The Community Micro Grants Program provides funding to support one-time community projects or events that are free and open to the public and improve quality of life in Rancho Cordova. Community organizations are responsible for proposing, designing, and implementing the project or event.

These grants are intended to encourage community involvement, build local pride, and support nonprofit and service organizations in creating meaningful community impact.

Organizations may apply for:

• Up to two $5,000 grants per fiscal year, or
• One $10,000 grant per fiscal year

A Fiscal Year is from July 1 – June 30.

Please review carefully before applying:

• Funds are reimbursable. Organizations must pay expenses upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement.
• Funds are for one-time projects or events only.
• Projects must take place within Rancho Cordova city limits.
• Applicants are responsible for securing any required permits, insurance, and coordinating with all applicable governing bodies for use of public or private space.
• Activities funded by this program must serve a public purpose and benefit the Rancho Cordova community.

Eligible applicants include:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Rancho Cordova-based community groups
• Service-oriented organizations (such as Moose Lodge, Kiwanis, Soroptimist, and similar groups)

Organizations must be in good standing and proposing a project that improves the quality of life in Rancho Cordova.

Funds may be used for:

• Community events open to the public
• One-time neighborhood or beautification projects
• Supplies, materials, rentals, and event-related costs
• Fundraising events hosted by a Rancho Cordova-based service organization, provided:
• The event takes place in Rancho Cordova
• The fundraiser directly benefits the service organization
• The organization is service-oriented (such as Moose Lodge, Kiwanis, Soroptimist, etc.)

• All projects and events funded through this program must be free and open to Rancho Cordova residents.
• Organizations may not charge participation fees, admission fees, ticket costs, or required donations for events funded with Community Micro Grant dollars.
• The intent of this program is to remove financial barriers and ensure inclusive access to community programming.

A Rancho Cordova-based service organization (e.g., Kiwanis, Soroptimist, Moose Lodge, etc.) may use grant funds to support a one-time fundraising event, provided that:

• The organization is service-oriented in nature.
• The event takes place in Rancho Cordova.
• Proceeds directly benefit the applying service organization.
• The fundraising event is clearly identified as such in the application.

Important Clarification:

• This exception applies only to service-oriented organizations.
• It does not apply to all nonprofits.

The Community Micro Grants Program is not intended to fund general nonprofit fundraising events. Applications submitted solely for standard nonprofit fundraising activities may not be considered competitive or eligible.

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Retroactive funding for completed projects
• Salaries for permanent employees
• Ongoing operational costs
• Start-up programs requiring ongoing funding
• Projects that benefit only one individual
• Political activities or projects affiliated with political parties
• Organizations that practice discrimination
• Contributions to large capital campaigns
• Fundraising for personal gain
• Religious organizations for religious purposes
• Private school groups or activities

Submissions will be reviewed by the city within 30 days, using the following criteria:

• Are city funds currently available?
• Can the proposed project be completed with local group contributions and up to a $10,000 Nonprofit Micro Grant?
• Is there a clear public benefit to Rancho Cordova Residents?
• Does the project serve a public purpose?
• Can the project be completed in the calendar year?
• All projects must take place within the city limits of Rancho Cordova.
• Are activities free and open to the public ( unless qualifying under the service organization exception)?

Note: Preference may be given to projects that occur in public spaces, such as parks, public schools, City Hall or similar locations.

1. Review Small Community Grant Guidelines for Nonprofits and Standard Insurance Requirements
2. Complete an  Micro Grant Application
3. Provide three letters of support from community members who will be a part of the project or event and who live in the project neighborhood.

Note: Organizations have the option to apply for up to two $5,000 grants per fiscal year, OR one $10,000 grant per fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

Send your completed application and letters of support to LCarl@CityofRanchoCordova.org.

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