City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: August 5, 2025
From: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Diana Figueroa, Senior Management Analyst Subject
Vernon CommUNITY Fund 10-Year Anniversary Publication
Recommendation
Receive and file the Vernon CommUNITY Fund: A Decade of Giving 2014-2024 Impact Report.
Background
As one of the key elements of the City’s good governance reforms, the City Council created the Vernon CommUNITY Fund (VCF) to provide grants to charitable and governmental entities for projects and programs that benefit those residing and working in Vernon and surrounding communities, offering support through its funding of organizations that provide vital services. On February 4, 2014, the City Council established the VCF Grant Committee and provided basic grantmaking guidelines and operational procedures for the board, including fund distribution and processes for reviewing applications and awarding grants.
Since 2014, the VCF has been a consistent benefactor for nonprofit organizations in the Vernon Area (which encompasses Vernon, Huntington Park, Maywood, Bell, Commerce, Boyle Heights, and East Los Angeles), awarding grants to 71 organizations over the last 10 years. The VCF also extended its philanthropic reach by launching the VCF Scholarship Program in 2019 which assists high school seniors in the Vernon Area that are in pursuit of higher education. Overall, the VCF has awarded more than $5 million in grants and scholarships. The VCF supports higher education and regional programs and services that address workforce development, youth advocacy, sports, the arts, violence prevention, homelessness, mental health, and more.
To highlight the magnitude of Vernon’s contributions to the surrounding Southeast Los Angeles Area (SELA) and mark the 10-year anniversary of the VCF, Council approved Amendment No. 1 with Jemmott Rollins Group (JRG) on August 6, 2024 to authorize JRG to take the lead in the creation of a VCF anniversary impact report. With a goal to celebrate the VCF’s history and good work, the comprehensive report features past grantees, testimonials, funding amounts and areas of focus, and metrics on program success. This 2024 special edition report aptly commemorates the VCF anniversary milestone and staff intend to distribute the publication to community members, partners, and local leaders.
The important grantmaking activities sponsored by the VCF embody the goodwill of the City and its grants and scholarships continue to contribute to the health, well-being, and quality of life in local communities.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Vernon CommUNITY Fund: A Decade of Giving 2014-2024 Impact Report