November 2017

California Consulting LLC: "Putting Clients First"

Earlimart School District Recieves High Return on Investment 

Earlimart School District has been a client since March 2014. In that short amount of time California Consulting has written the following grant applications that have been awarded: 


First 5 Tulare County One-Time Capital Grant $31,191
Laura Bush Foundation School Literacy Grant
$3,000
Paramount Schools Grant
$10,000
CDE Facilities Renovation and Repair
$18,829
Cal Fire Urban & Community Forestry Leafing Out  Grant
$8,201
CalRecycle Tire Derived Product Grant
$12,324
OCDE Scale-Up MTSS Statewide Initiative
$25,000
  CDE National School Lunch Equipment
$5,500
Classics for Kids Foundation Instrument Matching Grant Program 
$1,782
CDE Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools
$13,600
USDOE Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant Program 
$592,811
Lowe's ToolBox for Education Grant
$2,500
School Garden Grant
$1,200
CDE School Breakfast Expansion Program
$13,250
CDE Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Grant
$6,810
CDE School Breakfast Grant
$13,250
USDOE Elementary and Secondary Counseling Grant (ESSC)
$727,536
SJVAPCD Public Benefit New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Grant
$73,578
CDE Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Grant
$67,777
Target Foundation Field Trip Grant
$700
TOTAL: 
$1,628,839

Grand total of $1,628,8393 which is a 878% return on their investment! 



Grant Awards: 

CC LLC congratulates the City of Patterson (a CC LLC client) for receiving the Caltrans Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 3 grant award (via Augmentation Funding) in the amount of $907,000. 

This latest achievement is another example of the commitment of the City of Patterson's leadership to protect and promote the quality of life for its residents. 

It's also a reflection of the dedication and hard work by CC LLC Statewide Grants Manager, Tristan Shamp who ensured a successful grant application. Thank you, Tristan and congratulations Patterson! 


CC LLC congratulates the City of Lynwood (a CC LLC client) for receiving the Homeless City Planning Grant Award in the amount of $50,000.

This latest achievement is another example of the commitment of the City of Lynwood's leadership to protect and promote the quality of life for its residents. 

It's also a reflection of the dedication and hard work by CC LLC Project Manager, Karen Simpson, who ensured a successful grant application. Thank you, Karen and congratulations Lynwood! 


CC LLC congratulates Whittier City School District (a CC LLC client) for receiving the Riordan Foundation Instructional Innovation Extension Grant in the amount of $47,675!

An invitation-only grant to provide continued funding for Mill School & Technology Academy to extend and expand upon the successful implementation of their current i2-supported programming. These funds will be used for immersive professional development training in Balanced Literacy and Mindfulness practices, improving classroom libraries, and increasing parental involvement in at-home reading.
This latest achievement is another example of the commitment of Whittier City School District's leadership to promote the quality of life for its students.

It's also a reflection of the dedication and hard work by CCLLC Project Manager, Flint who ensured a successful grant application.
Thank you, Flint and congratulations WCSD!


Christina Gonzalez Promoted to Statewide Grants Manager

California Consulting is pleased to announce that Christina Gonzalez has been promoted to Statewide Grants Manager.
 
Christina Gonzalez comes to California Consulting with varied experience in fund development, and with a passion for technical writing. With experience in federal, state and county funding, Chris' emphasis has been on "Green" and special climate control grants, medical and healthcare focus, community services and a strong focus on education.
 
Christina currently works with both cities and school districts to identify valuable funds for all types of municipal and education needs. Chris attended UCLA with a double major in Microbiology and Economics. She obtained her MBA at the prestigious Anderson School of Management and received her MD at Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science.
 
Her post-doctoral research in the East coast focused on socio-ethnic economic patterns and federal investment trends. Her personal focus is to encourage cities and schools to identify and apply for funding at all levels of government and to match cities, schools, and nonprofits successfully with private foundations for specialized projects.
 
She resides in the Imperial Valley with her son, a college student and both are cultural and environmental activists.

In announcing the news, California Consulting, LLC Communications Director, Shasta Bell, said, "We are pleased to congratulate Christina on her promotion and we have confidence that she will do a fantastic job leading our grants team."


California Consulting Welcomes Shannon K. Aronin as Project Manager

California Consulting is pleased to announce Shannon Aronin as our newest Project Maanger.  

Shannon K. Aronin is an expert writer, speaker, and connector. She is passionate about finding the right words for the right place that will not only inspire your audience but compel them to act.

Shannon fell in love with grant writing in college and has two decades of fundraising and communications experience working both as an employee for nonprofit organizations and as an independent consultant. She has written hundreds of proposals and successfully raised millions of dollars in local, state, and privately funded grants. She has particular expertise in education, workforce development, and youth development. Shannon has an independent consulting business that provides fundraising, program design, and communications services to community-based non-profit organizations.

Shannon received her bachelor's degree in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizations. 
 



From the Desk of the Grants Manager: 
Chris Gonzalez

As Fiscal year 2017-2018 comes into its second quarter, annual and new funding opportunities are available for California Consulting clients.

The new calendar year also brings important deadlines for municipalities and city clients including the very popular Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) available from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. LWCF provides funding for cities and counties to acquire, develop, operate and maintain park and recreation areas and facilities. Priority development projects include trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, natural areas and cultural areas for recreational use. There is an extensive list of different park amenities the grant will fund. Due on New year's day, is the CalOES Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Planning Grant Sub-application which provides up to $150,000 for a single jurisdiction or up to $250,000 for a multi-jurisdictional planning activity that reduce the effects of future natural disasters and with mitigation planning-related activities. 

Coming early 2018 is the CalTrans: Active Transportation Program (ATP) Grant Cycle 4 with an expected deadline in mid-summer and which can be used to fund the development of community wide bike, pedestrian, safe routes to school, or active transportation plans in predominantly disadvantaged communities. The ultimate goal is to is to increase use of active modes of transportation. Others coming in the pipeline also includes the also popular WaterSMART energy efficient grants.
Education is soon releasing the annual After School Education and Safety Grant (ASES) Grant, as well as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for Elementary and Middle Schools along with the CDE 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs). Both popular grants with California Consulting clients, and expertly written by our team of grant writers.

A very unique service that California Consulting, LLC offers its clients, is the ability to seek out traditional federal and state funding opportunities, while identifying and matching non-traditional funding sources with its clients. A varied list of foundations, both private and public, as well as corporate foundations, make up California Consulting's robust menu of offerings, and our well-seasoned grant writers assist our clients for the best chance possible in acquiring critical funds.

This is a small sampling of our variety in focus in grants and loan programs available for our clients. Please contact me, or anyone of our Associates if your agency is interested in any of the grants discussed above, or any other funding opportunity you may come across.  

CA Department of Parks & Recreation (CA State Parks): Land and Water Conservation Fund 2017/2018

Deadline
: February 5, 2018

Amount: $2,000,000 maximum request

Match: dollar for dollar (1 to 1); applicants will have to demonstrate they can fund 100% of the project costs; then will be reimbursed for 50% of that total.

Eligibility: Cities, counties and districts authorized to acquire, develop, operate and maintain park and recreation areas


The California Department of Parks and Recreation and its Office of Grants and Local Assistance (OGALS), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) offers the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to provide funding for cities and counties to acquire, develop, operate and maintain park and recreation areas and facilities.  Priority development projects include trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, natural areas and cultural areas for recreational use.  Property acquired or developed under the program must be maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation use.  This competitive cycle will combine federal fiscal year 2017 and 2018 funding.  

Grant requests up to $2 million are encouraged! 

Municipal Grant Opportunities: 

Education Grant Opportunities: 


Welcome, New Clients!


  California Consulting welcomes City of Vacaville, City of Port Hueneme, City of Bakersfield, and City of Yorba Linda  as our newest clients. We look forward to working with you strategically to meet the needs of your communities.

RENEWALS

   

California Consulting is honored that Santa Paula Unified School District and Solano County have chosen to renew their contracts. 
Thank you for your continued support in our services. We look forward to continuing our partnership to help transform their vision into legacy.




ON THE GO:

10/27/17- California Consulting CEO, Steve Samuelian, met with client, Mendota Unified School District, to strategize and prioritize grants for the district. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services for Mendota Unified School District. Steve is pictured with Superintendent Paul Lopez.

10/27/17-  L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis with California Consulting Statewide Senior Director Holly Bachman at an L.A. Chamber of Commerce event on Friday, October 27, 2017.
 



10/26/17- California Consulting Associate, Stephen Sanger, attended the League of California Cities East Bay Division Quarterly Dinner.  







10/26/17-  California Consulting State Grants Manager, Tristan Shamp, City of Patterson City Manager, Ken Irwin, and California Consulting CEO, Steve Samuelian, at Patterson City Hall on Thursday. The group met to discuss grant priorities for the City. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services for the City of Patterson.


10/26/17-  California Consulting Associate Lee Neves and CEO Steve Samuelian met this week with Koosun Kim, deputy Public Works Director for the City of Manteca at City Hall. The City of Manteca has recently hired California Consulting to provide federal, state, and private foundation grant writing services. California Consulting serves a number of government agencies throughout the Central Valley.


10/24/17-  California Consulting CEO Steve Samuelian and Senior Associate Maryann Marino attended the OC Taxpayers Association lunch on Oct. 24, 2017 at the Center Club. Pictured here Steve Samuelian, former Assembly Speaker and former Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, and Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas.  The event was a sold out lunch with dozens of local elected officials from across Orange County. 

10/23/17-  California Consulting Statewide Senior Director, Holly Bachman, attended the San Gabriel Valley Chamber Legislative Power Luncheon on October 23rd in Whittier, CA. Special guest speakers included Speaker Anthony Rendon, Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, and Assemblymember Ed Chau. It was a highly attended event (over 150 individuals) with many elected and community leaders. Holly is pictured with Speaker Anthony Rendon.

10/20/107-  California Consulting, LLC  Statewide Senior Director  Holly Choon Hyang Bachman  attended the L.A. Chamber advocacy event at L.A. City Hall. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services for several cities, school districts, and special districts throughout L.A. County. Holly is pictured here with the L.A. Chamber President, and many other elected officials and dignitaries at the event. Congratulations  Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce  for organizing a successful event.


10/18/17-  California Consulting Associate, Matthew Park, attended the Kern CSDA Annual Meeting/ Luncheon on Wednesday, October 18th. The meeting was held at Hodel's in Bakersfield. California Consulting is proud to represent many special districts throughout California.










10/12/17-  California Consulting, LLC  CEO, Steve Samuelian, met with Congressman Lou Correa's District Representative, Rachel Rolnicki, at the Congressman's District Office in Santa Ana today. The meeting topic was grant opportunities. California Consulting provides grant writing services for many public agencies throughout Orange County.







10/9/17- California Consulting CEO, Steve Samuelian, had the pleasure of attending the  Orange County Business Council  Government Affairs Council meeting in Irvine, CA. Many top commun ity leaders in OC attended to hear updates on many activities. 
A very informative OCBC session. Thanks Dirissy Doan for the kind invitation!


10/6/17- California Consulting CEO, Steve Samuelian, and Senior Associate,  Maryann Marino  attended the Westminster State of the City lunch with Mayor Tri Ta. It was an outstanding update by the Mayor of the fiscal health of the City. Steve Samuelian and Maryann Marino are pictured with Westminster Mayor Pro-Tem  Tyler Diep

10/3/17California Consulting, LLC  supporting the 41st annual Asian American Business Association awards gala in Los Angeles.







10/3/17- State Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma and California Consulting Associate Lee Neves at a reception hosted by the California Latino Water Coalition held in Fresno. The event was attended by more than twenty local elected officials from throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Many thanks to the California Latino Water Coalition and Mario Santoyo for organizing this special event.

10/2/17-  California Consulting, LLC  Director of Operations  Dan Rodriguez  in Riverside at the Inland Empire Business meeting. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services to many public agencies throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.


Issue: 23
In This Issue


CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: 
City of Huntington Park


California Consulting is pleased to spotlight our client, City of Huntington Park. The City of Huntington Park was incorporated in 1906 as a streetcar suburb for the workers of the ever expanding industries of south east Los Angeles. 

Pacific Boulevard, the commercial business street of Huntington Park, has been host to many festivals, carnival fairs and parades for the city. A noteworthy event is the "Carnaval Primavera" that is held each year for three days across nine blocks of the Pacific Boulevard stretch in Huntington Park. In one particular occasion it's estimated that the event] brought out over 350,000 people from all across Los Angeles and the surrounding cities. The event has a large number of vendors selling local cuisine plates to food from Central America and Mexico. There is also carnival rides, games, and live musical entertainment. Admission to the Huntington Park Carnaval Primavera is free and all ages are welcome to the family-oriented event.

An interesting fact about Huntington Park is they are known for it's vast co ncentration of wedding Bridal Boutiques and Shops. Some of these boutiques also specialize in special events attire ranging from prom desses, quinceaƱera dresses, to first communion dresses.
Adding to the "Hispanic Mecca" of shops is the 2017 grand opening of the  Jenni Rivera  Boutique on Pacific Boulevard, in Huntington Park CA. 

Information in the above article was derived from City of Huntington Park website  http://www.hpca.gov/ 

Team Member Spotlight: 
Karen Simpson

Karen Simpson  is a  Project Manager at California Consulting located in Southern California. She has served within municipal government for 27 years for the Cities of Los Angeles, and Pomona, California. Karen has garnered her grant-writing skills for Federal and State funding opportunities from multiple Community and Economic Development programs. 

She has extensive knowledge and training in grant program management, grant research, grant writing, and post-award program compliance. She is skilled in building collaborates between community based organizations, faith-based entities, educational, and social institutions, which resulted in Federal grant awards totaling $10.4 million in less than 7 years. 

She has written grants addressing: at-risk children and youth, K-12 education, job training, homeless assistance, economic development, housing improvement, and lead-hazard control.

Karen is an Independent Grant Consultant for non-profit organizations providing grant writing services, capacity building and funding strategies to help meet needs in underserved neighborhoods.

MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES:

CalRecycle: FY2017-18 Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) Grants

 

Deadlines: 
November 1, 2017; and February 1, 2018

Amount: Individual grants up to $300,000

Match: Any project or materials costs not covered by the grant.

Eligibility:  California local government entities (including cities, counties, and cities and counties); Special districts (including transportation districts); Joint Powers Authorities (JPA) (where all JPA members are also otherwise eligible applicants); Public school districts; Institutions of higher education; for-profit entities, nonprofit entities.



The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) administers a program to provide opportunities to divert waste tires from landfill disposal, prevent illegal tire dumping, and promote markets for recycled-content tire products. The Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) Grant Program (Program) provides assistance to civil engineers in solving a variety of engineering challenges. TDA, which is produced from shredded tires, is lightweight, free-draining, and a less expensive alternative to conventional lightweight aggregates.  Projects must be located in California and use California waste tires.  Projects generally fall into one of four categories :
1)      Category 1: Lightweight fill (slope stabilization, embankment fill, landslide repair, and retaining walls).
2)      Category 2: Vibration mitigation (under rail lines).
3)      Category 3: Low impact development/storm water management.
4)      Category 4: Landfill application (aggregate replacement projects such as leachate and gas collection systems, drainage layers, leachate injection).  

Projects that are currently underway or that have been completed at the same location within the same facility within three years of application are not eligible. Landfill application projects do not include use of shredded waste tires as alternative daily cover or alternative intermediate cover. Additionally, these landfill application project(s) are not eligible for consideration as a Very Large Project .

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD): Charge Up Program

Deadline: Continuous until funding exhausted

Amount: $50,000 cap (see breakdown below)

Match: None

Eligibility: private entities, non-profit agencies, or a public agency intending to install EV chargers for public access charging that are located within the boundaries of the SJVAPCD's jurisdiction


The purpose of this program is to fund the purchase and installation of new electric vehicle Level 2 chargers to promote clean air alternative-fuel technologies and the use of low- or zero-emission vehicles.  Grant amounts are provided as follows:
  • $5000 per unit for Level 2 Single-Port Chargers
  • $6,000 per unit for Level 2 Dual-Port Chargers
Funding amounts listed apply towards the charger, eligible installation costs, and necessary signage; they are not rebates nor intended for currently-installed charger units. Publicly accessible EV chargers must be available and opened to the public for a minimum of 30 hours per week during hours that would be reasonably used by the public. These chargers must be available for public use during times in which public parking is allowed at the site of the EV chargers.

Major League Baseball Foundation: Baseball Tomorrow Fund

 
Deadline: Quarterly (January 1, April 1, July 1, & October 1)

Amount: $40,000 average award size

Match: 50% or more of total project cost

Eligibility: Tax exempt organizations including municipalities, school districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits


The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association designed to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball around the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, uniforms, and equipment. Grants are intended to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary for youth baseball or softball programs. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund supports projects that meet the following evaluation criteria: increase the number of youth participating in baseball and softball programs; improve the quality of youth baseball and softball programs.

CalOES: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Planning Grant Subapplication

 
Deadline: January 1, 2018

Amount: $150,000 for a single jurisdiction and $250,000 for a multi-jurisdictional planning activity

Match: 25% or more of the total project costs

Eligibility: State agencies, local governments, special districts,  and some private non-profits


The Planning Subapplication for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding is available for eligible entities in California as the result of Presidential Disaster Declarations (DR-4301, DR-4305 and DR4308). Planning activities that reduce the effects of future natural disasters are eligible for this funding.  Eligible activities that can be funded as mitigation planning-related activities under HMGP (these activities are not eligible under Pre Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)) include but are not limited to:
  1. 1.      Updating or enhancing sections of the current FEMA-approved mitigation plan, such as:
  • The risk and vulnerability assessment based on new information, including supporting studies, such as economic analyses
  • The mitigation strategy, specifically strengthening the linkage to mitigation action implementation, with emphasis on available HMA project grant funding
  • The risk assessment and/or mitigation strategy, incorporating climate adaptation, green building, smart growth principles, or historic properties and cultural resources information
  1. 2.      Integrating information from mitigation plans, specifically risk assessment or mitigation strategies, with other planning efforts, such as:
  • Disaster recovery strategy (pre- or post-), preparedness, or response plans
  • Comprehensive (e.g., land use, master) plans
  • Capital improvement or economic development plans
  • Resource management/conservation plans (e.g., storm water, open space)
  • Other long-term community planning initiatives (e.g., transportation or housing)
  1. 3.      Building capability through delivery of technical assistance and training.
  2. 4.      Evaluating adoption and/or implementation of ordinances that reduce risk and/or increase resilience.
 
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): National Clean Diesel Rebate Program - 2017 School Bus Replacement and Retrofit Funding Opportunity

Deadline:  November 14, 2017

Amount:  Rebates for Class 3-5 Buses of $15,000; Rebates for Class 6-8 Buses of $20,000

Match:  Any project costs not covered by the rebate program

Eligibility:  Regional, state, or tribal agencies including school districts and municipalities; or private entities that operate school buses under a contract with an eligible regional/state/tribal agency.



EPA designed this rebate program to encourage school bus fleet turnover so more children can ride buses with the cleanest emissions standards or buses that have been retrofitted to reduce emissions. This rebate program will provide rebate incentives to selected eligible applicants to replace diesel school buses powered by model year 2006 or older engines with new buses powered by a certified 2017 or newer model year engine, or that operate solely on electricity. Eligible replacement school buses may operate on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), gasoline, battery or hybrid drivetrains, or alternative fuels such as natural gas or propane. Depending on bus size, EPA will offer $15,000 -$20,000 per bus to fleets scrapping and replacing their eligible old buses. This rebate program will also allow fleet owners the option to retrofit diesel buses powered by model year 1994 to 2006 engines with EPA verified Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs). DOCs are exhaust aftertreatment devices that reduce toxic emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment. DOCs are widely used as a retrofit technology because of their simplicity and limited maintenance requirements. EPA will fully fund the parts and installation of a DOC, up to $3000.   


US Department of Education: Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) Program

Deadline : Continuous

Amount:  Immediate Services grant: Up to $50,000 for a period of six months; Extended Services grants: Up to $250,000 for 18 months

Match : None required

Eligibility: Local education agencies (LEAs) and instutions of higher education (IHEs)


This program funds  short-term and long-term education-related services for local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to help them recover from a violent or traumatic event in which the learning enviromentment has been disrupted. LEAs and IHEs may apply for two types of assistance  under Project SERV: Immediate Services grants and
Extended Services grants.  Immediate Services grants are intended to provide short-term support shortly after a traumatic event. Immediate Services grants are intended to provide a limited amount of funds to meet acute needs and restore the learning environment.  Extended Services grants are intended to address the long-term recovery efforts that may be needed following a traumatic event. Extended Services applications are considered unsolicited grant applications and undergo a rigorous internal review by the Office of Safe and Healthy Students and the Office of the General Counsel. After review by staff members, the application is peer reviewed by an outside panel before being considered for funding.


California Department of Education (CDE): Child and Adult Care Food Program Apportionment Funding

Deadline:  Continuous.  Applications or other data may be submitted at any time during the fiscal year.

Amount : Varies.  Agencies are reimbursed for the number and types of meals served according to the participant's household eligibility for free, reduced-price, or base rate meals.

Match:  None

Eligibility:  Institutions of higher education, local educational agencies, nonprofit organizations, other organizations or agencies



The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a state and federally funded program that provides funding to licensed child care centers, adult day care centers, and organizations that sponsor day care homes to ensure participants receive nutritionally adequate meals and snacks while in care. Funding is also available for meals and snacks at emergency shelters and after school programs.  Each program component must serve a different population or age group. At-risk after school programs must be located in a low-income area.  Applicants eligible for subsidy include public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit agencies; agencies licensed or approved to provide nonresidential day care to children or chronically impaired adults. Public or private nonprofit emergency shelters may also be eligible for subsidy.  Agencies are reimbursed for the number and types of meals served according to the participant's household eligibility for free, reduced-price, or base rate meals. In addition to $521,551,000 in federal funds, $2,051,000 in state funds are available for child care agencies. Current rates are available on the Rates page at




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