Temecula To Award Over $1M In Grants To Local Nonprofits

TEMECULA, CA — The city of Temecula has budgeted over $1.1 million in city grant funding to be disbursed in 2023 to support charitable programs that exclusively benefit Temecula residents, the city announced.

The nonprofits applied for the funds through the City's competitive FY22-23 grant program, Community Service Funding-Reinvestment in Temecula.

On Nov. 15, the Temecula City Council awarded 49 different programs to receive grants ranging in amounts from $5,000 to $50,000 each and totaling $1,105,500.

Selected nonprofit organizations can expect to receive funding agreements over the next few weeks, kicking off an exciting start to 2023, city officials said in a news release issued Jan. 5.

Nonprofits will begin receiving checks to supplement an array of helpful services to Temecula residents including individuals with special needs, seniors, veterans, homeless, at-risk youth, and many more, according to Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank.

Awardees include Michelle's Place Cancer Resource Center, which will receive $50,000; Animal Friends of the Valleys, which will receive $40,000; Assistance League of Temecula Valley which will receive $50,000; Birth Choice of Temecula Valley, which will receive $25,000; Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County, which will receive $50,000; Good Samaritan Community Food Pantry, which will receive $25,000; Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley which will receive $45,000; and several others. (See below for full list of recipients.)

"This is the highest sum ever awarded in a year through a grant program to nonprofit organizations in Temecula’s history," Schwank said. "These funds will be infused directly into the local community, and l am proud to facilitate an ecosystem that supports volunteerism and civic engagement while helping individuals and families living in Temecula."

In addition to the rising costs of goods and services, many nonprofit organizations struggled to fundraise during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will assist local nonprofit organizations in their recovery from such an unprecedented time, the city said.

"Whether it's to feed, shelter, educate, or provide support to those with cancer or other ailments, charitable nonprofits serve as a bridge during challenging times for Temecula families," said Temecula Mayor Pro Tem James "Stew" Stewart. "If we can enhance the quality of life in Temecula through funding programs that help citizens in need get back on their feet, we are likewise helping to sustain some of the more fragile areas of our local economy."

The program is administered by the City Manager's Office. Grant applications for the next annual FY23-24 grant program will be available in July.