How to Apply:
Grant applications to fund projects or programs to be delivered in 2023 are now being accepted. Applications are available in “Word” form, and can be downloaded by clicking here.
Background & Process:
The Avila Beach Community Foundation was created to manage an endowment established as part of the UNOCAL beach contamination clean-up settlement. Funds from the endowment may be made available for grant-making purposes in an amount determined annually by the Foundation's Board of Trustees.
The Foundation accepts applications for the funding of grants each year from July through early September for projects that will take place during the ensuing calendar year. The Board of Trustees reviews grant requests and determines recipients each fall. Sponsorship of smaller projects or special projects may occur other times throughout the year outside of the grant-making process and calendar. Such requests may be acted on by the Foundation's Board of Trustees or Executive Committee in accordance with our by-laws.
Description of the Grant Process:
In the summer of each calendar year, organizations located in Avila Beach and other interested parties that serve Avila Beach are invited to submit requests for the funding of projects to enhance the community of Avila Beach to be accomplished during the following calendar year. All requests are acted on by the Board of Trustees of the Foundation or the Executive Committee of the Foundation in accordance with our by-laws.
The goal of the Foundation is to finance enhancement projects of minor amounts, major amounts, or co-sponsored projects with other organizations.
Matching Contributions:
The Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees recognizes the value of seeking grants from our organization to leverage funding from other grant-making organizations. It is therefore possible that applicants seeking matchings grants may be given greater consideration during our selection process.
Questions about the grant matching contributions requirements should be directed to Foundation Executive Director, Rick Cohen at avilafoundation@gmail.com.
Criteria for Consideration of Project Funding and Support:
The Board of Trustees will also give more favorable consideration to projects that meet all or most of the following criteria in some measure:
- Improvements in the physical, cultural and social well-being of the residents and visitors of the Avila Beach Community.
- Enhancements beyond the services normally expected to be provided by government and private agencies.
- Reflect the history and culture of the Avila Beach Community
- Have the support of a cross-section of Avila Beach residents and visitors
- Provide for permanent improvements
- Pre-existence of all elements of a successful project (e.g. leadership, responsibility, expertise, commitment, organization, etc.)
- Pre-existence of any governmental support essential to the project
- Ability and authority to satisfy any conditions established by the Foundation
- Ability to fully accomplish the project within the proposed funding without expectation of additional funding.