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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: May 6, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Vanessa Carder, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
Department: Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Department Subject: Adopt A Resolution Accepting the Corporation for National and Community Service’s AmeriCorps Senior Retired Volunteer Program (RSVP) grant in the amount of $70,477 for FY 2025- 2028 Year two of a Three-Year Grant Award (All Wards)
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California Adopt Resolution No. 2026-043:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to approve the ratification of the submission of a continuation grant application budget for year two of a three-year grant (2025- 2028) through the Corporation for National and Community Service’s AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); and
2. Authorizing the City Manager to accept the grant award in the amount of $70,477 and cash match amount of $ 76,354; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager or their designee to conduct all negotiations, signing and submittals of necessary documents to receive grant awards; and
4. Authorizing the Director of Finance and Management Services to appropriate the grant funds for the period of April 1, 2026 ($17,619.25 in FY 25-26) through March 31, 2027 ($52,858.75 in FY 26-27).
City Manager's Comments
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The City Manager recommends approval to continue the RSVP program with grant and matching funds of $76,354.
Executive Summary
The Senior Services Division received notification of a second year of a three-year (2025-2028) grant award for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in the amount of $70,477. This grant will be used to recruit and coordinate senior-age volunteers in activities that benefit the local community, at selected pre-approved work sites, the largest work site benefits local law enforcement in the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program.
Background
The City has participated in the federally funded Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for 52 years. The RSVP program provides funds for staff to coordinate the Work Plans with 10 Memorandum of Understandings (MOU’s) of the volunteer program. The RSVP staff member(s) recruit volunteers, select work sites, make site visits, and prepare reports to meet grant requirements. RSVP volunteers, age 55 and over, perform various service activities within the community under different MOU’s, with one of the larger commitments being local law enforcement as Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteers. RSVP volunteers do not receive pay, but they can request up to $30 per quarter as reimbursement for their transportation expenses. This is paid out of grant funds. RSVP volunteers can serve up to forty hours a week providing support for senior lunch programs, local non-profits, community centers, public safety agencies, and hospitals. They also provide disaster preparedness with the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. This past year, 140+ volunteers contributed 16,907 hours with an economic value of over $537,626. Health and wellness, self-improvement, connecting with others, and building new skills are the most notable personal benefits to the RSVP volunteer.
Discussion
On March 23, 2026, staff received the Notice of Grant Award letter from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in response to the continuation for year two in an amount of $70,477. This funding will allow staff to continue the services provided by RSVP. The second year of a 3-year grant cycle (2025-2028) will end March 31, 2027. The fiscal cycle of the RSVP grant begins on April 1st of each year, nine (9) months into the City’s fiscal year cycle. This translates to a 25%/75% fiscal year allocation split.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
This request aligns with Key Target 3.c. Constantly Evaluate Public Safety Service Delivery Models to Enhance the Quality of Service.
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Fiscal Impact
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California Adopt Resolution No. 2026-043:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to approve the ratification of the submission of a continuation grant application budget for year two of a three-year grant (2025- 2028) through the Corporation for National and Community Service’s AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); and
2. Authorizing the City Manager to accept the grant award in the amount of $70,477 and cash match amount of $ 76,354; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager or their designee to conduct all negotiations, signing and submittals of necessary documents to receive grant awards; and
4. Authorizing the Director of Finance and Management Services to appropriate the grant funds for the period of April 1, 2026 ($17,619.25 in FY 25-26) through March 31, 2027 ($52,858.75 in FY 26-27).
Attachments
Attachment 1 Resolution 2026-043, 2025-2028 RSVP Grant, 2nd Year Attachment 2 2025-2028 RSVP Grant Application
Attachment 3 2026-2027 RSVP Notice of Grant Award
Attachment 4 2026-2027 RSVP Grant Budget & Grant Budget Narratives Ward:
All Wards
FINANCIAL
DATA
Current Fiscal
Year: (April 1,
2025 through
June 30, 2025):
Next Fiscal Year:
(July 1, 2026 through
March 31, 2027):
Total Allocation: Total 3-year
Allocation:
Allocation $17619.25 $ 52857.75 $ 70477.00 $ 211431.
GENERAL
FUND SHARE
$19499.00 $ 58497.00 $ 77996.00 $
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
Corporation for National and Community
Service's AmeriCorps (Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP) General fund
Budget Adjustment:
Yes
For Fiscal Year:
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Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
August 20, 2025 The Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopted Resolution No.2025-357 ratifying the submittal of a grant renewal application for year one of a three-year grant through the Corporation for National and Community Service’s AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); authorizing the City Manager to accept the grant award in the amount of $70,477 and conduct all negotiations, signings and submittals of necessary
documents to receive grant awards; and authoring the
Director of Finance and Management Services to appropriate the grant funds for the period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager