| ITEM #: 14. DATE: 07/06/2026 AI #:3337 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026-2027 COMMUNITY GRANT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Guylene Ozlanski, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director |
SUMMARY
Nonprofit organizations that provide human and social services directly benefiting Goodyear residents are eligible to apply for funding through the City’s Community Grant Funding program. For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 funding cycle, the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee reviewed 67 grant applications and is recommending 32 organizations receive a combined total of $214,400 from the $214,400 grant funding available for competitive award.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve the recommended FY2026-2027 Community Grant Funding allocations as recommended by the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee. (Guylene Ozlanski, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director)
FISCAL IMPACT
For the FY2026-2027 Community Grant Funding cycle, the city received 67 applications requesting a combined total of over $1,900,000 in grant funding. The approved General Fund budget for the Community Grant Funding program is $214,400. The Community Grant Funding Subcommittee recommends allocating a total of $214,400 grant awards to support 32 community-based programs and services and are included in the FY27 budget.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
The City’s Community Funding program was formalized through a 2001 Council resolution to support nonprofit organizations that provide services benefiting Goodyear residents. The program was established to assist organizations whose programs address identified community needs and enhance the quality of life within the community.
The following criteria were established by Council to guide funding recommendations:
At the December 13, 2021 Work Session, Council expressed interest in prioritizing funding for programs that support the recommendations identified in the Community & Neighborhood Services Master Plan. Priority focus areas include expanded access to childcare during non-traditional hours, trauma-informed mental health and substance-use services, peer support programs, transportation access, tele-services and mobile service delivery, food and emergency assistance programs, community gardens, and transitional support services for individuals recovering from or fleeing abuse.
At the April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council passed Resolution No. 2025-2460 and adopted a revised Community Funding Policy (No. CC-01-66) to establish a transparent, fair, and accountable framework for grant awards to nonprofit organizations while ensuring the effective and equitable distribution of available public resources. To qualify for community grant funding, nonprofit organizations must:
City staff solicited proposals from nonprofit organizations, reviewed grant applications for eligibility and completeness, and prepared materials for review by the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee. The subcommittee met on June 9, 2026 to evaluate grant applications and develop grant funding recommendations for City Council consideration.
The following criteria were established by Council to guide funding recommendations:
- Benefit to the community (current and historic)
- Demonstrated community need
- Avoidance of duplication of existing services
- Geographic service area
- Methods for documenting community benefit
- Clarity of project goals and objectives
- Longevity and reputation of the organization within the community
- Completion of follow-up documentation for previous awards
- Ability to secure funding from other sources
- Verification of tax-exempt status
At the December 13, 2021 Work Session, Council expressed interest in prioritizing funding for programs that support the recommendations identified in the Community & Neighborhood Services Master Plan. Priority focus areas include expanded access to childcare during non-traditional hours, trauma-informed mental health and substance-use services, peer support programs, transportation access, tele-services and mobile service delivery, food and emergency assistance programs, community gardens, and transitional support services for individuals recovering from or fleeing abuse.
At the April 7, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council passed Resolution No. 2025-2460 and adopted a revised Community Funding Policy (No. CC-01-66) to establish a transparent, fair, and accountable framework for grant awards to nonprofit organizations while ensuring the effective and equitable distribution of available public resources. To qualify for community grant funding, nonprofit organizations must:
- Be a registered 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit entity,
- Demonstrate a direct benefit to the Goodyear community and alignment with City Council priorities,
- Provide services without discrimination and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws,
- Submit a complete and timely grant application, including all requested documents, and
- Grant recipients must enter into a formal grant agreement with the city detailing terms, conditions, and reporting requirements.
City staff solicited proposals from nonprofit organizations, reviewed grant applications for eligibility and completeness, and prepared materials for review by the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee. The subcommittee met on June 9, 2026 to evaluate grant applications and develop grant funding recommendations for City Council consideration.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Applications for the FY2026-2027 grant funding cycle were made available on the city’s website on April 1, 2026 and distributed electronically to previous applicants, members of the Goodyear Faith & Community Roundtable, and individuals who requested information regarding the grant funding opportunity. Information regarding the grant program was also shared with local media outlets to broaden awareness and outreach efforts.
To assist grant applicants, staff hosted a pre-application webinar on April 8, 2026 outlining program requirements, eligibility criteria, and the application process. A recording of the webinar remained available on the city’s website throughout the application period to support accessibility and grant applicant participation.
The grant application deadline closed on April 30, 2026, resulting in 67 submitted applications requesting grant funding support for a wide range of community-based programs and services. On June 9, 2026, the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee met to review and discuss the grant applications and reached consensus on 32 grant funding recommendations totaling $214,400.
The recommended grant allocations support programs and services that align with Council priorities and address identified community needs, including food insecurity, housing stability, youth and family support services, workforce readiness, mental health resources, and other essential human services for Goodyear residents.
To assist grant applicants, staff hosted a pre-application webinar on April 8, 2026 outlining program requirements, eligibility criteria, and the application process. A recording of the webinar remained available on the city’s website throughout the application period to support accessibility and grant applicant participation.
The grant application deadline closed on April 30, 2026, resulting in 67 submitted applications requesting grant funding support for a wide range of community-based programs and services. On June 9, 2026, the Community Grant Funding Subcommittee met to review and discuss the grant applications and reached consensus on 32 grant funding recommendations totaling $214,400.
The recommended grant allocations support programs and services that align with Council priorities and address identified community needs, including food insecurity, housing stability, youth and family support services, workforce readiness, mental health resources, and other essential human services for Goodyear residents.
| Organization | FY27 Recommendation |
| Adelante Healthcare - Mobile Integrated Vision Care Screening for Goodyear Youth | $2,500 |
| Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank - to be used for the increased costs of goods and services, including labor costs. | $25,000 |
| Alice Cooper's Solid Rock - Hunger Relief for Underserved Youth | $10,000 |
| A New Leaf - to support communications costs for the shelter program. This includes telephones, cell phones for staff, internet, and network connectivity. | $7,500 |
| Angels on Patrol - Goodyear Police are Angels on Patrol | $15,000 |
| Area Agency on Aging, Region One - Goodyear Senior Citizen Meals | $21,400 |
| AZ Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) - Childhood Activities for Children in Foster Care in Goodyear | $2,500 |
| AZ Community Impact - Southwest Valley IHELP | $10,000 |
| AZ Community Impact - AZCI Warehouse Expansion | $15,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona - Goodyear Community-Based Mentoring Program | $2,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) - Out-of-School Time Programs for Goodyear Youth | $8,000 |
| Catitude Arts - Neighborhood Art Project | $5,000 |
| Central Arizona Shelter Services, Inc. - Shelter and Support Services for Goodyear Residents | $7,500 |
| Chicanos Por La Causa - Community Health Workshops and Engagement | $2,000 |
| Dress for Success - Career Services for Goodyear Residents | $5,000 |
| Duet: Partners in Healthy Aging - Vital Services for Goodyear Family Caregivers | $2,500 |
| Encircle Families - Mentoring and Support for Goodyear Families who have Children with Disabilities | $2,000 |
| Friends of Southwest Family Advocacy Center - Friends of the Southwest Family Advocacy Center | $3,500 |
| Gervonni Cares - Stuck in the Middle - Wraparound Support | $5,000 |
| Mission of Mercy - Access to Healthcare for Uninsured Goodyear Residents | 3,000 |
| New Life Center - New Life Center Emergency Shelter | $3,000 |
| Rock Steady Box - Rock with Us | $1,500 |
| Sleep in Heavenly Peace Arizona - Sleep in Heavenly Peace Arizona | $5,000 |
| Sounds Academy - Comprehensive Music Program for Underserved Goodyear Youth | $2,000 |
| Sounds of Autism - Unified Responders Community | $10,000 |
| Southwest Lending Closet - Keep the Lights On | $20,000 |
| Teen Lifeline - Suicide Prevention & Crisis Services for Goodyear Teens | $5,000 |
| Tumbleweed Club - Enrichment Program for Memory Care | $1,500 |
| Valley of the Sun YMCA southwest valley branch - Senior Wellness and Independence Initiative | $5,000 |
| West Valley Arts Council - The Art of Healthy Aging in Goodyear | $2,500 |
| White Tank Mtns Conservancy - a[Live] & Wild | $1,500 |
| Young Life - Agua Fria Young Life | $3,000 |
| Total Funded | $214,000 |