Community Grant Program

The City of Coronado's Community Grant Program is designed to foster civic engagement and community enhancement by partnering with local nonprofit organizations to deliver services, events, and initiatives that are more cost-effective and impactful than could be accomplished by the municipal government alone. Governed by City Council Policy #28, the program aims to promote local pride, cultural development, and a shared sense of community through a structured grantmaking process. The City Council formally adopted a revised framework in 2025 that includes a dual approach: the option for certain grantees to receive renewal funding with a reduced administrative burden, and the introduction of a mini-grant opportunity specifically for smaller or newer organizations not eligible for renewals. For the fiscal year 2026–2027, the mini-grant opportunity is central to the program’s inclusive funding strategy. These mini-grants allow eligible nonprofits to apply for awards of up to $15,000 to support programs aligned with key community element areas including arts and culture, social services, economic development, and community pride. To qualify, organizations must be legal nonprofit entities (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6)), operate within or serve the Coronado community, and demonstrate compliance with state registration requirements. Religious, political, or fraternal organizations are excluded from eligibility. Organizations already approved for renewal funding are not permitted to apply for mini-grants. The application window for mini-grants opens on February 17, 2026, and closes at midnight on April 19, 2026. All applications must be submitted online via a JotForm portal, accessible after confirming eligibility and requesting access from City staff. Required documents include a current IRS W-9, IRS determination letter, pages from IRS Form 990 or equivalent documentation, financial statements for the past three years, and verification screenshots from both the California Attorney General Registry and Secretary of State business search showing “Current” and “Active” statuses, respectively. Evaluation of applications is conducted by City Staff, who assess completeness, community benefit, and organizational readiness to execute the proposed activities. Preference is given to organizations with a track record of successful program delivery through prior City grants. Staff will compile funding recommendations for City Council review. The final funding decisions will be made at the Council’s June 16, 2026 meeting, with fund distribution scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. The program emphasizes transparency, requiring that all grant-related documents, including expenditures, be treated as public records. Communication regarding application access and eligibility is facilitated by City staff, with Kelli Maples serving as the primary contact. She can be reached at [email protected] or 619-522-7330. The Community Grant Program is a competitive but accessible pathway for local nonprofits to secure municipal support in advancing community-oriented initiatives within the City of Coronado.

Priority given to past grantees who have demonstrated strong program delivery and organizational capacity.