By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights City Council members approved over $150K in grant funding and in-kind donations to 11 nonprofits last week.
Nine nonprofits qualified to receive awards through the city’s Non-Profit Community Support Fund, which provides limited, one-time grants to nonprofit organizations delivering programs and services that benefit local residents. Two more nonprofits were awarded funding from the city’s Community Project Grant program, funds specifically given to community groups for special projects and events implemented in Citrus Heights.
The city received 26 applications total for this year’s Non-Profit Community Support Fund program, requesting a combined $775,207, more than five times the $150,000 available for the program. In 2025, only 12 nonprofits applied, requesting just over $200,000.
The City Council’s Quality of Life Committee reviewed applications for this year throughout September and recommended eleven grant funding awards, plus an in-kind donation to the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band.
Nonprofits who received grants included the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), who was awarded the largest amount $40,000, for its Rental Assistance Program. Meals on Wheels was also approved for a $35,000 grant to support senior nutrition services, and Campus Life Connection was awarded $22,500 for its youth and community support program.
Sunrise Christian Food Ministry was also awarded a $15,000 grant allocation, which will support food recovery and distribution, and Big Brothers Big Sisters was awarded $12,700 for its Pathways to Potential youth mentoring program.
“We are seeing the need increase with the changes in public food assistance,” Sunrise Christian Food Ministry director April Jacek said, adding that the nonprofit launched a pilot program last year of delivering food to families from Sunrise Pointe, Sylvan Middle School, Mesa Verde and San Juan high schools, Sayonara Drive and Vintage Oaks. Jacek said the food ministry plans to deliver between 500 and 600 meals again this year, on top of continuing maintaining their in-person food pantry.
Other grants approved included $8,000 for the Purple Pageant’s Young Teen Society, $6,800 for operating costs for the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band, $5,000 for Citrus Heights Arts’ annual Art Beat event and $5,000 for the Citrus Heights Rotary’s Shoes for Schools program.
The Citrus Heights City Council also approved an in-kind one-time donation from the city of $4,000 to the Community Marching Band, which is a sponsorship donation toward the band’s spaghetti dinner fundraising event.
Additionally, the City Council approved two more grant recommendations, totaling $4,190, which were given through the city’s Community Projects Grant program.
The council also approved a grant of $2,190 to the Mesa Verde Key Club for an update to the garden at Mesa Verde High School, with Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton recusing herself from the vote.
Sylvan Ranch Community Garden also received $2,000 for construction of an accessible deck and ramp.
The Community Project Grant program has differing criteria, and allocation of funding would be processed under the guidelines and available funding for that specific program.
City staff reviewed all received applications using a uniform 29-point rubric that considers factors including nonprofit status, local benefit, project scope, measurable outcomes, budget information and other funding sources.
If grant funding is approved, staff will notify applicants, finalize grant agreements outlining the funded work, eligible expenses, and reporting requirements, the staff report says.
