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Youth Mini-Grant Funding Allocations
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TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager
Prepared By: Shalini Reddy, Recreation Coordinator
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
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The City Council will consider approving the Youth Advisory Committee’s recommended funding allocations for the Youth Mini-Grant Program.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt the Resolution Approving the Funding Recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Youth Advisory Committee Youth Mini-Grant Program.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Youth Mini-Grant Program is supported by the General Fund in the amount of $10,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
DESCRIPTION:
Background
The Youth Advisory Committee established the Youth Mini-Grant Program in Fiscal Year 2012-13 to support youth organizations that offer programs for middle and high school students. The Youth Mini-Grant Program has $10,000 to allocate to the organizations. Each year, Dublin-based youth organizations and clubs have an opportunity to apply for grant funding to assist in offering activities to the community, including performing arts, sports, multicultural awareness, health awareness, or other programs that support projects or activities benefiting Dublin youth. Funding is recommended by the Committee, reviewed by the Parks and Community Services Commission, and awarded to organizations and clubs by the City Council.
2026-2027 Youth Mini-Grants
The Fiscal Year 2026-27 application period was open from September 4 to October 2, 2026. The program was advertised via social media, the City’s website, at Dublin middle and high schools, and was sent to Committee members to assist with publicity. Twenty-two applications were submitted by the deadline.
Staff used the Youth Advisory Committee Mini-Grant Application Rating Form (Attachment 3) to evaluate the grant proposals. The top 10 applicants were invited to present at the October 14, 2026 Youth Advisory Committee meeting for funding consideration. Nine organizations presented; the organization that did not attend was not considered for funding. The nine organizations that gave presentations are listed in Table 1, and their applications are included as Attachment 2.
The Committee evaluated the presentations, deliberated, and developed funding recommendations. Table 1 lists organizations in descending order by average Committee rating, from highest to lowest, with ties listed in order of the amount awarded.
TABLE 1. FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
|
Organization |
Grant Proposal |
Amount Requested |
Amount Awarded |
Average Rating |
|
Emerald High School Basic Life Support Program |
Provides Basic Life Support training, including instructors, equipment, materials, and certification opportunities. |
$3,500.00 |
$3,000.00 |
17.0 |
|
Emerald High School Wellness Ambassadors |
Supports student-led wellness initiatives promoting mental health awareness, healthy lifestyles, and peer engagement. |
$2,500.00 |
$3,000.00 |
16.0 |
|
Polar Care Express |
Supports a student-led community service initiative providing care and assistance to individuals in need. |
$1,000.00 |
$800.00 |
15.0 |
|
Dublin High School Engineering Club |
Supports student-led engineering projects and hands-on STEM learning through equipment and materials. |
$1,000.00 |
$800.00 |
12.5 |
|
Emerald High School Gardening Club |
Supports school gardening activities, supplies, and hands-on environmental education. |
$250.00 |
$300.00 |
12.5 |
|
Emerald High School AEROSpace Club |
Supports aerospace education and hands-on projects that encourage student interest in aviation and STEM careers. |
$1,250.00 |
$800.00 |
12.0 |
|
Emerald High School Pre-Law & Mock Trial Club |
Supports student participation in mock trial activities, including legal education, case preparation, and competitive opportunities. |
$800.00 |
$600.00 |
12.0 |
|
Dublin High School Quiz Bowl |
Supports academic competitions, student preparation, and participation in quiz bowl activities. |
$1,013.43 |
$500.00 |
11.0 |
|
NeuroBridge |
Supports increasing understanding of neuroscience and neurodiversity among children and families by advocating for accessibility and inclusion. |
$500.00 |
$200.00 |
11.0 |
|
|
Total |
$11,813.43 |
$10,000.00 |
|
The Emerald High School Wellness Ambassadors and Emerald High School Gardening Club were both awarded more than requested. The Committee felt that, based on current needs and the organizations’ respective goals, additional funding would help support proposed activities, address current needs, and maximize the overall impact of the projects.
On October 19, 2026, the Parks and Community Services Commission confirmed the selections made by the Committee and recommended the funding allocations to the City Council.
Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief project report to describe how the funds were used and the number of youth impacted upon completion of projects. Grantees are encouraged to provide photos, testimonials, and flyers used to promote their projects. Those not submitting a report as requested may not be considered for future Youth Mini-Grants. Project reports will be delivered at the Committee’s Regular Meeting in April or May 2027.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution Approving the Funding Recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Youth Advisory Committee Youth Mini-Grant Program
2) 2026-27 Mini-Grant Applications
3) Youth Advisory Committee Mini-Grant Application Rating Form