we can open the doors even
wider—fueling curiosity, confidence, and longterm access to careers that are waiting for the next generation to claim them.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
5 SECTION I — ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Legal Name of Organization
Capital Airshow Group
Mailing Address
10425 Norden Avenue – Sacramento, CA 95655
Website
www.californiacapitalairshow.com
Primary Contact & Title
Darcy Brewer, CEO
Phone / Email
; [email protected]
Year Founded
2004
Current Annual Operating Budget
$3,070,945.00
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission Statement
The California Capital Airshow uses the power and magic of flight to honor our past, inspire the future, and shine a spotlight on our region.
Vision Statement
The California Capital Airshow is recognized as a premier airshow that promotes educational programs, community engagement, and scholarship opportunities.
Core Values
Honoring our past
Airshow attendees step back in time each year with theatrical tributes that honor Veterans, share the story of our nation’s history and show gratitude to the men and women who serve and sacrifice to provide the freedoms we all enjoy today.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
6 Inspiring the future
We inspire young people by creating exciting educational environments year-round that showcase science,
technology, engineering, and math as the tools needed to accomplish great things.
Shining a spotlight on our region
The Airshow not only serves our regional residents with a thrilling and unforgettable civic amenity but attracts people from all over the nation and beyond to see what’s so special about where we live, work, and thrive.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
7 SECTION II — PROGRAM
PROPOSAL AND
COMMUNITY NEED
Fueling Futures Through
Aviation Focused Youth
Programming
Problem Statement
Across the aviation and
aerospace industries, the
workforce crisis is no longer a
forecast—it’s here. Pilots,
engineers, aircraft mechanics,
air traffic controllers, emergency responders, and aviation technicians are in critically short supply. Nearly every major aviation employer, from commercial airlines to the FAA, reports shortages that are projected to deepen over the next decade.
And yet, here in Sacramento County—home to more than 253,000 K–12 students, with
62.6% identified as economically disadvantaged—most young people have never been meaningfully exposed to what aviation careers actually look like. Especially girls, youth of color, and low-income students, the very populations the industry most needs to diversify.
Most have never:
• Met a pilot, firefighter, aircraft mechanic, drone operator, engineer, or air traffic controller.
• Stepped inside a hangar or onto an active airfield.
• Programmed a drone, touched aircraft tools, or watched a med-evac crew launch. • Heard that Sacramento County Airports employs 5,200+ people across operations, engineering, sustainability, fire, security, wildlife management, planning, and more. • Been told, “You belong here.”
Meanwhile, classroom-based science exposure is also falling behind. Statewide, only 10% of elementary students and 14% of middle schoolers regularly engage in hands-on science practices. Fewer than half of California’s 12th graders complete the A–G ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
8 coursework required for UC/CSU admission. The opportunity gap in STEM is widening— and aviation careers are slipping even further out of view.
For many of the young people we serve—especially students in Positive Altitude who come from transitional housing, system involvement, or unstable home environments—aviation isn’t just a career field. It’s a spark, a stabilizer, and a doorway into possibility.
Every barrier stacks against them:
• Parents and guardians working multiple jobs
• Lack of transportation
• No STEM clubs or field trips
• Schools without labs, mentors, or enrichment opportunities • No discretionary income
for summer programss
Yet when these students arrive at
Mather Airport, everything shifts –
because at Mather, the hangars
become classrooms.
Each year, more than 3,500 youth
step into simulators, build drones,
experiment with aerodynamics,
explore real aircraft systems, and
meet professionals who look like
them, sound like them, and show
them what’s possible. For many, it
is the first time they see
themselves in a future that once felt entirely out of reach.
One guardian said it best:
“He will remember this past week forever. Thank you for helping kids find their path.” — Joey Blaine
And that is the heart of the problem: It is hard to become something you have never seen.
We turn “I never knew this existed” into: “I want to do this someday.” The issue is not ability. It’s access.
And access is exactly what we deliver
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
9 Program Explanation
Our Programs to Date
Our youth programming has evolved and shifted over the years, depending on funding availability and staff capacity.
Our programs are not “just events.” They are transformational experiences that unfold hour by hour, site by site, mentor
by mentor. See Appendix 3 for more
detail.
For five immersive days,
Destination Aviation Camp and
ACE Academy take students ages
10–18 across the region to:
• Active hangars
• ARFF (aircraft rescue and
firefighting) fire and Metro
Fire structural fire stations
• UPS and FedEx air cargo
hubs
• Law enforcement and medevac helicopter bases
• Drone/UAS labs
• Airport operations centers
and TRACON
• Maintenance and
engineering shops
• Commercial passenger
airline partners
• Sustainability,
environmental and wildlife
management units
• Military installations
They watch aircraft lift off.
They hear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
They touch the tools that keep our skies safe.
They stand beside professionals who say, “You can do this too.” ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
10 Students learn:
• Aerodynamics
• Aircraft systems
• Drone technology &
UAS
• Emergency response
and air attack
• Robotics, coding,
engineering
• Artificial intelligence in
aviation
• Airport operations and
administration
• Sustainability &
environmental
management
One student’s guardian captured it best:
“I spent more than 30 years in the aviation industry, and these kids had a week of experiences I never had access to. What an incredible opportunity to expose our youth to the wide world of aviation—and how education can launch their future.” Another parent shared:
“Chase will never forget his week with your team…We felt like our whole family was included.” — Charles Barfield
For our youngest participants (K–1), Day at the Airport offers early exposure—an age group where research shows
confidence and curiosity begin to take shape.
Girls in Aviation Day brings together 500 young women and 200 mentors each year—women who look like them, sound
like them, and share stories that make once-invisible
careers feel possible.
Our Destination Aviation STEM Expo is one of the region’s largest one-day STEM events, serving 1,500 students with
2.5 hours of presentations and 2.5 hours of hands-on
activities.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
11 Our Positive Altitude Program provides a safe, empowering pathway for youth ages 8–13 who need a glimpse of positive law enforcement, leadership, and service through aviation.
This is more than exposure.
This is identity-shaping, opportunity-building, life-expanding work.
Fueling the Future – Our Program Going Forward
Before we expand any program, we want to be absolutely certain we are expanding it in the right direction. That’s why our current priority is a formal Program Review & Needs Assessment.
We owe it to our students to understand not just what they enjoy, but what will actually change their lives. We want to align our programming with the realities of today’s aviation workforce and the needs of Sacramento’s youth—many of whom have never been told they belong in these rewarding careers.
This assessment will help us answer the questions that matter:
What jobs exist for a student with a high school diploma? With Career Technical Education? With a college degree? Which paths will be exploding in demand in the next decade—AI, drones, emergency aviation, sustainability, airport operations? And because we know that women and girls remain dramatically underrepresented in aviation, the Needs Assessment will also help us determine how to thoughtfully expand programs like Girls in Aviation
Day while remaining compliant
with funding restrictions that
limit gender-specific
programming.
This work is not about
exclusion—it is about equity.
Today, women represent just 6%
of all pilots, approximately 2–
3% of aircraft mechanics, and
only 16% of air traffic
controllers nationwide. These
figures place aviation among the
most gender-imbalanced industries in the country—well behind other STEM fields and far below the national workforce average of 47% women. For many girls, the barrier is not interest or ability—it is visibility. It is hard to imagine yourself in a career when you have ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
12 never seen someone who looks like you doing the work. Please see Appendix 4 for more stats and info.
The Needs Assessment will allow us to use data—not assumptions—to determine where intentional gender-equity programming is most impactful, and where emerging industry demand may reshape our approach altogether. For example, the rapid growth of drone operations, unmanned systems, and technology-driven aviation roles is opening new, accessible pathways that may naturally attract more girls and young women without requiring exclusionary models.
By grounding future programming decisions in both workforce trends and community need, we can ensure that every opportunity we offer—whether through Girls in Aviation Day, STEM Expos, camps, or emerging programs—creates space for girls to see themselves, belong, and lead, while remaining inclusive, strategic, and aligned with our funders’ guidelines.
The result is programming that is focused, fair, and forward-looking—designed to close persistent gaps while preparing all students for the future of aviation.
Most importantly, the Needs Assessment will tell us exactly how to deliver the right curriculum, to the right students, in the right way, so we can create the greatest possible impact.
Program Goals
Through the Needs Assessment and the expanded programming it informs, our goals are to:
• Identify the most effective aviation/STEM curricula for Sacramento-area youth, rooted in local workforce demand and student need.
• Ensure meaningful, equitable access for underserved and economically disadvantaged students.
• Ignite interest in high-need aviation and aerospace careers—not just pilots, but mechanics, emergency responders, drone operators, airport operations, engineering, environmental sustainability, and more.
• Build confidence, leadership, and belonging so that students not only imagine themselves in these careers—they see a path to get there. • Strengthen long-term youth development pathways, creating a continuum from mentorship → volunteering → internships → apprenticeships → scholarships → workforce.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
13 • Deepen collaboration with public agencies, military partners, and industry, ensuring students are connected to real professionals and real opportunities.
We will measure the success of both the Needs Assessment and our expanded programming through:
• Completion of a
comprehensive K–12 needs
assessment, identifying the
strongest curriculum elements
and delivery models.
• Clear measurable objectives
based on those findings, such
as:
– Number of students served
– Number of industry mentors
engaged
– Pre/post growth in STEM awareness
– Participant satisfaction
– Number of youth transitioning into internships, apprenticeships, or CTE programs • Delivery of one aviation-career summer camp in 2026 (ages 10–18). • Delivery of a large-scale STEM Expo
• By 2027, delivery of three youth programs informed by the Needs Assessment:
– One full summer camp
– One large STEM Expo
– One additional program (Girls in Aviation Day, Positive Altitude, or another offering determined by need)
These measurable outcomes will ensure that all funding goes directly toward programming that is proven, targeted, and life changing.
Here are our program goals for this year and next:
2026:
• Complete Needs Assessment
• Refine curriculum, delivery methods & groups served
• Launch one ACE Academy/Destination Aviation camp
• Deliver one major STEM Expo and one aviation day program ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
14 2027:
• Implement a full suite of youth programming informed by the assessment • Expand reach and access
• Double engagement and program impact if funding is at the 100k level mark The Needs Assessment will ensure that every dollar invested is thoughtfully directed toward the highest-impact curriculum and experiences, informing program design, resource allocation, and long-term planning to ensure measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship of funds.
Collaboration and Partnership
No other organization in the Greater Sacramento region can offer what our students experience through the California Capital Airshow Group. Our partnerships are not theoretical—they are lived, trusted relationships that unlock gates, open doors, and create once-in-a-lifetime moments for young people who would never otherwise see these worlds.
Our staff brings deep expertise of their
own: professional pilots, certified flight
instructors, and credentialed teachers
who work adjacent to the Sacramento
County Office of Education
headquarters. But it is our
partnerships—meticulously built over 15
years—that make our programs unlike anything else in Northern California.
Because we are located at Mather Airport, our presenting sponsor and landlord— Sacramento County Department of Airports—provides extraordinary access to secured facilities at both Mather and Sacramento International Airport. This allows students to step far beyond what the public ever sees: cargo operations, fire stations, wildlife and ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
15 environmental teams, airport operations centers, law enforcement units, and the complex ecosystem that keeps millions of passengers safe each year.
Our students don’t read about aviation—they
step directly into it.
Through our long-standing partnership with the
Federal Aviation Administration, students visit
air traffic control towers and even the highly
restricted NORCAL TRACON facility, where
controllers manage the airspace for all of
Northern California. Fewer than 1% of civilians
ever get inside these facilities. Our students
don’t just get inside—they meet the experts who
work there.
Our academic partners—including William Jessup University, Los Rios Community College District, and Sacramento City College—open their labs, classrooms, and even commercial-grade flight simulators. Students sit at the controls, guided by professors, and learn how airplanes fly from the people who teach the next generation of aviators.
Our aviation industry partners—UPS, FedEx, Mach 5 Aviation, Modern Aviation, REACH, and more—give students hands-on perspectives across every corner of aviation. They climb into cargo aircraft, explore maintenance hangars mid-repair, sit inside medical helicopters, and see the machinery and teamwork that keep our region moving.
And our military partners—Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and guard units from the California Military Department—provide experiences so rare they are unforgettable. In 2024, students in ACE Academy witnessed a live in-flight refueling mission at Travis Air Force Base— one of the largest humanitarian mobility wings in the world.
These young people watched the aircraft connect and fuel at altitude, a moment that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom.
Every partner plays a role in expanding a student’s sense of possibility.
Every visit adds another spark.
Every mentor becomes another voice saying, “You belong
here.”
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
16 Primary Collaborative Partners Include:
• Sacramento County Department of Airports (presenting sponsor; access to SMF & Mather)
• Cargo & passenger airlines at both regional airports, such as UPS, FedEx, etc • Federal Aviation Administration (ATC towers, NORCAL TRACON) • Los Rios Community College District / Sacramento City College (education in dispatch, ATC, maintenance, aviation technology)
• William Jessup University (flight simulators, professors, aviation labs) • Mach 5 Aviation (in-air flight training experiences)
• United States Military + California Military Department (aircraft access, humanitarian aviation, rescue operations)
• Industry & community partners such as REACH, Modern Aviation, Red Tail Drones, PG&E, and more
Together, these uncommon partnerships create something rare: A full-access, immersive, aviation-forward ecosystem where students don’t just learn—they experience, they connect, and they begin to imagine themselves in the cockpit, the tower, the hangar, or the operations center.
Our collaborations are not add-ons.
They are the magic.
And they are what allow our students to dream bigger, aim higher, and see a future that once felt invisible.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
17 SECTION III — PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Sustainability is not a buzzword for us, it’s a promise. When a student steps into one of our programs, they are not stepping into just a one or five-day experience; they are stepping into a pathway. A future. A community. Our responsibility is to make sure the spark they feel does not fade once they return home.
We want our students talking about aviation at the dinner table. We want them imagining “what’s next” the moment they leave the airport. And if they aren’t buzzing with excitement long after they go home, then we haven’t done our job. In fact, parents/guardians often show up the next morning because their children simply can’t stop talking. That is the level of impact we commit to sustaining.
Sustaining the Program
Our Educational & STEM Youth Programs are supported through a deliberately diversified framework that keeps the work strong and stable:
• County partnerships
• Corporate sponsorships
• Foundation grants
• Individual donors
• Airshow revenue (from our annual nonprofit fundraiser) • In-kind services (electrical, equipment, waste services, rentals, media support etc.) • Ticket-roundup scholarship contributions (4,300 donors last season) • Public agency collaboration
Funding will not replace existing support—it would expand, strengthen, and stabilize the long-term capacity needed to meet soaring demand. Each year, our programs fill quickly and waiting lists grow longer, underscoring a simple truth: there is no shortage of young people who want to learn, explore, and belong in these spaces—only a shortage of resources to serve them all.
Staffing and Capacity
Our youth programming is powered
by a uniquely qualified team,
including:
• A credentialed teacher and
trained youth development
staff (we are located adjacent
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
18 to SCOE to meet ongoing educator needs)
• Veteran aviation educators
• Credentialed pilots, mechanics, firefighters, EMTs, and air-rescue professionals • Airport operations experts and sustainability teams
• Volunteers with 20–40 years of aviation experience
• Industry mentors who make careers feel relatable and attainable These adults do more than teach—they connect. They model professionalism, resilience, teamwork, humility, and possibility. They are often the first aviation or STEM professional a child has ever met.
Performance Metrics
We evaluate success using both data and lived
impact:
• Total number of students served (target:
3,500+ annually)
• Number of industry tours and partner
engagements
• Growth in STEM/aviation career awareness
(20–35% increase expected)
• Student confidence and self-efficacy
indicators
• Teacher and partner feedback
Reporting Schedule
Per your request, you will receive:
• Quarterly narrative updates
• Quarterly financial summaries
• A full annual report
• Appendices including photos, stories, media coverage, and detailed budget usage We are a highly transparent, media-forward organization. Every event is photographed, filmed, and shared with the community. We welcome all community investors to roll up their sleeves, step behind the scenes, and join us to see their investment in action anytime.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
19 Evaluation Method
Our program evaluation is human-centered, practical, and honest. We measure not only what children learn, but how they grow and assess impact through:
• Pre- and post-program surveys
• Parent and guardian reflections
• Student, counselor and partner feedback
• Long-term engagement monitoring (volunteering, internships/apprenticeships) ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
20 SECTION IV — FINANCIAL HEALTH & GOVERNANCE REVIEW
Financial Stability
The California Capital Airshow Group maintains a healthy, diversified financial structure.
Our nonprofit receives revenue from:
• Airshow proceeds (approx. $3 million annually)
• Government and county partnerships
• Corporate sponsorships
• Ticket-roundup scholarship fund (4,300+ donors last season) • In-kind operational support and services
• Individual giving and foundations
• Concessions operations and partner events
We pride ourselves on responsible stewardship and on ensuring that every dollar stretches into real community impact.
Administrative Efficiency
Our administrative/overhead rate is approximately 10%, demonstrating lean, efficient management.
Source: IRS Form 990 — $265,215 / $3,070,945, with over $280,000 reinvested back into community benefit.
Audit Status
Our most recent independent financial audit is currently in progress (2025).
Auditing Firm: Mann, Urrutia, Nelson CPAs and Associates LLP Address: 2515 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 135, Sacramento, CA In addition, our financials are actively managed on a weekly basis by Katie Williams, CPA, and formally reviewed and reported to our Board of Directors on a monthly basis, ensuring strong fiscal oversight, transparency, and accountability.
Board Engagement
Our Board is entirely volunteer-based and includes leaders with expertise in:
• Aviation
• Education
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
21 • Public safety
• Community engagement
• Finance
• Youth development
• Military and emergency operations
Board members meet monthly, maintaining a 90% attendance rate. It is a working board— each member serves on at least one committee, and many serve on two.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
22 Conflict of Interest Policy
CCA maintains a formal, written Conflict of Interest Policy reviewed and signed annually by all board members and key staff.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
23 SECTION V – FUNDING SCENARIOS AND SCALABILITY
Below is a clear, investor-friendly funding matrix showing what funding support makes possible at each level.
Your investment directly expands access, increases program capacity, deepens curriculum, and strengthens long-term career pathways for youth across the Sacramento region. The California Capital Airshow Group is committed to matching this investment dollar-for-dollar—leveraging more than $200,000 annually to deliver and sustain our educational and STEM programming. For example, a $75,000 grant would unlock a full $150,000 in impact, ensuring that no student is turned away from these life-changing opportunities. Please see Appendix 2 for sample budget and cost breakdowns.
Funding Scenario Table
Funding
Level
Needs
Assessment
Summer
Camp
25-50
students
STEM Expo/Dest
Aviation/Positive
Altitude
500-1500 students
Additional Aviation
Programs
250-500 students
Program
Years
Impacted
$25,000 ✔ — — ✔ 2026
$50,000 ✔ 1 Camp — ✔ 2026
$75,000 ✔ 1 Camp 1 STEM Expo — 2026–2027
$100,000 ✔ 1 Camp 1 STEM Expo ✔ 2026
2027 (one
additional
camp or
expo)
Tiered a La Carte Descriptions
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
24 If awarded up to $25,000, possible activities include:
• Completion of a formal Needs Assessment to guide future expansion of CCA’s youth programming
• One family-centered aviation/STEM program introducing young learners to aviation and hands-on STEM
Impact: This level strengthens CCA’s program planning foundation and supports a community-accessible aviation/STEM experience that would otherwise not occur due to budget limitations.
If awarded up to $50,000, possible activities include:
• Needs Assessment
• One Aviation Program
• One 5-Day Camp Session
Impact: This investment funds both the future of CCA’s youth programming and one of our most impactful current programs. Students receive immersive exposure to aviation careers while CCA expands its strategic direction.
If awarded up to $75,000, possible activities include:
• Needs Assessment
• One STEM Expo
• One 5-Day Camp Session
Impact: At this level, you are supporting two of CCA’s most high-impact programs— connecting hundreds of young people to hands-on aviation experiences while also building long-term program sustainability.
If awarded up to $100,000, possible activities include:
• Needs Assessment
• One STEM Expo
• One 5-Day Camp Session
• One Aviation Program
Impact: This level transforms regional access to aviation and STEM. It ensures that thousands of young people each year receive education, exposure, and access that simply do not exist anywhere else. It also builds a stable, multi-year talent pipeline supporting workforce needs across aviation, aerospace, emergency response, public safety, drone operations, AI technology, and beyond.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
25 SECTION VI – CONCLUSION
Every child deserves a moment that
shifts their horizon—when they
suddenly see themselves as capable,
worthy, and full of potential they
didn’t know they had. For many
students, our programs provide that
moment.
They step inside a hangar and realize
their future can look different.
They meet a pilot, engineer, or airport
firefighter and realize their dreams are
valid.
They sit in a cockpit, stand beside an air ambulance or fighter jet, watch a drone launch, or talk with an airport sustainability manager—and something inside them lifts.
This is where possibility becomes real.
This is where “I never knew this existed”
becomes “I can do this someday.”
We would be honored to partner with you
to create more of these moments—to
ignite belief, open doors, and help young
people across the Sacramento region
rise. Your investment would not simply
fund a program; it would change
trajectories. It would give students
education, exposure, and access at the
exact age when it matters most.
Thank you for considering our request
and thank you for investing in the children who will shape our future. We warmly invite you—and your team—to join us onsite anytime to participate and see your impact in action: to meet the students whose lives you’ve touched, watch their confidence grow in real time, and witness firsthand how together, we can help them dream bigger, aim higher, and quite literally—reach for the stars.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
27 APPENDIX 1 – Program Impact Media
The following links provide a visual snapshot of the California Capital Airshow Group’s Educational & STEM Youth Programs in action. These videos and images capture real moments from Destination Aviation camps, STEM expos, school-year outreach, and hands-on aviation experiences across the Greater Sacramento region.
Together, they show the students we serve, the environments they learn in, and the mentors who walk alongside them—bringing education, exposure, and access to life in ways that words alone cannot fully convey.
• Destination Aviation Camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOiXw1jyFfQ • STEM Expo highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hunwk5qSJcU&feature=youtu.be and https:// www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ngsriq6uzbz0r5kn1qgn5/TB-STEM-Exop-Video2021.mp4?rlkey=agtu8p9s2hxqfctiwq7xuwtm0&dl=0 • Girls in Aviation Day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL0o0OVXf24 and https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=H6Z9R4TcG4w&feature=youtu.be
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
29 APPENDIX 3 — A Day in the Life: Destination Aviation Summer Camp By 8:30 a.m., the vans are already filling up. Some students arrive buzzing with excitement; others are quieter, taking it all in. For many, this is their first time spending a full day at an airport—let alone stepping behind the scenes of one.
The morning begins with a safety briefing and a warm welcome from counselors and mentors. Students introduce themselves, share what brought them to camp, and talk about what they’re curious about. For some, it’s drones. For others, firefighting, engineering, or flying. For many, the answer is simple: “I didn’t know what this was, but I wanted to see.”
By mid-morning, the learning becomes tangible. Students step into a hangar where aircraft are actively being inspected and maintained. They touch tools, examine engines, and hear mechanics explain how safety, math, and precision come together in real time. Questions fly. Confidence grows.
Later, they meet professionals in uniform—pilots, air traffic controllers, firefighters, medevac crews, drone operators—people who look them in the eye and say, “Here’s how I got here.” These are not lectures. They are conversations. Stories about mistakes, resilience, teamwork, and pride in meaningful work.
After lunch (often a highlight in itself), the afternoon is hands-on. Students rotate through STEM activities: programming drones, testing aerodynamics, exploring flight simulators, or solving team challenges that mirror real aviation scenarios. Shy students start speaking up. Natural leaders emerge. Friendships form.
As the day winds down, there’s a quiet shift. Students reflect on what surprised them, what excited them, and what they might want to
learn more about. Many say the same thing in
different ways: “I didn’t know this was an
option for me.”
By pickup time, parents and guardians can see
it instantly—the energy, the stories spilling
out, the questions at the dinner table later that
night. This isn’t just a camp day. It’s a turning
point.
This is what Destination Aviation looks like in practice:
real exposure, real confidence, and real possibility—one day at a time.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
30 APPENDIX 4 — The Gap We Must Close
Aviation & STEM Workforce Reality — and why action matters now! Sacramento County is home to 253,331 K–12 students—and 62.6% of them are classified as economically disadvantaged. For thousands of young people, access to hands-on STEM learning, enrichment programs, and career exposure simply does not exist outside the classroom.
Statewide, fewer than half of California’s high school seniors complete the coursework required for admission to the UC/CSU system. Even earlier, the pipeline is already breaking: only 10% of elementary students and 14% of middle school students regularly engage in hands-on science practices.
At the same time, aviation and aerospace industries are facing a critical workforce crisis.
Women remain dramatically underrepresented:
• 6% of U.S. pilots
• 2–3% of aircraft mechanics
• 16% of air traffic controllers
These numbers lag far behind nearly every other STEM sector—and far behind the national workforce average of 47% women.
And yet, demand has never been higher. Pilots, engineers, mechanics, air traffic controllers, emergency responders, drone operators, and airport professionals are urgently needed—locally, nationally, and globally.
The problem is not talent.
The problem is access.
When young people never see these careers—or themselves in them—the pipeline breaks before it ever begins.
This is the moment to act.
With intentional investment, curiosity becomes confidence. Exposure becomes belonging.
Opportunity becomes a future.
When education, exposure, and access come together, futures take flight.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
City of Rancho Cordova Powered by Submittable
Title Rancho Cordova Little League
Enhancement: Facility &
Equipment
by Michele Elkins-Buettner in Fiscal Year 2026-
2027 Community Enhancement & Investment
Fund Grant Application
11230 Gold Express Drive
Suite 310-197
Gold River, California
95670
California
United States
[email protected]
03/05/2026
id. 53394252
Original Submission 03/05/2026
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
No: Not a First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Rancho Cordova Little League Enhancement: Facility & Equipment Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
Our baseball facility is a vital community hub that fosters youth development, family engagement, and community pride. Enhancing and maintaining the facility ensures a safe, accessible, and high-quality environment that strengthens local recreation, supports active lifestyles, and brings Rancho Cordova families together through youth sports.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
Enhancing Rancho Cordova Little League Facilities for a Stronger Community
Founded in 1954, Rancho Cordova Little League (RCLL) has served as a long-standing community institution, providing youth ages 4–14 with a safe, structured, and inclusive environment that promotes physical health, social development, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Today, approximately 500 children participate each spring season, with many continuing into our fall program so hundreds of family members, volunteers, and community supporters visit our fields weekly. In addition, RCLL hosts postseason tournament play, welcoming players and families from surrounding leagues and neighboring communities. As a result, our fields serve as a visible representation of Rancho Cordova.
RCLL operates across eight baseball fields located at Cordova Lane Elementary and W.E. Mitchell Middle School (Folsom-Cordova Unified School District) and Ahlstrom Park (Cordova Recreation and Park District).
These shared-use public facilities serve not only Little League families, but also the broader community for recreation and gathering. As a nonprofit organization, RCLL takes responsibility for ongoing field preparation, equipment replacement, safety compliance, and facility improvements to ensure these spaces remain accessible, safe, and well-maintained.
Previous Community Enhancement & Investment Fund support allowed us to purchase essential field maintenance equipment, upgrade snack bar infrastructure, and improve overall field conditions. Continued investment is critical to sustaining these improvements and meeting the growing needs of our participants.
Grant funding will support:
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Field & Facility Enhancements: Infield and outfield maintenance, clay and turf replacement, fencing and netting repairs, bleacher and shade improvements, dugout upgrades, signage, and essential
groundskeeping equipment.
Player & Game Equipment Improvements: Replacement of worn bases and anchors, baseballs, pitching mounds, home plates, batting cage upgrades, scoreboard enhancements, and updated safety gear for players, coaches, and umpires.
Safety & Security Upgrades: Emergency medical equipment, improved storage systems, and infrastructure improvements that enhance participant safety and operational efficiency.
Snack Bar & Facility Improvements: Upgrades to food service equipment and storage to better serve families and support league sustainability.
These improvements directly align with the City’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund priorities by:
Promoting youth health and wellness through active recreation Strengthening community connections and volunteer engagement Preserving and enhancing shared-use public facilities
Supporting a long-standing nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of local families
Ensuring safe, inclusive, and accessible recreational opportunities Through strong collaboration with Folsom-Cordova Unified School District and Cordova Recreation and Park District, RCLL ensures all improvements meet approval standards and benefit the broader public.
This funding will sustain a vital community resource, enhance quality of life for Rancho Cordova families, and preserve youth baseball as a positive, community-building tradition for generations to come.
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
Rancho Cordova Little League is led by a 20-member volunteer Board of Directors elected by the General Membership. The Board oversees league governance, financial stewardship, safety compliance, and the planning and execution of facility improvements. Members bring experience in project management, budgeting, facility maintenance, and community engagement. All serve in an unpaid capacity, contributing thousands of volunteer hours annually. Financial controls ensure transparency and responsible use of funds. RCLL collaborates with Folsom-Cordova Unified School District and Cordova Recreation & Park District to ensure improvements align with shared-use facility standards.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
Rancho Cordova Little League (RCLL) is committed to preserving safe, accessible, and high-quality public recreation spaces that enhance community quality of life and support youth development. A primary goal of this project is to protect and preserve eight shared-use baseball fields through annual safety inspections, timely completion of identified repairs, and full compliance with Little League safety standards. Maintaining highquality playing conditions includes structured seasonal maintenance cycles and tracking equipment replacement to extend infrastructure lifespan and reduce long-term costs.
RCLL will sustain and seek to grow participation beyond 500 youth annually while continuing fall programming and postseason tournament play, measuring year-over-year enrollment, retention, and expanded facility usage. The league will continue to support strong volunteer engagement, monitor participation trends, and evaluate tournament activity and facility usage to demonstrate sustained community impact and regional engagement.
The Board of Directors will oversee timelines, expenditures, and measurable benchmarks through structured financial controls and progress reviews to ensure responsible stewardship of City investment and a clear, measurable community return.
Optional File Upload:
Provide any
additional records to
supplement your
program/project
application. Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading.
2 - Funding & Costs
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
45000
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
45000
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
Yes
If your
project/program
involves
construction, please
indicate your project
budget?
10000
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
15000
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
15000
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
5000
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
Budget_Request_for_Funding_26_27.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
RCLL actively pursues funding through local business sponsorships, community partnerships, fundraising efforts, and individual contributions to support ongoing operational costs and facility maintenance. These funds help offset expenses related to field upkeep, equipment replacement, and program delivery. In addition to private support, RCLL seeks public funding opportunities, including community-based grants, to ensure long-term sustainability and continued investment in shared-use recreational facilities that benefit Rancho Cordova families.
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
RCLL anticipates ongoing annual costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and improvement of its facilities and equipment beyond Fiscal Year 2026/2027. These recurring expenses include field preparation and repairs, turf and infield materials, fencing and netting upkeep, equipment replacement, safety compliance updates, storage and security enhancements, and general facility maintenance. As a volunteer-led nonprofit, RCLL remains committed to budgeting responsibly, pursuing diversified funding sources, and implementing preventive maintenance practices to ensure the long-term sustainability and preservation of these shared-use public recreation assets.
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
776968
Please provide a worksheet explaining your volunteer/in-kind contribution. You may upload a file in the following formats: CSV, DOC, DOCX, or PDF.
In-Kind_Contribution__Rancho_Cordova_Little_League_26_27.pdf Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
Yes
How many years has
your project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund?
3 How much funding
has your organization
received from the
Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
through our
traditional grants (not
including
microgrants)?
143,510.00
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
7/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/30/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
Work will commence upon receipt of funding. Following the conclusion of Tournament Play in July, RCLL conducts a comprehensive audit of all facilities, fields, and equipment. This assessment identifies and prioritizes necessary repairs, replacements, safety updates, and improvements.
Planning and procurement occur during late summer and early fall, with maintenance and upgrade projects implemented throughout the fall and winter months. This timeline ensures all improvements are completed prior to the start of spring practices and Opening Day. Ongoing monitoring continues throughout the season to address emerging needs and maintain safe, high-quality playing conditions.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
As a volunteer-led nonprofit operating shared-use public facilities, RCLL recognizes that challenges may include fluctuating material costs, supply chain delays, scheduling coordination with partner agencies, weatherrelated impacts, and limited volunteer availability during peak seasons.
RCLL has extensive experience navigating these variables and maintains a proactive planning process to mitigate risk. Annual post-season audits allow for early identification and prioritization of needs, enabling timely procurement and cost planning. The Board implements structured budgeting, contingency planning, and phased implementation strategies to ensure critical safety-related improvements are addressed first. Strong partnerships with Folsom-Cordova Unified School District and Cordova Recreation & Park District support coordination and approvals.
With established financial controls, experienced leadership, and a history of responsible project delivery, RCLL is well-positioned to complete this project efficiently, even if unforeseen challenges arise.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
RCLL directly serves approximately 500 youth participants each spring season, with additional participation in fall programming and postseason play. When including families, volunteers, and spectators, the program serves well over 1,000 individuals annually, with consistent weekly use of facilities throughout the majority of the year.
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
Players must reside in or attend school within RCLL boundaries, which include Rancho Cordova, Anatolia, Gold River, Mather, and portions of Sacramento. The majority of participants are Rancho Cordova residents. 4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
2460 Cordova Lane
List the city location
of the
project/program.
Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Major field is located at Ahlstrom Park.
Junior field is located at W.E. Mitchell Middle School.
Third Party Letters of
Support (Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading)
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
Yes
Is the
project/program
requesting facility
use only or is this a
request to partner
with the school
district?
Facility Use Only. Visit the school district website for facility use information.
Please select all the
school districts which
your project/program
intends to involve:
Folsom Cordova USD
Please select one or
more of the Folsom
Cordova Unified
School District
school facilities
which your
project/program will
involve:
Other (Please explain in your project/program description) Have you reached
out to a contact at
the school(s) you
indicated above?
Yes
Please provide the
names of your
contacts at the
school(s) or
district(s) who are
familiar with your
project/program.
Mina West
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
Yes
Is the
project/program
requesting facility
use only or is this a
request to partner
with the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
Facility Use Only. Visit Cordova Recreation & Park District's website for facility use information.
Please select one or
more of the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District facilities
which your
project/program will
involve:
Ahlstrom Park
Have you already
discussed your
project/program with
staff at the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
Yes
What is the name of
your point of contact
at the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
Chase Michelotti
What is the email for
your point of contact
at the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
[email protected]
5 - Applicant Information
Name Michele
Elkins-Buettner
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What is the name of
your organization?
Rancho Cordova Little League
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Vice President
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
[email protected]
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
No, someone else would sign the contract
If selected by the
City Council to
receive an award,
what is the name of
the person at your
organization who
would sign the
contract?
Cassie
Reyes
What is the title of
this individual?
President
What is the best
phone number where
we could contact the
signatory?
+
What is the best
email address to
contact the
signatory?
[email protected]
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
City of Rancho Cordova Powered by Submittable
Title Rancho Cordova Little League
Enhancement: Facility &
Equipment
by Michele Elkins-Buettner in Fiscal Year 2026-
2027 Community Enhancement & Investment
Fund Grant Application
Average score: n/a
03/05/2026
id. 53394252
Reviewed by: Mina West (Score: ) 03/19/2026
Which
organization(s) are
you completing this
form on behalf of?
(Select all that apply)
A school district
Which school district
are you completing
this form on behalf
of?
FCUSD
Which FCUSD
school facility
Mitchell Middle School
For Mitchell Middle
School, the school
district's
acknowledgement is:
Conditional approval for rental of facility only
Notes providing
rationale
Folsom Cordova Unified School District supports the Rancho Cordova Little League Facility and Equipment Enhancement project because it helps maintain safe, accessible shared use recreational spaces that benefit students and families. Rancho Cordova Little League provides structured youth sports opportunities that promote physical health, teamwork, and positive youth development. Investments in field safety, equipment, and facility improvements ensure school adjacent fields remain well maintained for student and community use, aligning with the District’s commitment to student well being, community partnerships, and responsible stewardship of shared facilities.
Organizations may
provide PDF or JPG
documentation
regarding their
endorsement.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Name of
Superintendent,
Manager, or
Designee completing
this form:
Mina West
Title of individual
completing this form
Administrative Assistant - Communications and Community Engagement By checking here, I
verify that I have the
authority at my
organization to
provide an
endorsement.
True
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
BUDGET REQUEST FOR FUNDING 26 / 27
FIELD & FACILITY
MAINTENANCE / UPGRADES CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLIES
Field Improvements, Repairs & Construction
(Dirt, Sun shades, Lumber, Paint, Dugout repairs,
Etc.) $14,000.00
Field Maintenance - Morrow's Aerating, John
Deere, etc. $10,000.00
Field Signage & Supplies $1,000.00
TOTAL $25,000.00
PLAYER & GAME
EQUIPMENT
Baseballs (FL1, FL5, LL1, Senior) $11,000.00
Replacement of Equipment $4,000.00
TOTAL $15,000.00
STORAGE, SAFETY &
SECURITY
Organizational Systems $1,000.00
Emergency Medical Equipment & Supplies $1,000.00
Security Enhancements $1,000.00
TOTAL $3,000.00
SNACK BAR & FACILITY
IMPROVEMENTS
Equipment & Upkeep $2,000.00
TOTAL $2,000.00
TOTALS Construction/Repairs & Supplies $25,000.00
Equipment (Player/Game/Etc) $15,000.00
Miscellaneous Expenses (Safety/Snack Bar/Etc) $5,000.00 TOTAL $45,000.00
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
In-Kind Contribution Table
Estimated Volunteer Hours/Value Per Season - Rancho Cordova Little League Item/Service Description Contributor Estimated
Value
(Min.)
Volunteer Board
Member Labor
Run Entire Organization
Field maintenance, repairs
& upgrades of RCLL
facilities
20 Board
Members
$107,168
Volunteer
Managers &
Coaching Staff
40 Team Managers with
3-4 Coaches per Team for
a Total of 200 Volunteers x
100 Hours (Min) x
$33.49 per hour
Volunteers $669,800
*This is merely an estimate of volunteer hours at $33.49 per hour based on the National Volunteer Rate.
Board Volunteers & Time Commitments
Role Activity Estimated
Hours Per
Week
Season Total
(Approx. 16
Weeks)
Board
Member
Run entire organization, fulfill all required
positions & duties
10-20+ hours 160-320+ hours
Total Board Member Commitment:
➡ Individual Board Members: 160+ hours per season
➡ Full Board Commitment: 3200+ combined volunteer hours per season *Board members also contribute extensive offseason hours for preseason planning, training, facility enhancements/repairs, maintenance, ordering, registration events, etc. that are not included here.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Team Volunteer & Time Commitments
Role Activity Estimated
Hours Per
Week
Season Total
(Approx. 16
Weeks)
Team
Manager /
Head
Coach
Practices, games, team management,
training, fundraising, events
9-15 hours 144-240+ hours
Assistant
Coach
Assists with practices, warm-ups, game
prep, drills, player development
6-10 hours 96-160 hours
Total Volunteer Commitment Per Team:
➡ Team Manager / Head Coach + 3 Assistant Coaches = 500+ volunteer hours per team per season This breakdown showcases the dedication and effort required to ensure a successful and well-organized Rancho Cordova Little League season. These volunteer commitments are crucial to providing a positive experience for players, families, and the community.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
Yes: First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
All In Together
Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
Help, support and inspire all youth.
To provide a supportive environment where young people can discover their strengths explore their talent and build social and life skills.
Targeting at risk youth in the community.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
Creative, visual, music and performing arts. Basic vocational training. Life skills finances, conflict resolution.
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
Supporting our community's at risk youth by providing a safe place they can learn life skills.
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
Goal is to create a transformative space that not only helps individuals but also strengthens within the community.
Optional File Upload:
Provide any
additional records to
supplement your
program/project
application. Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading.
2 - Funding & Costs
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
7500
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
7500
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
2000
What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
1500
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
500
What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
2000
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
1500
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Screenshot_20260306-084318_Docs.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
Asking local businesses for donation/support
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
34.97 Please provide a
worksheet explaining
your volunteer/in-kind
contribution. You
may upload a file in
the following formats:
CSV, DOC, DOCX,
or PDF.
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
No
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
7/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/30/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
Beginning in the summer month when the kids get out of school.
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
I have volunteers already dedicated on the project. I've been taking surveys asking local youth if they would be interested in a youth program.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
50 How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
50 4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
3300 Glenmore Dr.
List the city location
of the
project/program.
Sacramento
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95827
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Third Party Letters of
Support (Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading)
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Kimberley
Frazer
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
All In together
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Manager/Coordinator
Provide contact
phone number:
Provide contact
email:
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
Yes, I would be the one to sign the contract
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
City of Rancho Cordova Powered by Submittable
Title All In Together
by Kim Frazer in Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Community Enhancement & Investment Fund
Grant Application
Average score: n/a
03/06/2026
id. 53408835
Reviewed by: Mina West (Score: ) 03/19/2026
Which
organization(s) are
you completing this
form on behalf of?
(Select all that apply)
A school district
Which school district
are you completing
this form on behalf
of?
FCUSD
Which FCUSD
school facility
Walnutwood High School
For Walnutwood High
School, the school
district's
acknowledgement is:
Conditional approval for rental of facility only
Notes providing
rationale
Folsom Cordova Unified School District acknowledges the All In Together program as a potential community based youth support activity and provides this rationale for facility use consideration only, contingent upon receipt of complete information regarding the proposed location, schedule, and compliance with District facility use requirements. The program’s focus on providing a safe, supportive environment for youth through creative expression and life skills development aligns with broader community goals to support youth well being outside of the instructional day. Any use of District facilities would be subject to site availability, administrative review, and completion of all required agreements, permits, and insurance documentation.
Organizations may
provide PDF or JPG
documentation
regarding their
endorsement.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Name of
Superintendent,
Manager, or
Designee completing
this form:
Mina West
Title of individual
completing this form
Administrative Assistant - Communications and Community Engagement By checking here, I
verify that I have the
authority at my
organization to
provide an
endorsement.
True
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
City of Rancho Cordova Powered by Submittable
Title All In Together
by Kim Frazer in Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Community Enhancement & Investment Fund
Grant Application
Average score: n/a
03/06/2026
id. 53408835
Reviewed by: Randi Kay Stephens (Score: ) 03/17/2026
Which
organization(s) are
you completing this
form on behalf of?
(Select all that apply)
A school district
Which school district
are you completing
this form on behalf
of?
EGUSD
Which EGUSD
school facility (select
all that apply)
Robert J. McGarvey School
Sunrise Elementary School
Cypress Grove
For Robert J.
McGarvey School,
the school district's
acknowledgement is:
Endorsement withheld
Notes providing
rationale
Mike Gulden did not endorse this project for EGUSD. Per email attachment from Mike Gulden received 3/17/2026.
For Sunrise
Elementary, the
school district's
acknowledgement is:
Endorsement withheld
Notes providing
rationale
Mike Gulden did not endorse this project for EGUSD. Per email attachment from Mike Gulden received 3/17/2026.
For Cypress Grove,
the school district's
acknowledgement is:
Endorsement withheld
Notes providing
rationale
Mike Gulden did not endorse this project for EGUSD. Per email attachment from Mike Gulden received 3/17/2026.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Organizations may
provide PDF or JPG
documentation
regarding their
endorsement.
Name of
Superintendent,
Manager, or
Designee completing
this form:
Mike Gulden
Title of individual
completing this form
Director, Elementary Education, PreK-6
By checking here, I
verify that I have the
authority at my
organization to
provide an
endorsement.
True
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Reviewed by: Chase Michelotti (Score: ) 03/12/2026
Which
organization(s) are
you completing this
form on behalf of?
(Select all that apply)
A parks district
Cordova Recreation
& Park District
Endorsement withheld
CRPD Notes NO LOCATION PROVIDED on application. Reached out to organizer but have not received a response.
Organizations may
provide PDF or JPG
documentation
regarding their
endorsement.
Name of
Superintendent,
Manager, or
Designee completing
this form:
Chase Michelotti
Title of individual
completing this form
Recreation Superintendent
By checking here, I
verify that I have the
authority at my
organization to
provide an
endorsement.
True
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Reviewed by: Mina West (Score: ) 03/12/2026
Which
organization(s) are
you completing this
form on behalf of?
(Select all that apply)
A school district
Which school district
are you completing
this form on behalf
of?
FCUSD
Which FCUSD
school facility
Walnutwood High School
For Walnutwood High
School, the school
district's
acknowledgement is:
Conditional approval for rental of facility only
Notes providing
rationale
If approved for use of a school district site, this program would provide a safe, structured environment that supports at risk youth through creative arts, basic vocational exploration, and life skills development. Hosting the program on a district campus would align with district and City priorities by promoting student well being, positive youth engagement, and skill building opportunities outside of the regular school day. Facility use would allow the program to serve Rancho Cordova youth in a supervised setting that supports social emotional growth while maintaining appropriate oversight and alignment with district expectations. (WALNUTWOOD NOT RECOMMENDED SITE: Needed to choose something)
Organizations may
provide PDF or JPG
documentation
regarding their
endorsement.
Name of
Superintendent,
Manager, or
Designee completing
this form:
Mina West
Title of individual
completing this form
Administrative Assistant - Communications and Community Engagement By checking here, I
verify that I have the
authority at my
organization to
provide an
endorsement.
True
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
No: Not a First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Mandarins Performing Arts: Mandarins Parade Corps of Rancho Cordova Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
Mandarins Performing Arts will host weekend music workshops/camps in Rancho Cordova for youth, ages 10–16, teaching marching, music, flag skills, and performance. Participants will perform in local parades and will be supported by mentorship from Mandarins alumni and parent volunteers, thus creating a exciting, fun, community centered program.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
Mandarins Performing Arts proposes the creation of the Mandarins Parade Corps of Rancho Cordova, a twice monthly weekend music, movement and marching program hosted at the Mandarins Event Center. Designed for youth ages 10–16, this initiative expands access to high quality arts education beyond the Mandarins Music Academy’s after school band programs held on school campuses. It provides an opportunity for students who cannot remain after school due to bus schedules, tutoring needs, or family obligations. By meeting students on weekends, the Parade Corps offers an inclusive and affordable pathway into music, pageantry arts, and community performance. Mandarins will provide all instruments, props, flags, uniforms, music and incidentals for each student.
Each camp weekend will deliver structured, sequential instruction in fundamental marching, musicianship, color guard flag technique, and ensemble coordination. Students will participate in focused sectional work —including brass and woodwind fundamentals, battery and mallet percussion training, and guard skill development—before combining into a unified ensemble to rehearse parade sets, cadences, and standstill pieces.
Instruction emphasizes posture and breath control, timing and rhythmic accuracy, ensemble listening, spatial awareness, showmanship, and the teamwork essential to performing as a cohesive unit.
The program will be staffed by experienced educators from the Mandarins Music Academy, supported by guest mentors from the world class Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps alumni network. These mentors model excellence, resilience, and the joy of performance, translating advanced techniques into age appropriate learning experiences while inspiring students to set high personal goals. Parent volunteers are encouraged to participate as logistics helpers and section supporters, strengthening family involvement and ensuring a warm, supervised, and supportive learning ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
environment.
Public performance is central to the program’s mission. As students build mastery of parade repertoire and fundamental skills, they will participate in community events—including the Rancho Cordova Independence Day Parade—where they will represent the city and their schools. These public showcases highlight youth achievement, foster community pride, and help students develop confidence, discipline, punctuality, and a strong sense of belonging—benefits that carry over into their academic and personal lives.
The Parade Corps directly aligns with the City of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) priorities by expanding equitable access to arts education, supporting youth development, and strengthening community identity. Weekend scheduling removes barriers that commonly limit participation, while the Mandarins Event Center provides an equipped, professional, and reliable rehearsal facility that enables year round programming with minimal startup challenges.
Equity and inclusion are foundational to the program. The Parade Corps welcomes beginners and continuing students, provides loaner instruments and equipment when possible, and utilizes differentiated instruction to match diverse experience levels. Staff cultivate a respectful environment that celebrates the diverse backgrounds of Rancho Cordova youth— reflecting the Mandarins’ own origins as a parent led parade corps created to uplift young people through music, teamwork, and public visibility.
Students will also have opportunities to develop leadership skills through warmup leadership, drill captain assignments, and peer mentoring roles.
Measurable outcomes will guide ongoing program improvement. Mandarins will track enrollment, attendance, and retention; evaluate skill development through pre and post assessments; monitor section balance and number of public performances; and gather student and parent feedback on growth, engagement, and sense of belonging. Targets include enrolling a representative cross section of Rancho Cordova youth, maintaining strong attendance across the two weekend cycle, and delivering polished performances that demonstrate measurable progress.
Partnerships will further strengthen the program’s impact. Mandarins will collaborate with schools to share program information and coordinate recruitment, invite community organizations to co host events, and work with civic partners to expand performance opportunities. Parent volunteers will be supported through clear training and well defined roles. Modest scholarships and sliding scale tuition (pending funding) will ensure participation remains fully accessible.
CEIF resources will be maximized by leveraging the Mandarins’ existing in kind assets—such as rehearsal spaces, equipment, instructional materials, audio systems, and uniforms—keeping costs efficient and focused on instruction, youth scholarships, and performance needs. Over time, the Parade Corps will be supported through a blend of modest tuition, sponsorships, fundraising, and performance honoraria, helping the program increase capacity while remaining accessible to low income families.
With CEIF investment, the Mandarins Parade Corps will deliver enduring ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
benefits: more youth discovering music and pageantry arts, more families connected to positive weekend activities, and more public celebrations that showcase the creativity and dedication of Rancho Cordova’s young people. By transforming participation barriers into opportunities through thoughtful scheduling, expert mentorship, and community centered performance experiences, the Mandarins Music Academy will establish a scalable, high impact program that enriches youth and elevates the cultural life of the entire city.
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
The MMA Parade Corps will be guided by an experienced leadership team.
Dr. Dan Fong, CEO of the Mandarins, provides strategic vision rooted in decades of organizational leadership and arts advocacy. Joe Fong, Manager of the Mandarins Event Center, oversees facility operations and ensures a safe, well coordinated learning environment. Martin Bua, Director of the Mandarins Music Academy, brings extensive experience in youth music education and program development. Dr. Marvin Reed, former director of the Blue Devils B Drum Corps, contributes world class instructional expertise, ensemble training, and mentorship, elevating the educational experience for all participants.
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
The program structure will follow a predictable rhythm, with sessions focused on fundamentals and sectionals, dedicated to ensemble integration, show reads, and team building. Each weekend concludes with a brief family showcase to celebrate progress and build excitement toward parade readiness. Clear safety procedures, including background checks, check in/check out protocols, and age appropriate pacing ensure an environment that supports both first time and returning participants.
To be sucessful, the program must have clear goals and metrics to assess its successes, impliment changes if necessary, and continuously strive to be an meaningful experience for participants, staff and spectators.
Goal 1: Expand Access to Youth Music & Marching Arts
Description: Provide a weekend program that removes barriers such as transportation limitations and after school obligations.
Metrics for Success:
· Total enrollment per camp session
· Percentage of participants from Rancho Cordova schools · Number of new beginners entering music for the first time · Participant retention across the year
How We Stay Focused:
· Monthly enrollment reviews to ensure outreach meets equity and access goals.
Goal 2: Develop Student Skills in Marching, Music, and Performance Description: Deliver structured instruction in rudimentary marching, musicianship, and flag/visual technique.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Metrics for Success:
Pre and post skill assessments
Instructor rubrics for musical and marching proficiency Student readiness for parade performances
How We Stay Focused:
Regular curriculum alignment meetings led by Martin Bua and Dr.
Marvin Reed to ensure consistent instructional quality.
Goal 3: Strengthen Confidence, Teamwork, and Community
Engagement
Description: Build personal and social emotional skills through ensemble performance and public appearances.
Metrics for Success:
Number of community performances (e.g., Rancho Cordova
Independence Day Parade)
Student and parent surveys reflecting growth in confidence, belonging, and enjoyment
Volunteer participation rates
How We Stay Focused:
Post event debriefs to document strengths, challenges, and improvements.
Goal 4: Increase Family and Community Partnerships
Description: Promote parent involvement and collaboration with schools and community organizations.
Metrics for Success:
Number of parent volunteers per camp
Engagement with partner organizations and school networks Communication reach (newsletters, school flyers, social media touchpoints)
How We Stay Focused:
Parent volunteer coordination led by Joe Fong, with clear roles and communication channels.
Goal 5: Deliver a Safe, Organized, and Consistently Managed Program
Description: Ensure youth safety, facility readiness, and reliable program operations.
Metrics for Success:
Adherence to supervision and safety protocols
Incident free sessions
On time scheduling and effective facility management
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
How We Stay Focused:
Oversight from Dr. Dan Fong and Joe Fong to ensure all operational procedures remain aligned with Mandarins’ safety standards.
Team Alignment and Ongoing Focus
To maintain progress toward all goals, the leadership team—Dr. Dan Fong (CEO), Joe Fong (Event Center Manager), Martin Bua (MMA Director), and Dr. Marvin Reed (Instructional Specialist)—will conduct:
Monthly leadership meetings to review metrics and program progress
Quarterly results summaries tracking growth, challenges, and needed adjustments
Staff coordination sessions to maintain instructional alignment Annual review of outcomes and sustainability plans
This structured system keeps the project team focused, accountable, and responsive to community needs.
Optional File Upload: Provide any additional records to supplement your program/project application. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
Mandarins_Performing_Arts.pdf
2 - Funding & Costs
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
60000
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
25000
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
23000
What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
5000
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
5000
What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
19500
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
7500
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
Mandarins_Music_Academy_Parade_Corp_Budget.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
Mandarins Performing Arts is pursuing a diversified funding strategy for the Mandarins Parade Corps that combines secured revenue streams with new funds being sought. Secured and ongoing sources include rental and lease income from the Mandarins Event Center and equipment; individual donations from the Mandarins donor community; souvenir and merchandise sales at performances and events; and tuition payments set at modest levels to preserve access, paired with need based scholarships.
In addition, the organization conducts recurring fundraising activities, including the Mandarins Birthday Bash, the Mandarins Performing Arts Gala, and participation in the Big Day of Giving, which collectively provide annual operating support and scholarship funds. The Mandarins are also actively seeking a corporate sponsor to underwrite a portion of first year instructional and equipment costs, with recognition opportunities at community performances and across Mandarins Performing Arts communication channels. Measure H funds will be leveraged alongside these sources to cover start up equipment, instructional staffing, safety/operations, and scholarships; as enrollment and visibility grow, the program will expand recurring revenue from tuition, merchandise, rentals, events, and individual giving, ensuring long term sustainability without creating cost barriers for low income families.
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
Beyond Fiscal Year 2026/2027, the MMA Parade Corps will have ongoing operations and maintenance costs to ensure safe, consistent delivery of the program prior to the start of the 2027/2028 fiscal year. These include routine equipment upkeep (instrument repairs, flag replacements, drum head changes), supply replenishment (gloves, parade accessories, printed music), storage fees, and instructional staffing for weekend camps.
Additional annual operating expenses may include facility utilities, custodial services, and insurance coverage for youth programming.
Mandarins plans to support these ongoing costs through a diversified and sustainable revenue model that includes modest tuition, continued fundraising, tuition from music and leadership workshops, sponsorships from community partners, donations, Mandarins fundraising event such as galas and pancake breakfasts, and small performance honoraria from parade and civic appearances. Scholarship funds will remain a priority to ensure no student is turned away due to financial need.
These ongoing expenses are manageable within the Mandarins’ existing operational infrastructure, and the organization’s long history of delivering youth arts programs gives confidence that long term maintenance needs will be addressed without placing financial burdens on participating families.
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
6680
Please provide a worksheet explaining your volunteer/in-kind contribution. You may upload a file in the following formats: CSV, DOC, DOCX, or PDF.
Mandarins_Parade_Corps_Volunteer.pdf
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Multiple Years
If requesting CEIF
grant funding for
multiple years,
please share how
many years?
3 For requests
spanning multiple
years, share the
dollar amount
requested per year.
For year 2027-2028, $15,000
For year 2028-2029, $10,000
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
For
projects/programs
that span multiple
years, please
describe your
sustainability plan
and whether it is
viable as a single
year request.
For ongoing operations and maintenance beyond FY 2026/2027, Mandarins anticipates manageable expenses for routine equipment upkeep (instrument repairs, drum head changes, flag and silk replacements), supply replenishment (gloves, parade accessories, printed music), instructional staffing for weekend delivery, facility utilities and custodial services, and insurance coverage. These costs will be supported through the diversified revenue strategy described above, prioritizing scholarships so that no student is turned away for financial reasons.
The program is designed for multi year growth and is more likely to succeed as a multi-year request. Like most new youth arts initiatives, the Parade Corps will require three to five years to reach full capacity due to startup costs, the time needed to build community trust, and donor or sponsor “wait and see” dynamics. A single year of Measure H support will cover the critical launch period—establishing the curriculum, purchasing durable equipment, building enrollment, and demonstrating community value through public performances—after which the program will leverage the Mandarins’ organizational infrastructure to continue. The multi year plan anticipates Year 1 startup and visibility with baseline data collection and 2–3 community performances; Year 2 growth in enrollment, added clinics, increased appearances, and expanded equipment with sponsorship outreach; Year 3 sustainability with 60–75% capacity, leadership pathways for returning students, and an annual showcase; Year 4 operational stability at or near full capacity with additional specialists and recurring partners; and Year 5 long term stability with strong retention, optional advanced groups, and multi year sponsorship agreements. Throughout, the team will maintain a strong focus on safety, instructional excellence, equity, and community pride—ensuring that the MMA Parade Corps becomes a lasting, accessible youth arts tradition for Rancho Cordova.
However, it could function as a single year request if the funding contribution from the City of Rancho was increased.
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
Yes
How many years has
your project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund?
5 or more years
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
How much funding
has your organization
received from the
Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
through our
traditional grants (not
including
microgrants)?
MANDARINS OF SACRAMENTO, INC.
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
7/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/30/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
Planning and implementation for the program will begin on July 1, 2026, with a structured, phased approach to ensure smooth preparation, effective coordination, and successful program delivery. During July and August 2026, administrative planning, volunteer recruitment, parent and alumni outreach, and operational setup will be finalized. This includes confirming event dates, securing facilities, assigning volunteer roles, and completing logistics such as equipment organization and communication planning.
From September through December 202, the program transitions into active implementation - meeting twice each month in four hour sessions.
Student recruitment will be centered on Mandarins Music Academy programs as well as outreach at local middle schools, including classroom visits, demonstrations, and “preview day” clinics that allow interested students to try parade corps activities in a welcoming environment.
Additional recruitment will occur through school band directors, counselors, and city youth networks.
Volunteers and staff will support rehearsals, student mentorship, equipment transport, and event center setup as regular activities increase. Parent, staff and alumni volunteers will receive orientation and clear role expectations to ensure consistency, safety, and strong support for students. Program staff will monitor progress continuously, adjusting schedules and responsibilities as needed.
A parent volunteer program will be established to support supervision and logistics, and baseline data will be collected on enrollment, skill development, attendance, and participant feedback. The program will hold a community performance to showcase early progress and build family and community excitement. This may include participation in the 2026 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Christmas Parade, however, it generally takes four to six months from inception of a parade program to reach the stage where most of the members are comfortable walking and performing. This will ease over time as members return the following year.
Beginning in January 2027 through June 2027, full program operation is underway. At this stage, volunteers will help manage rehearsals, provide snacks and resources, support performances, and engage families throughout the season. Ongoing evaluation—such as collecting volunteer hours, tracking student needs, and reviewing logistical efficiency—will guide improvements. Mandarins will also include the creation of a scholarship structure to ensure low income families can participate fully, laying the groundwork for equitable and sustainable program growth in future years
The first year schedule concludes with May–June 2027, dedicated to wrap up activities: final evaluations, student recognition, volunteer appreciation, equipment inventory, and planning notes for the next annual cycle. This structured timeline ensures that preparation, implementation, and evaluation are aligned to support a successful program that enhances the student experience and maximizes the impact of volunteer engagement.
Although it falls just outside the program timeline in 2027, the Parade Band plans to march in the City of Rancho Cordova Independence Day Parade as the culmination of the year’s activities.
July 2027 – Planning begins for the next year.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
The biggest anticipated challenge is the initial start up cost required to launch a high quality youth parade ensemble, including equipment purchases, instructional staffing, and preparing the Mandarins Event Center for consistent weekend use. Measure H funding would significantly reduce this barrier, allowing the program to begin with safe, reliable equipment and a strong instructional team. If costs exceed estimates, the Mandarins will adjust by phasing equipment purchases, seeking in kind donations, and temporarily scaling class sizes to match available resources without compromising safety or instruction quality.
A second challenge is attracting participants during the first three years, as a new program requires community awareness and trust. To overcome this, the Mandarins Performina Arts will partner with local schools, youth organizations, and the City’s communication channels to reach families directly. Free demonstrations, school site “preview days,” and beginner friendly open houses at the Mandarins Event Center will help students experience the program before enrolling. Early financial support from Measure H removes participation barriers that sometimes deter new families.
A third challenge is building sustainable long term revenue without burdening low income families. The Mandarins are committed to equitable arts access and will not allow cost to prevent participation. To maintain affordability, the program will establish a mixed funding model that includes modest tuition, continued fundraising, sponsorships from local businesses, and performance honoraria from community events. This diversified approach protects families from rising costs and ensures the program remains stable long after initial grant funding ends.
If additional unexpected obstacles arise—such as staffing shortages, equipment delays, or enrollment fluctuations—the leadership team (Dr. Dan Fong, Joe Fong, Martin Bua, and Dr. Marvin Reed) will use regular planning meetings to re evaluate resources, adjust schedules, and adapt logistics as needed. The Mandarins have a long history of successfully managing youth performing arts programs, and this experience provides the organizational capacity to troubleshoot challenges quickly and effectively.
Through careful planning, community partnerships, and a commitment to affordability, the program is prepared to meet obstacles proactively and continue delivering safe, meaningful, and accessible arts experiences for Rancho Cordova youth.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
100+
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
40 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
9792 BUSINESS PARK DRIVE
List the city location
of the
project/program.
City of Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95827
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Mandarins equipment and Instruments, vehicles and trailers are stored at our warehouse located at 6320 Belleau Wood, Sacramento. Equipment and instruments will be transported to the Mandarins Event Center in Rancho Cordova on program and parade days.
Mandarins intends to participate in local parades and venues which will vary according with the location of the event.
Third Party Letters of Support (Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading) Letter_of_Support_2026.pdf
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Kathleen
Davies
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
Mandarins of Sacramento, Inc. dba Mandarins Performing Arts What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Chair of the Board of Directors, grant writer
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
No
What is the name of
this project or
program's primary
contact if not the
person submitting
this application?
Daniel
Fong
What is the email of
the primary contact?
[email protected]
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
No, someone else would sign the contract
If selected by the
City Council to
receive an award,
what is the name of
the person at your
organization who
would sign the
contract?
Daniel
Fong
What is the title of
this individual?
CEO/President
What is the best
phone number where
we could contact the
signatory?
What is the best
email address to
contact the
signatory?
[email protected]
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Mandarins Music Academy Parade Corps
Proposed Budget – First year of operation
Requested CEIF Funds - $25,000
Item Cost
Instruction & Staffing – $23,000
Lead Instructors (music, percussion, guard) – stipends for up to 24 weekend camps
12000
Guest Mentors (Mandarins alumni, specialists) 4000
Program Director oversight (administration, curriculum, training) 5000 Parent Volunteer Coordination/Support Materials 2000
Subtotal 23000
Equipment, Instruments & Supplies – $19,500
Youth sized flags, poles, and silks 2000
Percussion equipment upgrades & repairs 2500
Instruments and maintenance 12000
Uniform shirts, parade accessories (belts, gloves, harnesses) 2000 Music licensing & print materials 1000
Subtotal 19500
3. Facility & Operational Costs – $8,500
Facility utilities, custodial, and wear and tear allocation 4000 Rehearsal field/indoor setup (audio gear, markers, equipment transport) 2000 Insurance, safety, and compliance supplies 2500
Subtotal 8500
4. Community Performances & Outreach – $5,000
Parade entry fees, transportation of equipment 1500
Printing flyers, outreach to schools, social media promotion 1000 Family showcase staging (chairs, audio, signage) 1000
Video/photography documentation for CEIF reporting 1500 Subtotal 5000
5. Student Scholarships – $4,000
Need-based scholarships to ensure equitable access for youth who cannot afford even minimal participation fees.
4000
Subtotal 4000
Total Project Budget Request $60,000
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources.
Requested from CEIF Funding $25,000
Additional Sources of Funding (committed)
• Mandarins Event Center signed one year lease with new tenant from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. $10,000 of the revenue from this new lease will be allocated to Mandarins Parade Corps for building use and transportation of equipment $ 10,000
• Contributions from Mandarins of Sacramento, Inc. general fund $ 10,000 Potential Sources of Funding
• Tuition payments at @ $100 per participant
Goal is 100 students but estimate 25% will need financial assistance $ 7,500 • Individual Donations from Big Day of Giving, Gala $ 7,500 Total Budget $ 60,000
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Mandarins Parade Corps
Volunteers for the Mandarins Parade Corps provide essential in‑kind support that ensures the success of each event and rehearsal.
Their contributions may include transporting equipment such as instruments and uniforms, mentoring students through musical guidance and leadership development, and assisting with event center setup, including staging, seating, and logistics.
Volunteers also supply snacks and refreshments to keep students energized, and they meet with parents to support communication, engagement, and overall program coordination. Together, these volunteer efforts significantly enhance the experience for participants and families while reducing operational costs for the organization.
Mandarins intends to actively recruit volunteers from parents of the students and alumni of the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps,
Parent and alumni volunteers will play a powerful role in enhancing the student experience by bringing connection, support, and continuity to the program.
Parents strengthen the community around each student by contributing energy, encouragement, and resources that create a safe and welcoming environment.
Alumni volunteers provide mentorship grounded in firsthand experience, offering guidance, inspiration, and practical knowledge that helps students grow both as performers and individuals.
Together, parent and alumni involvement fosters a sense of belonging, reinforces traditions, and ensures students receive the support, motivation, and real-world insight they need to thrive.
It is anticipated that volunteers will contribute 4 hours of time each session.
Mandarins anticipates 2 volunteers per 4 hour session times 24 workshops/rehearsals. This would make the value of in-kind contributions of $6,679.68 rounded up to $6,680.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Sample Flyer and Post to Social Media
Volunteers: The Lifeblood of the Mandarins Parade Corps At the heart of every successful nonprofit are volunteers—people who give their time, skills, and energy to make a difference. For the Mandarins Parade Corps, volunteers are essential to our mission. Your support helps students learn, grow, and perform at their best while ensuring our programs run safely, smoothly, and sustainably.
Why Volunteers Matter
• Direct Impact on Students: Volunteers mentor students, provide guidance, and model leadership—building confidence, teamwork, and discipline that last far beyond the performance field.
• Operational Excellence: From transporting equipment to setting up the event center, volunteers enable rehearsals and performances to start on time and run efficiently. • Healthy, Safe, and Supported: Providing snacks and being present for students and families helps create a welcoming, caring environment for every participant. • Community Connection: When volunteers meet with parents and engage families, they strengthen communication, build trust, and create a supportive network around each student.
• Resource Stewardship: In-kind support and donated time reduce costs, allowing more of our budget to go directly to music education, instruction, and student opportunities.
How Your Service Helps Us Succeed
• Transporting Equipment: Ensures instruments, uniforms, and props arrive where they’re needed—rehearsals and shows can’t happen without this.
• Mentoring Students: Enhances musical skill, focus, and leadership, helping students reach their full potential on and off the field.
• Event Center Setup: Creates a safe, organized space for rehearsals and performances, improving quality and efficiency.
• Snacks & Refreshments: Keeps students energized and focused during long practices and event days.
• Parent Engagement: Keeps families informed and involved, improving coordination, attendance, and support for the program.
Your Contribution Counts
Every hour you volunteer and every item you donate directly supports our students. Please use the Volunteer Hours Log and In-Kind Contributions sections to record your efforts—this helps us plan, thank you properly, and report our community impact.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for being part of the Mandarins Parade Corps family. Together, we create opportunity, build community, and make music that inspires.
Sample Volunteer Sign-Up & Hours Worksheet
Volunteer Information:
Name: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email: _________________________________ Preferred Contact: Phone / Email / Text Volunteer Interest Areas:
[ ] Transport equipment
[ ] Mentor students
[ ] Event center setup
[ ] Provide snacks/refreshments
[ ] Meet with parents / family engagement
[ ] Other: _______________________________
Availability:
Days available: Mon / Tue / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat / Sun Preferred times: Mornings / Afternoons / Evenings / Flexible ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Sample Volunteer Time Sheet
Volunteer Information:
Name: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email: _________________________________ Preferred Contact: Phone / Email / Text Date of Service:___________________________
Time In: ____________ _____________ (Initials)
Time Out: ____________ _____________(Initials)
Total hours volunteered: ___________________
Duties performed:
[ ] Transport equipment
[ ] Mentor students
[ ] Event center setup
[ ] Provide snacks/refreshments
[ ] Meet with parents / family engagement
[ ] Other: _______________________________
Verification:
Printed Name of Staff:______________________________________________ ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Staff Signature:____________________________________________________ ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Mandarins Performing Arts
63 years of
“Celebrating Life – Transforming Lives”
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Mandarins Music Academy
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
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Immortal
Winds
Indoor Wind
Ensemble
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Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps
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Third Largest Drum Corps Show in
California
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Community Outreach Workshops
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March 10, 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic recommendation on behalf of the Mandarins and to share insight into the profound impact that The Mandarins have had on my son, Cavan’s, musical journey and aspirations.
Cavan has always demonstrated a deep passion for music, but it was his exposure to The Mandarins that truly ignited his creative ambitions. The Mandarins’ innovative approach to music, blending intricate harmonies with dynamic rhythms, provided not only inspiration but also a model of artistic discipline and excellence. Their performances and recordings served as a catalyst for Cavan, encouraging him to expand his musical horizons and pursue his own unique sound.
Through studying The Mandarins’ compositions and observing their dedication to their craft, Cavan developed a heightened appreciation for musical complexity and the importance of collaboration within a group setting. This influence is evident in his commitment to practice, his openness to creative experimentation, and his willingness to contribute meaningfully to ensemble work. The Mandarins’ success story instilled in him the confidence to set ambitious goals, and their resilience taught him the value of perseverance in the arts.
Cavan’s musical skills have flourished as a direct result of The Mandarins’ influence. He has become an adept instrumentalist, a thoughtful composer, and an enthusiastic participant in musical communities. The Mandarins’ impact is reflected not only in his technical growth but also in his deepened artistic vision and drive to make a positive mark in the world of music.
In summary, The Mandarins played a pivotal role in shaping Cavan’s musical aspirations.
Their influence inspired him to pursue his passion with greater confidence and creativity, and I am confident that he will continue to honor their legacy through his own musical endeavors.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information regarding Cavan’s talents and the significant role The Mandarins have played in his development.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Grundy
Cavan’s Dad
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
65. Application
Withdrawn
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
City of Rancho Cordova Powered by Submittable
Title ReCreate: Creative Reuse
STEAM Lab at Sacramento
Children’s Museum
by Emily Carroll in Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Community Enhancement & Investment Fund
Grant Application
6827 Lonetree Blvd #105
Rocklin, California
95765
California
United States
[email protected]
03/10/2026
id. 53449159
Original Submission 03/10/2026
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
Yes: First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
ReCreate: Creative Reuse STEAM Lab at Sacramento Children’s Museum Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
ReCreate will partner with the Sacramento Children’s Museum to offer hands-on creative reuse STEAM workshops and Art & Nature camps for elementary-aged youth. Using reclaimed materials, students build inventions, art, and engineering projects that foster creativity, environmental awareness, and access to engaging educational experiences for Rancho Cordova families.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
ReCreate proposes launching a Creative Reuse STEAM Lab in partnership with the Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova. The program will provide hands-on STEAM learning experiences for elementary-age youth through summer camps, school break workshops, and maker activities focused on creativity, environmental sustainability, and problem solving.
The Sacramento Children’s Museum has classroom space that is currently underutilized after museum hours. This partnership activates that space by offering engaging educational programming that benefits Rancho Cordova families and youth. Programs will take place primarily during summer and school breaks when families seek enriching activities for children.
Students will participate in open-ended creative reuse projects using clean reclaimed materials diverted from the waste stream. Activities may include:
• Art and Nature Camps using natural and reused materials • Cardboard engineering and invention challenges
• Recycled paper making
• Creative reuse sculpture and design
• Environmental STEAM activities exploring reduce, reuse, and recycle Through these activities, youth develop creativity, engineering thinking, collaboration skills, and environmental awareness. Programs emphasize experimentation, imagination, and hands-on learning.
ReCreate is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 that diverts reusable materials from the landfill and transforms them into educational resources.
ReCreate provides creative reuse and STEAM education programs for thousands of students across the Sacramento region each year.
This project directly benefits the Rancho Cordova community by:
• Providing affordable enrichment opportunities for local youth (Programs will be offered free of charge to Rancho Cordova families.) • Activating an existing community asset at the Sacramento Children’s Museum
• Promoting environmental awareness and waste reduction • Expanding access to STEAM education for families
The Creative Reuse STEAM Lab will serve children and families throughout Rancho Cordova and surrounding communities while strengthening partnerships between local nonprofits and educational organizations.
By combining creativity, environmental stewardship, and hands-on STEAM learning, the program enhances quality of life for Rancho Cordova residents and supports the development of curious, creative young learners.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
ReCreate will lead the program in partnership with the Sacramento Children’s Museum. ReCreate is a nonprofit organization providing creative reuse and STEAM education since 2008.
Emily Carroll, Executive Director, will oversee program development and partnerships.
Madeline Huttie, Education Coordinator, will lead curriculum development and program delivery.
ReCreate teaching artists and educators will facilitate workshops and camps.
Sacramento Children’s Museum staff will collaborate by providing classroom space and supporting community outreach to families.
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
Goal 1
Provide accessible STEAM enrichment opportunities for youth.
Metric
Serve approximately 1,000-1,500 youth participants through camps and workshops.
Goal 2
Promote environmental awareness through creative reuse.
Metric
Divert and repurpose 500+ pounds of reusable materials in hands-on projects.
Goal 3
Expand community partnerships and educational programming.
Metric
Launch a new educational collaboration between ReCreate and Sacramento Children’s Museum.
Goal 4
Encourage creativity and problem-solving skills.
Metric
Students complete hands-on projects and demonstrate engagement in creative and engineering activities.
Optional File Upload: Provide any additional records to supplement your program/project application. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
Attachment__Program_Schedule_–_Creative_Reuse_STEAM_Lab.pdf 2 - Funding & Costs
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
25000
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
25000
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
14000
What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
4000
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
1000
What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
1300
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
4700
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ReCreate_–_Creative_Reuse_STEAM_Lab_at_Sacramento_Children’s_Museum_- _Sheet1.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
ReCreate will continue to seek additional support from community donors, small grants, and program fees to help sustain and expand programming.
ReCreate will also contribute in-kind support through donated creative reuse materials, volunteer engagement, and organizational infrastructure.
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
If the pilot program is successful, ReCreate and the Sacramento Children’s Museum will explore sustainable models to continue programming beyond Fiscal Year 2026–2027. Ongoing costs may include teaching artist stipends, supplies, and facility coordination. These costs would be supported through program fees, additional grants, and philanthropic support.
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
6175
Please provide a worksheet explaining your volunteer/in-kind contribution. You may upload a file in the following formats: CSV, DOC, DOCX, or PDF.
In-Kind_Contribution_Worksheet_-_Sheet1.pdf
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
No
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
7/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/30/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
Planning and coordination will begin prior to the grant start date.
Programming will launch in summer 2026 and continue throughout the fiscal year with summer camps, school break workshops, and occasional weekend maker events. Programs will primarily occur during summer and school breaks when youth need enrichment opportunities.
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
Potential challenges include coordinating program schedules with the Sacramento Children’s Museum and ensuring sufficient enrollment for workshops. ReCreate has extensive experience delivering educational programs and will address these challenges through advance scheduling, community outreach, and flexible program design. The partnership with the museum provides a stable facility and strong community visibility.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
1,250
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
1000
4 - Project/Program Location
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
2701 Prospect Park Dr
List the city location
of the
project/program.
Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
ReCreate 6827 Lonetree Blvd #105 Rocklin, CA 95765
Third Party Letters of Support (Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading) SKM_C454e26030502160_1.pdf
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Emily
Carroll
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
ReCreate
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Executive Director
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
[email protected]
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
Yes, I would be the one to sign the contract
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ReCreate – Creative Reuse STEAM Lab
Sacramento Children’s Museum
Program Schedule July 2026 – June 2027
ReCreate will partner with the Sacramento Children’s Museum to offer free creative reuse STEAM programming for Rancho Cordova youth and families. Programs will take place primarily in the afternoon hours when museum visitation slows, typically beginning around 2:00–3:00 pm.
Summer 2026
July 2026 – Summer Creative Reuse Labs
• 4 weeks of programming
• 3 afternoons per week
• 2 hours per session
• Activities include cardboard engineering, art & nature projects, and invention challenges using reclaimed materials.
August 2026 – Late Summer Sessions
• 2 weeks of summer programming
• 1 after-school pilot workshop
• Focus on STEAM maker activities and creative reuse building projects.
Fall 2026
September – October 2026
• 2 after-school STEAM workshops per month
• Students explore sculpture, invention building, and collaborative maker challenges.
November 2026 – Fall Workshops + Thanksgiving Break Program • 2 after-school workshops
• 1 Thanksgiving break mini-camp focused on creative reuse art and nature activities.
December 2026 – Winter Creative Lab
• Holiday break STEAM program featuring recycled art, costume making, and imaginative storytelling activities.
Winter / Spring 2027
January – February 2027
• 2 after-school STEAM labs each month
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
• Activities include recycled engineering challenges, sculpture, and collaborative maker projects.
March 2027 – Spring Break Creative Camp
• 2 after-school workshops
• 1 Spring Break STEAM mini-camp focused on art, theater, and nature-inspired creativity.
April – May 2027
• 2 workshops per month
• Programs continue to emphasize imaginative play, creative reuse, and hands-on making.
Summer 2027
June 2027 – Early Summer Creative Reuse Camp
• 2 weeks of summer programming
• Activities combine art, theater, and nature exploration with creative reuse materials.
Estimated Program Reach
• Approximately 90–100 hours of programming annually
• Serving 1,200–1,500 youth participants
• Programs will be offered free for Rancho Cordova families thanks to Community Enhancement & Investment Fund support and ReCreate’s in-kind contributions.
Community Impact
The Creative Reuse STEAM Lab will activate underutilized classroom space at the Sacramento Children’s Museum while providing joyful learning experiences that combine:
• creative play
• environmental awareness
• art and engineering exploration
• community access to STEAM education
By transforming reclaimed materials into creative possibilities, the program encourages imagination, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship among Rancho Cordova youth.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
No: Not a First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Cordova Youth Spotlight Orchestra: Working
Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Arts, Culture, History, & Entertainment
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
Sacramento Performing Arts Conservatory will train a 25-member tuitionfree Cordova Youth Spotlight Orchestra presenting two or more public concerts for Rancho Cordova residents, one of which will be free, and at least one YouTube video. Students will attend two one-hour orchestra classes per week coinciding with the academic calendar.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
The Sacramento Performing Arts Conservatory will focus on fielding a strong somewhat smaller Cordova Youth Spotlight Orchestra (CYSO) comprising 20 to 25 students instead of the 45 to 60 students of previous years. Thanks to the generosity of the Rancho Cordova Moose Lodge #2357, SPAC can depend on two hours of free and convenient classroom/rehearsal space two days per week. Class time for beginners who could be promoted to the orchestra is only sporadically available.
Therefore, CYSO members will be aggressively recruited strictly from intermediate and advanced music students with public school and/or private music training.
Efforts to build a popular CYSO following are continuing. (1) A small band playing classical music in rock style was added January 2026. The group, yet to be named, is just beginning to learn its first four pieces and has yet to perform. (2) The search for small informal performance venues has had limited success. Eleven members of the orchestra helped the Rancho Cordova Branch Library celebrate its 50th anniversary in October 2025.
They were enthusiastically received, but other venues have not materialized. The intent is still to take CYSO to the people and build sufficient interest to fill formal (and expensive) venues like the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center. (3) The effort to produce and publish CYSO performance videos on the popular YouTube platform is ongoing.
The first video is scheduled to be released in June 2026. Two more are planned for 2027.
Work to reduce expenses, generate income, and establish a permanent location in Rancho Cordova is also continuing. Rent for storage space was reduced in 2025 from two units to one. A self-supporting rock-style band that will eventually have a YouTube presence and hold ticketed events was formed in 2026. Additional weekly class space was engaged for a very low fee at the Folsom Lake College Rancho Cordova Center, a convenient and safe location for Rancho Cordova middle and high-school students.
Additional grants (i.e., Cultural Arts Award and Dennis Manger Fund) were secured and applications for other grants continue. Finally, beginning Fall 2026, students will be charged tuition at a nominal rate of $50 per year.
People need music. Music brings people together. It is an outlet for expression, a source of hope and courage, and an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Young people particularly need recognition of their hard work and acquired skills and a community where they feel understood and accepted. Public school music students spend years practicing and performing in school concerts attended mostly by family.
This project will give them an opportunity to advance their music and listening skills, build relationships with like-minded peers, create life-long memories and friendships, and receive broad recognition for their talents.
Successful performance will absolutely build self-confidence and a positive self-image--the same benefits attributed to sports, but without significant risk of bodily injury
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
The Sacramento Performing Arts Conservatory (SPAC) is responsible for the development and delivery of this project. SPAC is a nonprofit 501 c3 organization governed by a volunteer CEO and a distinguished 8-member volunteer Board of Directors. SPAC has brought music and art classes and events to schools and communities in the Sacramento area since 2005.
Leveraging a large inventory of musical instruments and ongoing partnerships with schools, businesses, and community groups, SPAC has enabled hundreds of underserved youths to learn to play an instrument and perform for their communities. Parents are volunteer stage/classroom managers, photographer/videographers, and media and audio producers.
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
The project will be successful if the following goals are met:
- 20 to 25 CYSO enrollees complete the year of instruction and perform in two public concerts.
- Two concerts, two of which are free, are performed in Rancho Cordova. - One performance is recorded and uploaded to YouTube
- 80% of enrolled students master their parts in 10 classical compositions. - 90% of students and parents rate classes Excellent or Good in year-end evaluations.
- The project is completed on schedule and within budget Optional File Upload: Provide any additional records to supplement your program/project application. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading. 2025RoseGarden.JPG
2 - Funding & Costs
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
38205
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
23434
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
15664
What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
500
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
1750
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
6520
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
CYSObudget_2026-27.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
Sacramento Performing Arts Conservatory has obtained two grants that will provide additional funding for CYSO and other programs:
1) $5800 2026-2027 Cultural Arts Award administered by Sacramento City Office of Arts and Culture
2) $5000 2026 Dennis Manger Fund from the Sacramento Region Community Foundation
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
N/A
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
4871
Please provide a worksheet explaining your volunteer/in-kind contribution. You may upload a file in the following formats: CSV, DOC, DOCX, or PDF.
volunteerEquivalents2026.pdf
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
Yes
How many years has
your project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund?
5 or more years
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
How much funding
has your organization
received from the
Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
through our
traditional grants (not
including
microgrants)?
105,545
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
7/7/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/15/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
July 7, 2026: Arrange music for compositions and instrument parts based on pre-enrolled students' proficiencies.
August 6, 2026: Begin twice weekly orchestra classes.
November 1, 2026: Secure performance venue for May formal concert.
November 1 – December 30, 2026: Perform opportunistic holiday concerts at community events/venues.
December 30, 2026: Assess performance, student and audience satisfaction, make appropriate changes.
January 4, 2027: Advertise and enroll additional students if needed based on attrition.
March 1, 2027: Begin advertising May concert.
March 1 - May 2027: Perform opportunistic community concerts.
May 1, 2027: Advertise and enroll students for 2027-2028 CYSO.
May 16, 2027: Perform year-end concert.
June 1, 2027: Assess program against objectives.
June 15, 2027: End 2026-2027 CYSO program
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
It has proved difficult to collaborate with other event hosts and obtain performance opportunities for the orchestra in full or part. Most event organizers expressed concern that the music would distract from their activities and objectives. In 2025, 10 to 12 members of the orchestra performed for an elementary school Open House, the Rancho Cordova branch library 50th anniversary celebration, and the Cordova Moose Lodge Mother's Day and Easter brunches. The Moose Lodge has invited the orchestra back for its 2026 brunches. SPAC administrators will follow up with each of the 2025 hosts and learn from their experience how performances can better adapt to other environments, and the organization will continue to seek collaboration opportunities.
In preference to collaborating with other organizations and their events, SPAC is focusing efforts on CYSO YouTube performance videos. The challenge here is to secure professional quality video design services that the organization can afford. The nominal tuition that will be charged 2026- 2027 CYSO students will be applied to creative videography services.
Outdoor venues will be used for these performances.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
20 to 25 students and unspecified hundreds of orchestra performance attendees
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
All 20-25 orchestra students are Rancho Cordova residents. Most performances are held in Rancho Cordova, suggesting most attendees are Rancho Cordova residents.
4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
10124 Coloma Road
List the city location
of the
project/program.
Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Folsom Lake College Rancho Cordova Center, 10259 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova 95670
Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Pkwy, Sacramento 95823 Third Party Letters of Support (Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading) letterOfSupport2026-scan0075.pdf
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Joanna
Baisden
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
Sacramento Performing Arts Conservatory
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Board Chair
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
No
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What is the name of
this project or
program's primary
contact if not the
person submitting
this application?
Oxalis
Nguyen
What is the email of
the primary contact?
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
No, someone else would sign the contract
If selected by the
City Council to
receive an award,
what is the name of
the person at your
organization who
would sign the
contract?
Boingoc
Nguyen
What is the title of
this individual?
Chief Executive Officer
What is the best
phone number where
we could contact the
signatory?
+
What is the best
email address to
contact the
signatory?
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
CEIF Request
Pro bono Volunteer Other grants*
Instructor fees (80 hrs @ $100/hr) $ 8,000 $ 4,000 $ 4,000 Symphonic arrangement fees (10 compositions x 7 parts) $ 10,000 $ 1,000 $ 9,000 Conductor fees (8 hrs @$100/hr) $ 800 $ 400 $ 400
Administrator fee (80 hrs @$34.79/hr) $ 2,783 $ 2,783 $ - Setup/teardown labor (40 hrs @$34.79/hr) $ 1,392 $ 1,392 $ - Audio-video production (8 hrs @300/hr + editing @70/hr ) $ 2,960 $ 696 $ 2,264 Liability insurance (annual premium) $ 3,000 $ 1,000 $ 2,000 Concert venue rental $ 2,000 $ 2,000
Storage rental ($135/mo) $ 1,620 $ 500 $ 1,120
Classroom rental $ 400 $ 200 $ 200
Advertising (PeachJar, print ads) $ 1,500 $ 700 $ 800
Equipment (instruments, accessories, A/V) $ 2,750 $ 1,000 $ 1,750 Supplies (music sheets, shoulder rests, books, rosin, strings, etc.) $ 500 $ 500 Other (licenses, certification, web, p.o. box) $ 500 $ 100 $ 400 Total Expenses $ 38,205 $ 5,400 $ 4,871 $ 3,500 $ 24,434 Project Income - Tuition ($50 x 20 students) $ (1,000)
Total CEIF Request $ 23,434
*2027 Cultural Arts Award from the Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture.
Project Expenses Other Contributions
2026-2027 CYSO Working Budget
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
CYSO Volunteer $ Equivalent
Volunteer Task Hours $/hr $ Equivalent
Set up & tear down for class/performance 40 34.79 1391.60 Administration (e.g., registration, communication,
inventory control, expense tracking, reporting) 80 34.79 2783.20 Photography/videography class/performance 20 34.79 695.80 $4,870.60
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
No: Not a First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Suvidha International Foundation- Ranchobot Challenge 2027 Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
The Robotics Program will help elementary and middle school students (Grades 4–8) in Rancho Cordova learn robot design, coding, and real-world applications through structured training and hands-on activities. Students will build problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills, and the program will conclude with a competition where they showcase their learned skills.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
The proposed Robotics Program will provide elementary and middle school students (Grades 4–8) in Rancho Cordova with hands-on training in robotics, where they design, build, and program robots to perform realworld tasks. Through this program, students develop technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, creativity, and confidence while gaining exposure to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts. These skills help students succeed academically and prepare for future careers in engineering, computer science, healthcare, and other technology fields.
Suvidha International Foundation has successfully conducted this Robotics Program for the past five years, including the current year. Due to strong interest from students and parents, and as new students continue to join, Suvidha plans to continue and expand the program for few more years to reach more and younger students.
The program includes structured beginner and advanced training followed by a final competition called the RanchoBot Challenge, where students showcase their skills. Beginner students receive training in basic robot design, coding, sensors, and movement, while returning students receive advanced training and work on more complex robotics projects and realworld engineering challenges. Students learn how to use motors, sensors, and programming to control robot movement and complete specific tasks.
The program will use robotics kits from previous years, and additional sensors or parts will be purchased if needed.
The RanchoBot Challenge includes three competition challenges:
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1. Line Follower Challenge: Students design and program a robot to follow a one-inch colored line on easy, medium, and complex tracks with straight and curved paths. This teaches precision, sensor usage, and programming accuracy.
2. Sumo-Bot Wrestling Challenge: Two robots compete in a circular ring, where each robot must stay inside the ring while pushing the opponent out.
This teaches strength, balance, strategy, and real-time decision-making.
3. Pick, Pack and Place Challenge: In this advanced challenge, robots must autonomously pick objects from one location and place them in specific goal areas within a set time. This teaches advanced programming, automation, planning, and object handling.
The competition has two levels. Level I teams (new students) participate in the Line Follower and Sumo-Bot challenges. Level II teams (returning students) participate in all three challenges, including the advanced Pick, Pack and Place challenge. Students use LEGO robotics kits and modify their robots to meet the requirements of each challenge, learning engineering design and resource management.
Through training and competition, students develop coding, engineering, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. The program ends with a competition where students present and demonstrate their robots, building confidence and real-world STEM experience.
By providing an engaging and hands-on learning environment, the Robotics Program inspires students to explore STEAM subjects and prepares them to become future innovators, engineers, and technology leaders.
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
Suvidha International Foundation, a California-registered nonprofit organization, plans to support students through various educational programs, including providing robotics training to talented and underprivileged elementary and middle school students in Rancho Cordova.
Suvidha International Foundation will lead and manage the development and delivery of this program. Bhaskar Vempati, President of Suvidha International Foundation, will lead the program with support from Rathish Jayabharathi, a local robotics expert, and Sridhar Arjula, a robotics expert.
In addition, experienced youth robotics teams and adult robotics coaches from the local community will assist in conducting the training sessions.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
The program goals are:
1. Develop Robotics and Coding Skills: Students will learn robotics design and programming using Scratch and Python to build and control robots.
2. Build Engineering and Problem-Solving Skills: Students will design, program, and test robots to perform real-world tasks such as line following, object transport, and sumobot challenges, strengthening their engineering and critical thinking abilities.
3. Strengthen Leadership and Teamwork: Students will work in teams, improving collaboration, leadership, project management, and responsibility.
4. Improve Communication and Presentation Skills: Students will learn to explain their ideas clearly and present their robot designs and projects confidently to judges and peers.
5. Prepare Students for Future STEM Success: Students will apply their learning in a final competition, gaining hands-on experience and building skills that support academic success and future careers in STEAM fields.
Optional File Upload:
Provide any
additional records to
supplement your
program/project
application. Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading.
2 - Funding & Costs
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
18000
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
16750
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
4000
What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
1625
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
3000
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
8125
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
Robotics_2026-27_Budget.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
Suvidha International Foundation is actively seeking grant funding and support from local sponsors to deliver the Robotics Program. In addition, Suvidha contributes its own resources, including volunteer mentors, and program management.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
None
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
13916
Please provide a worksheet explaining your volunteer/in-kind contribution. You may upload a file in the following formats: CSV, DOC, DOCX, or PDF.
Volunteer-InKind-Robotics.csv
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
Yes
How many years has
your project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund?
5 or more years
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
How much funding
has your organization
received from the
Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
through our
traditional grants (not
including
microgrants)?
Approximately $145,000
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
9/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
4/30/2026
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
The 2026–2027 Robotics Program will begin in September 2026 and conclude in April 2027 with a final competition. Program promotion, student registration, and team formation will take place from September 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. The program will officially start in January 2027 and include biweekly in-person training sessions, practice scrimmages, and a final competition.
Two in-person sessions will be held each month, with additional virtual sessions provided as needed. Practice scrimmages are planned for March 2027, and the final competition is scheduled for April 2027.
We plan to host workshops, STEAM demonstrations, scrimmages, and the final competition at City Hall. Upon approval, we will reserve City Hall facilities and organize the events as outlined in the proposal.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
Running the Robotics Program may face challenges such as student participation, space availability, technical issues, and scheduling conflicts.
To address this, we will train new mentors, involve past students, and work with local STEM professionals. Our experienced volunteers play a key role in delivering training, which helps offset program costs.
We will secure funding through local sponsors, while reusing robotics equipment to reduce costs. To keep students engaged, we will provide interactive training, mentorship, and competitions.
We plan to use City Hall and community centers for sessions and will arrange backup locations if needed. Regular equipment checks and technical training will prevent hardware issues. Flexible in-person and virtual sessions will help students balance school and program commitments. These steps will help ensure the program’s success and sustainability.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
Approximately 60
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
Approximately 48 students
4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
City Hall Rancho Cordova
List the city location
of the
project/program.
2729 Prospect Park Dr, Rancho Cordova CA 95670
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Third Party Letters of
Support (Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading)
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Bhadraiah (Bhaskar)
Vempati
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
Suvidha International Foundation
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
My role is President. Along with the support of others, I will manage the program.
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
Yes, I would be the one to sign the contract
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
# Description Quantity Amount Sub Total Personal Transportation Supplies Equipemnt Miscellenous 1 Event Promotions including Fluers 1 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 2 Additional Sensors & Lego Parts 1 $3,000.00 $3,000.00 $3,000.00 3 Robotics Mats Design and Printing 15 $75.00 $1,125.00 $1,125.00 4 Awards and Trophies 1 $2,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,000.00
5 Venue –Training Sessions & Competition (City Hall) 1 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 6 Python Coding Training 1 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00
7 Youth Empowerment Program 1 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 8 Youth Coaches Scholorships 10 $250.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 9 Workshop Supplies 1 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00
10 Event Day Supplies 1 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00
11 Zoom Subscription 1 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00
12 T-shirts 75 $15.00 $1,125.00 $1,125.00
13 Event Day Food 1 $750.00 $750.00 $750.00
14 Insurance 1 $750.00 $750.00 $750.00
15 Event Photography 1 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00
16 Event Emcee 1 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00
Total $16,750.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $1,625.00 $3,000.00 $8,125.00 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Robotics Program
Robotics Program # of Volunte# Hrs/ volun $/Hr Total Hrs Youth Volunteers 12 20 34.79 $8,349.60
Adult Volunters 8 20 34.79 $5,566.40
Total $13,916.00
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
No: Not a First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Suvidha International Foundation Speech & Debate Programs Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
The Speech and Debate programs help students improve communication, thinking, and persuasion skills through lessons and competitions. Students learn to speak clearly, organize ideas, and present confidently. These skills help them succeed in school, prepare for careers, build leadership abilities, and become active, confident community members.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
The Speech & Debate Educational Program will provide essential training to elementary, middle, and high school students (grades 4 through 10) in the City of Rancho Cordova. Suvidha International Foundation has been successfully organizing speech and debate programs for the past four years, helping students build strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Due to the strong success of these programs and growing interest from students and parents, Suvidha International Foundation plans to expand these classes to reach more students, including younger learners, and provide them with early exposure to these important skills.
Speech and debate education plays a vital role in helping students grow academically and personally. Through this program, students will learn how to research topics, organize their thoughts, write clearly, and present their ideas with confidence. They will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing different viewpoints, forming logical arguments, and expressing their perspectives in a clear and structured manner. These skills help students perform better in school, participate actively in classroom discussions, and communicate effectively in both academic and social environments.
Another key benefit of speech and debate training is increased confidence and self-expression. Many students initially feel nervous speaking in front of others, but through guided instruction and regular practice, they gradually become more comfortable and confident. As students learn to present their ideas, respond to questions, and defend their viewpoints, they build selfconfidence and strengthen their ability to communicate with peers, teachers, and community members. These experiences also help students develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are essential for future success.
Research studies highlight the long-term benefits of participating in speech and debate programs. According to the Stanford National Forensic ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Institute’s article, “The Power of Speech & Debate Education,” students who engage in speech and debate develop strong communication, analysis, and reasoning skills that significantly contribute to their academic achievement and career readiness. In addition, a Forbes article titled “How to Find the Millennials Who Will Lead Your Company” notes that many successful leaders have a background in debate. This reinforces that speech and debate training helps build essential leadership skills such as logical thinking, persuasion, confidence, and decision-making. These abilities prepare students for leadership roles in fields such as business, government, law, education, technology, and public service.
The speech component of the program will introduce students to different types of public speaking, including oratorical speech, persuasive speech, and impromptu speaking. Students will learn how to prepare and deliver structured speeches, present persuasive arguments, and speak confidently even without prior preparation. These activities help students become flexible, confident, and effective communicators in various situations.
The debate component of the program will focus on the Middle School Parliamentary Debate Program (MSPDP) and Public Forum (PF) debate formats, which are team-based debate formats. Students will work with partners to research current topics, prepare arguments, present their viewpoints, and respond to opposing arguments using facts and evidence.
This experience helps students develop logical reasoning, teamwork, listening skills, and the ability to analyze complex issues thoughtfully and respectfully.
Due to the positive feedback from students, parents, and educators over the past four years, Suvidha International Foundation plans to expand the program to benefit more students in Rancho Cordova.
By continuing and expanding the Speech & Debate Educational Program, Suvidha International Foundation aims to empower more students with lifelong communication, confidence, and leadership skills. These skills will help students succeed academically, prepare for future careers, and become confident leaders and active contributors to their communities.
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
Suvidha International Foundation is responsible for the development and delivery of this program. Bhaskar Vempati, President of Suvidha International Foundation, along with Vandna Sharma, Balasubramanyam Kodavakanti, and experienced youth and adult volunteers, will lead the planning, development, and implementation of the program to ensure highquality instruction and meaningful learning outcomes for participating students. Additionally, experienced high school students who have participated in and competed at regional and national speech and debate competitions will teach and mentor participants under the guidance of the core leadership team, providing relatable peer instruction and strengthening the overall learning experience.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
This project will help students develop the following key skills:
Research and Critical Thinking Skills – Students will learn how to research topics, analyze information, and form logical and wellreasoned arguments.
Communication and Public Speaking Skills – Students will develop confidence in speaking clearly and effectively, using proper tone, clarity, and body language.
Writing and Organization Skills – Students will learn to organize their thoughts and write structured, persuasive speeches and debate arguments.
Teamwork and Collaboration Skills – Students will work with partners and teams, learning how to cooperate, listen, and support each other.
Confidence and Leadership Skills – Students will build self-confidence and develop leadership abilities by presenting ideas and participating in discussions and debates.
Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving Skills – Students will learn how to respectfully respond to different viewpoints and resolve disagreements using logic and evidence.
At the end of the program, students will demonstrate their newly learned skills by participating in a speech and debate competition. These skills will help students succeed academically and prepare them for future leadership roles in fields such as business, law, government, education, and technology.
Optional File Upload:
Provide any
additional records to
supplement your
program/project
application. Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading.
2 - Funding & Costs
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
7500
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
7500
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
2500
What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
1000
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
4000
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
SpeechDebate_2026-27_Budget.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
Suvidha International Foundation is seeking additional funding from local sponsors, community partners, and grant programs to support and expand the Speech and Debate Educational Program. We are reaching out to local businesses and organizations for sponsorships and applying for grants to help cover program expenses such as instructional materials, facility use, and competition costs. This funding will help ensure the program remains accessible and affordable for all students and allow us to serve more students in Rancho Cordova.
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
None
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
Yes
Please share the
total dollar amount
for volunteer/in-kind
support using $34.79
as the national rate
for a volunteer hour.
Source: Value of
Volunteer Time
13916
Please provide a worksheet explaining your volunteer/in-kind contribution. You may upload a file in the following formats: CSV, DOC, DOCX, or PDF.
Volunteer-InKind-SpeechDebate.csv
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
How many years has
your project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund?
4 How much funding
has your organization
received from the
Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
through our
traditional grants (not
including
microgrants)?
Approximately 145000
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
8/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
4/30/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
We will offer the speech and debate programs two times in academic year.
The program timeline including anticipated start and completion dates are included below.
First Training Session (Training sessions and competition happen over Zoom Sessions)
Program Promotions: August 1, 2026 to November 15, 2026 Program Dates including Competition: September 14, 2026 to November 15, 2026
Second Training Session (Training sessions happen over Zoom Sessions and Competitions happen in-person at City Hall, Rancho
Cordova)
Program Promotions: December 1, 2026 to January 14, 2027 Program Dates including Competition: January 18, 2027 to March 31, 2027 Report and Expenses Submission: May 15, 2027
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
One of the main challenges in the Speech & Debate Program is keeping students engaged because they have busy school and activity schedules.
To keep them interested, we will use fun activities, regular check-ins, and provide certificates, cash prizes and competition opportunities.
Another challenge is finding enough trained instructors and volunteers. To solve this, we will build a strong volunteer team, keep backup mentors, and train new volunteers.
Some students may feel nervous about public speaking. We will help them through confidence-building activities, personal guidance, and small group practice. Scheduling conflicts can also happen. We will offer flexible timings and recorded lessons for students who miss sessions.
By planning ahead, we aim to run a successful program that helps students improve their communication and thinking skills.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
100 plus students
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
75 plus students
4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
City Hall Rancho Cordova
List the city location
of the
project/program.
2729 Prospect Park Dr, Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Third Party Letters of
Support (Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading)
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Bhadraiah (Bhaskar)
Vempati
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
Suvidha International Foundation
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
President
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
Yes, I would be the one to sign the contract
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Speech & Debate Program 2026-27 Budget
Description of Activity Amount, $ Category
Event Promotions $550.00 Miscellenous
Zoom Link $200.00 Miscellenous
Awards and Trophies $1,250.00 Miscellenous
Student Coach Scholarships $2,500.00 Personal
Event Day Venue Rental $1,500.00 Miscellenous
Insurance $500.00 Miscellenous
Event Day Food, and Supplies $1,000.00 Supplies
Total $7,500.00
Category Total
Miscellenous $4,000.00
Personal $2,500.00
Supplies $1,000.00
Total $7,500.00
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Speech Program
Speech Pro Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Annual
# of Volunte# Hrs/volun # Hrs/volunteer Total Hrs
Youth Volun 8 10 10 160
Adult Volun 2 10 10 40
Total 200
Debate Program
Debate Prog Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Annual
# of Volunte# Hrs/volun # Hrs/volunteer Total Hrs
Youth Volun 8 10 10 160
Adult Volun 2 10 10 40
Total 200
Combined Speech & Debate Programs
Hours $ / Hr Total $
Speech Pro 200 34.79 $6,958.00
Debate Pro 200 34.79 $6,958.00
Total $ $13,916.00
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
Yes: First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch Softball Tournament Participation Support Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
Girls in our program and community face significant barriers to participating in youth softball, with many from single-parent households.
We are seeking support to cover tournament fees, helping reduce financial strain on families and ensuring every girl can fully participate and benefit from our league’s positive experiences.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
Girls in our program and community face significant barriers to participating in youth softball. The majority of our youth athletes come from the Rancho Cordova community and it's surrounding areas. Many come from single-parent households with multiple children involved in various extracurricular activities, which contributes to financial strain and makes covering tournament participation fees a challenge. Additionally, there are limited options in the local area that offer low-cost, communitydriven youth sports programs focused on supporting athletes and their families using a whole-person approach. These challenges make it difficult for girls to access consistent athletic opportunities, develop their skills, and benefit from the positive environment our league provides.
How do we combat these challenges:
To combat these challenges, our organization is committed to making softball accessible and supportive for ALL participants. We keep participation fees as low as possible and operate as a volunteer-run league, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to entry. When a family faces financial hardship, we offer support to help cover registration or tournament fees, so every girl has the opportunity to participate regardless of their circumstances. Our teams and coaches actively coordinate carpools and flexible practice schedules to help families manage transportation needs.
We foster a welcoming, community-driven environment that supports athletes and their families holistically, offering not only athletic training but also opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community service.
By prioritizing inclusivity and support, we help girls overcome financial and logistical barriers, enabling them to participate fully and benefit from the positive experiences our league provides.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch is proud to offer a combined total of more than 50 years athletic and coaching experience among our head coaches, assistant coaches, and dedicated volunteers. Our leadership team reflects a wide range of backgrounds and educational expertise, enabling youth athletes to form meaningful mentorship connections that extend beyond the softball field. We have experienced the challenges our athletes face, including balancing academic responsibilities, extracurricular commitments, and family obligations, often within the context of financial hardship and single-parent households. Our comprehensive approach ensures that athletes receive support and guidance needed to thrive both on and off the field.
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
Our primary goal in seeking support to cover tournament fees is to relieve the financial burden on our families, making participation accessible for every girl regardless of her economic background. By reducing out-ofpocket expenses, we ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to engage fully in the league, experience personal and athletic growth, and benefit from the positive, supportive environment our program provides.
This effort directly addresses the financial challenges that could otherwise prevent girls from enjoying the transformative experiences offered through youth sports.
Optional File Upload:
Provide any
additional records to
supplement your
program/project
application. Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading.
2 - Funding & Costs
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
54655
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
15000
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
15000
Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading. 2026_Budget_-_Tahoe_Tallac.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch is fortunate to have secured sponsorships from respected local businesses, including Solace Enterprises, Szymanowski Orthodontics, Purely Hot Yoga, and Sacramento Credit Union. Through their generous support, our athletes have received uniforms, and our organization has been able to cover expenses for practice field rentals. In addition to sponsorships, we are committed to ongoing fundraising efforts throughout the year to further reduce out-of-pocket costs for our youth athletes and their families. Our fundraising activities include initiatives such as Double Good Popcorn sales, and Gotsneakers collections Toward the end of the year, a fireworks fundraiser through Phantom, will be aimed at minimizing financial barriers and supporting our program’s sustainability for the upcoming season.
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
Ongoing operational expenses beyond Fiscal Year 2026-2027 are projected to remain consistent with current levels. These costs include annual field rentals, tournament fees, equipment replacement, and additional uniforms as necessary. As the program is volunteer-led, funding sources are expected to remain stable year over year. We will continue to pursue fundraising initiatives and submit grant applications to support these needs.
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
No
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Multiple Years
If requesting CEIF
grant funding for
multiple years,
please share how
many years?
3 For requests
spanning multiple
years, share the
dollar amount
requested per year.
FY 2026-2027, $15,000
FY 2027-2028, $10,000
FY 2028-2029, $5,000
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
For
projects/programs
that span multiple
years, please
describe your
sustainability plan
and whether it is
viable as a single
year request.
We aim to raise funds and seek additional local business sponsorships for our sustainability plan.
To achieve this, we plan to host fireworks sales yearly through Phantom, launch an online crowdfunding campaign through DoubleGood, and reach out directly to local businesses for sponsorship. The funding will help us continue to minimize financial strain for our youth athletes and their families.
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
No
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
7/1/2026
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/30/2029
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
The tournament season is currently underway, however, our league is year-round with a one month break in December. Participation fees are required for tournaments and are typically due from athletes monthly.
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
One of the primary challenges in youth sports is managing the substantial expenses involved. These include league and individual equipment requirements—such as catcher gear, helmets, and bats—as well as costs associated with quality practice field rentals that offer necessary amenities like accessible bathrooms. Additional expenses include tournament entry fees and travel-related costs for families, such as transportation, lodging, and meals. Our objective remains to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, thereby enabling all participants to engage in sports without undue financial pressure on their families.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
35 ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
30 4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Primary street
address of
project/program
3625 Spoto Dr.
List the city location
of the
project/program.
Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Due to our goal of minimizing costs, we research the lowest cost facilities and split fees between the teams in our league. Our primary practice location is Stone Creek Community Park, however, we also practice as Dave Roberts Community Park, Tahoe Park, and batting cages throughout the local area.
Third Party Letters of Support (Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading) Letter_of_Support_-_Colonial_Park_Friends.pdf
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Monica
Tarbuskovich
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
Yes
What is the name of
your organization?
Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch Softball (501c3)
What is your title
and/or role at your
organization?
Manager for Powerhouse 10u (one of the three teams within the league) ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Provide contact
phone number:
+
Provide contact
email:
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
No, someone else would sign the contract
If selected by the
City Council to
receive an award,
what is the name of
the person at your
organization who
would sign the
contract?
Marty
Olivas
What is the title of
this individual?
Chief Financial Officer
What is the best
phone number where
we could contact the
signatory?
+
What is the best
email address to
contact the
signatory?
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Coming In Team - Registration fees:
Nova's 2,200.00
Valkyries 2000
Powerhouse 2,400.00
Team - Tournament fees:
Nova's 6,240.00
Valkyries 3285
Powerhouse 6,000.00
Fundraising:
Football Square Fundraiser 5000
Popcorn Fundraiser 6356
TV Raffle Fundraiser 1000
Sponsorships:
BofA Donation 700
Donation from coach lil Marty 215.94
Mangos 500
Bestrate Capital Funding 1000
Ramirez Roofing and Gutter 1000
Lucas Orthodontics 400
Solace Enterprises 500
Purely Hot Yoga 250
Sacramento Vredit Union 500
Szymanowski Orthodontics 250
Donation from Elaine Vega (spectator with dog) 250
Total Coming in: 40,046.94
Going out: Team Insurance:
Nova's 253
Valkyries 174
Powerhouse 164
Drinks/Snacks for teams: 1914.66
Practice Field Fees: 5959
Uniforms/Helmets/bags: 8689.5
Equipment/Gear/Balls/etc: 1246.18
Miscellaneous: 400.17
Batting Cages: 590
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Team Bonding: 873.37
Conditioning: 400
Sponsorship Recognition: 148.65
Travel Fees(gas/hotels/food) Coaches 3452.34
Tournament Registration fees: 571
Tournament fees: 29819.9
Total going out: 54655.77
Difference: -14608.8
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Dear Grant Committee
Subject: Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you on behalf of Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch.
Tahoe Tallac Fastpitch was established in 2017 with the goal of providing local youth with an opportunity to participate and compete in travel softball at the highest level at an affordable price that does not turn talent away due to any financial restraints. Their eldest team, Valkyries, have been practicing in our neighborhood for approximately 10 years now and have made such an impact to our challenged neighborhood. With their established consistent presence utilizing the local field for practice, they have aided in making the park a safe and welcoming space. We now have movies in the park; a kick ball league; and have seen a tremendous decline in homeless and solicitors.
Their organization is comprised of talented young female athletes between the ages of 8 to 18, who come from diverse backgrounds and have demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship. We strongly believe that participation in travel softball not only enhances their players' athletic abilities but also instills invaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. The goals of the organization extend beyond the softball field as they strive to foster personal growth and academic achievement amongst players, ensuring they become outstanding individuals who will positively contribute to society.
We do recognize that sustaining a non-profit travel softball team comes with many financial challenges, including tournament fees. Recognizing the importance of community-based initiatives, we are appealing to you to consider approving their grant application. Your generous support will help alleviate the financial burden on their players and their families, allowing them to focus on their development and compete against top-notch competition. We kindly request you review this document and consider a grant that aligns with their organization's philanthropic goals.
On behalf of Colonial Park Neighborhood Watch, I would like to express our gratitude for considering this request. We firmly believe that with your support, they can continue to nurture the talent and dreams of these young athletes, continuing their development as exceptional softball players and responsible members of society. Thank you for your time and consideration of an investment in these young ladies’ futures.
Warm regards,
Colonial Park Friends
5315 19th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95820
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
No: Not a First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
Mayes Freeman Youth Sports League
Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
Mayes Freeman Youth Sports League is a rec league based in Rancho Cordova and focuses on the underserved areas of Rancho. MFYSL has both youth and now TEEN flag football program. MFYSL uses sports to put an emphasis AND focus on Character Development of the next generation.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
Providing Flag Football & Character Development for the youth in Rancho Cordova.
Tell us about your
Project/Program
Team
Will Logo- A PILLAR in the underserved areas of Rancho Cordova. 15 Years of experience working with youth throughout the Sacramento area and 4 years running MFYSL Flag.
Provide your
Project/Program
Goals
1) Provide underserved youth mentorship through athletics 2) Develop The Character of the Next Generation
3) Provide Teenagers the opportunity to learn to lead within their community.
4) Promote Mental Health & Wellness in the Rancho Cordova We will provide parent/guardians/ with surveys before and after in regards to the goals set.
Optional File Upload:
Provide any
additional records to
supplement your
program/project
application. Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading.
2 - Funding & Costs
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Funding Request -
Complete this
section with total
dollar amounts for
your
project/program's
costs
Funds are generally not intended to be used for deferred maintenance and ongoing operational needs. The funds are intended for enhancing and investing in the City of Rancho Cordova. If your project/program is awarded, the costs identified below would be reviewed and potentially open to modification during a contracting phase (if a grant is awarded by the City Council). If awarded, grant funds are not available until a contract is executed during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Total project/program
cost*
25000
What is the amount
of Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
grant monies
requested?
10250
Does your
project/program
involve construction
of any facilities or
improvements upon
any property?
No
What is the total cost
of personnel for your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of supplies for your
project/program?
4000
What is the total cost
of transportation for
your
project/program?
0 What is the total cost
of equipment for your
project/program?
6250
What is the total cost
of any miscellaneous
expenses for your
project/program?
0 Upload your project/program's budget as a .pdf file. Include the categories and their dollar amounts along with information about any other funding sources to demonstrate your project/program's total budget. Note, the sum of all categories must match the total project or program cost, or the amount requested of CEIF if there is no other funding source. Please clearly illustrate any matching funds or funding from other sources in your project/program budget, including in-kind sources. Note: Combine multiple files in one pdf before uploading.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Total_Estimated_Budget_Summary_1.pdf
Has your
organization sought
or will seek other
funding for this
project/program?
Yes, actively seeking funding support or have secured additional funding support for this project/program.
Describe any funding
secured or being
sought for this
project/program.
We've received $100 dollars in donations in 2026 as of 3/13/26 We are actively seeking annual donors
Please describe any
ongoing operations
and maintenance
costs beyond Fiscal
Year 2026/2027, if
applicable.
Do you have
volunteer or in-kind
support for your
project? This could
include volunteers for
an activity/event that
is ongoing or a onetime experience.
No
Is this a single year
request or a request
for funding for
multiple years?
Single Year
Has your
project/program
received funding from
the Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
previously?
No
3 - Project/Program Details Grant applications are typically approved to occur between July 2026 through June 2027. What is your plan to complete this project/program within this time frame?
Anticipated Start
Date (July 1 is the
soonest available
start date)
6/1/2026
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Anticipated End Date
(typically
projects/programs
end by June 30)
6/30/2027
Please describe your
project/program
schedule
2026-2027 MFYSL Flag will be year around in Rancho Cordova Spring Session 4/1/26-5/31/26
Summer Session 6/15/26-7/17/26
Fall Session 9/1/26-10/24/26
Winter Sessions 11/1-2/28
What challenges do
you anticipate in your
project/program's
implementation?
What is your plan to
complete your
project/program
should those or other
challenges arise?
Possible lack of facility availability. Will utilize City Of Rancho MOU w/FCUSD to adjust and use an elementary school field.
How many individuals
does your
project/program
serve?
200
How many Rancho
Cordova residents
does your
project/program
serve?
500
4 - Project/Program Location
Address Verification If you need to check if your project is in Rancho Cordova, type in your program/project's location in the Assessor Parcel Viewer:
https://assessorparcelviewer.saccounty.gov/jsviewer/assessor.html ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
School and park
related applications
are due before Noon
(12:00 p.m.) on
March 6, 2026, to
allow for the
endorsement
process.
Please note that projects or programs that are proposed on property owned or operated by outside agencies or a private party will require coordination with and potentially approvals from outside agencies, organizations, and/or the private party. Include whether you have received a letter of support for the project/program from the property owner. Upload any letters of support with your application. City staff will verify third-party permits have been discussed. In your planning discussions, be sure to discuss any necessary insurance or volunteer requirements that may increase budget costs. School Sites If your project/program is intended to operate at a public K-12 school site, your application is due by March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). City staff will work with the school districts to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with school site and district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. Districts will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. Each participating school superintendent reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Parks If your project/program is intended to operate at a park or community center site, your application is due by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. City staff will work with the Cordova Recreation & Park District to confirm an endorsement for your project/program. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to communicate with district representatives before applying so there is clarity during the endorsement process. A special use permit application is required for any program or event planned at a CRPD facility. The special use application can be found at the CRPD website:
https://www.cordovarpd.gov/. CRPD will only consider endorsement for applications submitted to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund by the March 6 at Noon (12:00 p.m.). deadline. The Cordova Recreation & Park District reserves the right to withhold their endorsement of a project/program. Below is the list of staff to communicate with at school and park organizations: Folsom Cordova Unified School District:
[email protected] Cordova Recreation & Park District:
[email protected] Elk Grove Unified School District:
[email protected] Sacramento City Unified School District: Tuan[email protected] for Winn and Carver and [email protected] for Lincoln.
Primary street
address of
project/program
2239 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova Ca
List the city location
of the
project/program.
Rancho Cordova
Select State CA
Provide the zip code
for your
project/program's
primary location.
95670
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
If your
project/program
takes place at
multiple locations,
please list other or
secondary locations.
Third Party Letters of
Support (Note:
Combine multiple
files in one pdf
before uploading)
Does your
project/program
involve one of
Rancho Cordova's
school districts?
No
Does your
project/program
involve the Cordova
Recreation & Park
District?
No
5 - Applicant Information
Name Will
Logo
Is this
project/program on
behalf of an
organization?
No
Provide contact
phone number:
Provide contact
email:
Are you the primary
point of contact on
this project/program?
Yes
If your
project/program was
awarded the
requested funds, are
you authorized to
sign the contract for
your organization?
Yes, I would be the one to sign the contract
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
By checking here, I
confirm that I am
aware that my
application materials
will become public
record.
checked
Thank you for applying to the Community Enhancement & Investment Fund Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Grant Cycle. Applicants will receive an automated response through the grant portal. Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) Staff will follow up with any questions regarding your Fiscal Year 2026-2027 application. For information about the next steps in the CEIF grant process, visit our website for more information. It is anticipated that applications will be reviewed by the City Council starting in April 2026 with adoption in June 2026. Should applicants be awarded by the City Council, funding would not be available to grantees until the start of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and the completion of a contract. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Internal Form
Score n/a
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
MFYSL FLAG
Total Estimated Budget Summary
Category Estimated Cost
Jerseys Materials 2,000
Sideline App League communication for
parents & coaches
$800
Digital Marketing social media reach $1,000
Booth Tents customized pop ups $1,000
Banners (5) customized banners $750
Character Development
Items
Medals, Bags, Gear, Bottles,
Pencils, Posters
$2,000
Direct to Garment Printer
(Sustainability)
Customized Jerseys,
Coaches polos, Flags
$2,700
Total Estimated Cost $10,250
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
Thank you for your interest in applying to the City of Rancho Cordova's Community Enhancement & Investment Fund. Applications are open from February 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026, Noon (12:00 p.m.) with a specific deadline of March 6th Noon (12:00 p.m.) for certain applications**. Before you begin, please read the notes about deadlines and certain types of grant applications/grants below. **School/Park Application Deadline **Note that projects or programs involving a park or school district have a deadline of March 6 Noon (12:00 p.m.) to allow for the third-party endorsement process by the grant deadline.** A Note about Religious Schools and the Application/Grant Process **Note for grant applications from religious schools. The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled in part that:
“denying a generally available benefit [from government] solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion that can be justified only by a state interest of the highest order.” The City is of the opinion that not all grants to religious schools are prohibited under this and other similar rulings. However, these United States Supreme Court decisions remain in conflict with a section of the California State Constitution that says: “[n]either the Legislature, nor any county, city and county, township, school district, or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose, or help to support or sustain any school, college, university, hospital, or other institution controlled by any religious creed, church, or sectarian denomination whatever; nor shall any grant or donation of personal property or real estate ever be made by the state, or any city, city and county, town, or other municipal corporation for any religious creed, church, or sectarian purpose whatever”. The City will accept applications for grants of these City public funds from religious schools, but will have language in the grant agreements to address the possibility and consequences of legal challenges and new court decisions on this and related topics. ** Future Grant Opportunities If you are interested in remaining up-to-date on available grants from the City of Rancho Cordova, click here to sign up for the Grants Interest List. A separate call for programming opportunities with the Rancho Cordova Youth Center is anticipated later in 2026. The list is also used to advertise separate art programs when funds are available. Ongoing Grant Opportunity The City of Rancho Cordova offers a microgrant opportunity. Learn more about those grants online.
Is this your first time
applying for grant
funding from the City
of Rancho Cordova?
As a first-time
applicant, Community
Enhancement &
Investment Fund
(CEIF) staff will
contact you to
discuss your project
and grant application
process.
Yes: First Time Applicant
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4
1 - Project/Program Information Note: You can add a collaborator to this form to assist you in completing this application! A collaborator can help you complete this form by filling in fields for you, although only you can submit this form. You can add a collaborator by navigating to the top of the form and clicking on the 'Manage Collaborators' button. Simply enter their email address and click 'invite' to invite them as a collaborator. If you need further assistance, you may consult this Help article for more information.
Project/Program
Name. Assign a
project name to your
project/program.
The Cordova Spark: A Civic STEM Forward Summer Leadership Intensive Which category does
your Project/Program
align with?
Youth Programs & Services
Provide a
Project/Program
Synopsis
"The Cordova Spark" is a youth-led initiative. Elite high school mentors teach middle schoolers (rising 6th-8th grade) to solve real Rancho Cordova community issues using AI and robotics. Pilot replaces high-pressure competition with a collaborative "Civic Festival," building the next generation of local leaders, engineers, and advocates for the city.
Provide a
Project/Program
Description
Program Overview
"The Cordova Spark" is a youth-led, "STEM Forward" summer intensive designed to empower 32 rising 6th–8th grade students in Rancho Cordova.
Orchestrated and delivered by the senior leadership of Metal Maniacs #20163, this program transcends basic robotics by immersing students in a high-energy, one-week "Design Sprint" that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science (CS), and Civic Advocacy.
Running in mid-late July (avoiding the holiday weeks), the program utilizes state-of-the-art Lego CS & AI platforms to challenge students to solve realworld municipal problems. The program culminates in the Civic STEM Festival, where students pitch their functional prototypes to City leaders at scheduled City Council Meeting (3 minutes max per team) at the 3rd Monday of July or 3rd Monday of August. This model leverages the specialized "Power Skills" our high school mentors developed at the National Advocacy Conference (NAC), passing the torch of leadership to the next generation of Rancho Cordova citizens.
Alignment with City Guidelines & Selection Criteria
1. Workforce Readiness & High-Impact Leadership
The City of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF) prioritizes projects that prepare youth for the future economy.
By introducing AI and Machine Learning logic through Lego CS platforms, Metal Maniacs provide participants with a technical edge. However, this is also a leadership laboratory: our experienced student leader mentors, serving as City of Rancho Cordova STEM Forward Fellows, manage the entire project lifecycle, from procurement to pedagogy, simulating the professional environments of Silicon Valley and the Capitol.
ITEM 3.1. ATTACHMENT 4