La Colonia Community Foundation, Casa De Amistad and several other local organizations received a piece of $50,000 in grant funding awarded by the Solana Beach City Council on June 26.
The Community Grant Program is funded by $35,000 from the city and $15,000 from EDCO.
This year, the city received 15 applications from organizations, most of them asking for the maximum $6,000 that a single organization is eligible to receive. Their applications added up to $79,200 in total funding requested.
After receiving the applications and presentations from the applicants, which occurred on June 12, council members then decide how to allocate the available funds.
The Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito uses the funding for events such as a shopping spree at Target later this fall for families with children who need clothes and other supplies for school.
“Appropriate school clothing can improve school attendance and help classroom performance,” Kathy O’Leary, grants chairman of the Assistance League, told the council earlier this month. “The students shop with their families, and many of them have never had this opportunity. Wearing new clothes helps children arrive in the classroom better prepared to learn.”
Brittney Canales, board president of the La Colonia Community Foundation, spoke about efforts to preserve local history and the educational programming the organization offers.
“By investing in our programs, we advocate for our existence and ensure our history is not forgotten, enriching both our community and the broader Solana Beach area,” Canales said.
Following the June 26 council meeting, there were 12 organizations that made the cut.
La Colonia Community Foundation and Casa De Amistad both received the maximum $6,000.
Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, California Western School of Law, Community Resource Center, Pathways to Citizenship and Solana Beach Community Connections all received $5,000.
The Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society received $3,000.
Sandpipers Square Dance Club and Disconnect Collective each received $2,500.