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BACKGROUND In 1992, the City initiated a formal funding application process for community-based organizations providing human services, cultural arts and programs promoting the City. These grant requests were originally reviewed annually by the Human Services Commission, with funding recommendations forwarded to the City Council for inclusion in the fiscal Operations Budget. Beginning in FY 1995/96, the application process was extended to include youth services/needs. The Civic Arts Commission was established in 1996 and began to review requests in the cultural arts category. In June 2007, compliance protocols were approved authorizing each commission to identify, if appropriate, a list of additional or increased awards for consideration should funds become available. This protocol provides an opportunity for the commissions to recommend the reallocation of unused funds from a specific category, or from an incomplete or underachieving project. Each commission's task is to critically review the applications submitted in an effort to reach funding solutions that make the most efficient and equitable use of limited City Grant funds. The current Application Packet includes general information, mission statement, funding categories, evaluation criteria, funding priorities and limitations for the City Grant Program. Additionally, it defines the application review/evaluation process for the Civic Arts and Youth commissions, within each interest area, and clarifies funding accountability. FISCAL YEAR 2019/2020 FUNDING CYCLE Application Process Application Packets were available online beginning December 13, 2018, with applications due on January 22, 2019 by 3 p.m. The appropriate City commissions reviewed and evaluated the applications in February 2019. The FY 2019/2020 application process allowed time for the agencies to prepare applications, City staff to evaluate applications, and Commissioners to review prior to the March commission meetings. Applicants have also been notified that each agency must attend the appropriate City commission meeting and some have been requested to make a presentation. Funding Guidelines and Priorities At its meeting on November 5, 2018, the Civic Arts Commission adopted a funding guideline statement. In evaluating applications for this category, the Civic Arts Commission will primarily consider projects that: • Engage new and diverse participants and/or new audience members for the arts in Pleasanton. • Target a specific community need or a gap in art services; and/or • Involve co-production and collaboration with local organizations. • NOTE: Residual funding from previous year in the amount of$4,402 is available to those groups interested in participating in Ignite 2019. Funding levels remained at a maximum of $7,500 per grant request. Page 2 of 6