Direct Service Grants:

Local non-profit community-based organizations with a 501(c)(3) recognition by the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) and government agencies are eligible to receive grants. Eligible applicants must have a base of operations in, or provide significant services to residents of the following geographic areas:

• Bell
• Boyle Heights
• Commerce
• Huntington Park
• Maywood
• Vernon
• Unincorporated area known as East Los Angeles

The Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee will review and approve grants before funds are disbursed. No requests for funding made directly to the Vernon City Council or City Administration or any City Department will be considered. All applications must submitted via email to vcf@cityofvernonca.gov using the application form available on this web site. Any eligible applicant not able to complete an application in the prescribed manner should contact the Vernon CommUNITY Fund.
The Vernon CommUNITY Fund accepts applications for general operating support and time limited projects. The focus of grant applications in FY 2025-2026 should be on programs and services in the following areas:

• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Legal aid
• Youth support

The VCF Grant Committee will review applications that:

• Promote the health, safety and welfare of persons residing or working within the designated geographic areas
• Invest in workforce development, particularly for young people ages 14 – 24
• Demonstrate a measurable benefit to residents of Vernon and surrounding areas
• Demonstrate capacity by the applicant organization to ably manage and achieve intended results in an effective and efficient manner
• Use funds for their best and highest purposes with practices that eliminate waste and potential for fraud
• Provide evidence that the ability and commitment to maintenance and repair needs exists over the long term for capital projects
• Garner appreciation from the public and recognize the contribution from the City of Vernon

Grant Amounts and Terms:

Grant awards for FY 2025-2026 are expected to range from $15,000 to $20,000 for operations, projects and programs that are implemented over a period of 6 to 12 months. Small grants of less than $5000, contributions to events, and sponsorships will not be considered for funding.
Organizations are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Documented operational history of at least one year
• Established Board of Directors that approves financials, has meeting minutes and is in good standing with federal and state authorities
• Track record of program and project planning that includes community engagement

Grant Selection:

Grant awards will be selected based on completed proposals. A complete grant proposal will explain:

• Who will benefit from the proposed work and how the applicant organization will measure success
• What services are provided by the organization and/or program that justify general operating costs
• Over what period of time the funds will be used
• For proposed projects, how funds will be used and a description of what capacity exists to assure effective and efficient use of funds

What the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Cannot Support:

• Advocacy, political campaigns, or lobbying activity
• Personal or business loans
• Grants to religious organizations intended to promote one religious perspective and/or require the public to subscribe or conform to a religious practice