By Sara Beth Williams–
Multiple nonprofit organizations serving Citrus Heights residents are being recommended to receive over $150,000 in city grant funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
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 are also being recommended to receive grant funding from the city’s Community Project Grant program, which are awarded to community groups for special projects and events implemented in Citrus Heights.
The city received 26 applications total for the Non-Profit Community Support Fund program, requesting a combined $775,207, more than five times the $150,000 available for the program. Organizations that applied included both local and regional nonprofits, from the Sylvan Ranch Community Garden, Citrus Heights Community Marching Band and Purple Pageant, to Nor Cal Resist and Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center.
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 total awards. The Citrus Heights City Council is scheduled to consider approving the proposed allocations at its Wednesday, Oct. 14, meeting.
Proposed grant fund allocations
Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) is being recommended to receive the largest award of $40,000, for its Rental Assistance Program. Meals on Wheels is also recommended for a $35,000 grant to support senior nutrition services, and Campus Life Connection is proposed to receive $22,500 for its youth and community support program. In 2025, Citrus Heights HART was also awarded $30,000.
Sunrise Christian Food Ministry is recommended for a $15,000 grant allocation, which will support food recovery and distribution, and Big Brothers Big Sisters is proposed to receive $12,700 for its Pathways to Potential youth mentoring program.
The remaining recommended awards include $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. In 2025, Citrus Heights Arts was awarded $12,000.
Several organizations requested more than the committee recommended. Campus Life Connection requested $30,000, while Meals on Wheels requested $70,000. The Community Marching Band requested $20,000, and the Purple Pageant requested $10,000.
The city recommended nine nonprofits receive $150,000 in Non-Profit Community Support funding, which if approved, will use the full amount budgeted for the program this fiscal year.
Additionally, the committee is recommending two awards totaling $4,190 through the city’s Community Projects Grant program to two other nonprofits.
The Kiwanis Club is recommended to receive $2,190 for an update to the garden at Mesa Verde High School. Sylvan Ranch Community Garden is also proposed to receive $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.
According to the staff report, the committee’s recommendation for the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band also includes $4,000 in in-kind event sponsorship for the band’s spaghetti dinner at the event center, which is separate from the proposed $6,800 grant, bringing the total value of the recommended support for the band to $10,800.
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.
Grant recipients are generally required to report on specified program outcomes to the City Council at a later date.
Those wishing to make a public comment during the upcoming meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Oct. 14, 2026, at City Hall or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website.
Written comments are no longer being read out loud following amendments to the city council’s handbook but will be included in city council agenda packets. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
See the full agenda packet online: Click here:
