HomeMy WebLinkAboutF-2.1. Approval of GREEN Community Grant ProgramCONSENT ITEM F-2
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY
BOARD
FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: JUNE 23, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF GREEN COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
BACKGROUND:
To encourage community involvement in creating greener, cleaner neighborhoods, Azusa Light & Water
(ALW) is launching a community grant that will help fund projects that promote recycling, conserve
energy and water, and increase environmental awareness. The GREEN Community Grant Program
(Grants for Recycling, Education, and Environmental Neighborhoods) aims to support community-based
projects that promote recycling, environmental education, and water and energy conservation. Grant funds
are awarded to eligible organizations that create cleaner, greener neighborhoods through practical and
educational efforts. The grant will range from $200 to $2,000; one grant per recipient per fiscal year.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Utility Board approve the following actions:
1) Approve the launch of the GREEN Community Grant Program to provide funding for local
projects that promote recycling, environmental education, and water and energy conservation.
ANALYSIS:
The GREEN Community Grant Program will offer annual grants ranging from $200 to $2,000, with a
limit of one grant per recipient per fiscal year. The program is only open to the following groups within
the City of Azusa city limits. The maximum amount to be expended per fiscal year shall be $30,000. Once
grants are awarded, on a first-come-first-served basis, up to said budgeted amount, no further grants will
be awarded and any pending applications shall be returned. A new application process will begin during
the next fiscal year.
•Schools – including teachers, departments, student groups, science and environmental clubs, and
athletic teams.
Approved
Utility Board
06/23/2025
Approval of GREEN Community Grant Program
June 23, 2025
Page 3
• Community Groups – including small businesses, HOAs, service organizations, scouting groups,
churches, youth clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
Projects must focus on one or more of the following areas:
1. Recycling & Waste Reduction
• Beverage container and packaging recycling
• Composting programs at schools or in the community
• Litter cleanup and prevention efforts
• Projects reducing single-use plastics
2. Water Conservation & Landscaping
• Turf removal and drought-tolerant landscaping
• Water-wise irrigation or stormwater capture systems
• Erosion control and waterway cleanup
• Forest restoration or tree planting
• Community gardens
• Public space enhancements with educational signage
3. Environmental Education & Engagement
• Science-based curriculum or student-led sustainability projects
• Contests promoting environmental awareness (e.g., posters, essays, photography)
• Youth club development and incentive programs
• Participation in local environmental and/or clean-up events
4. Energy Conservation
• School or community energy-saving campaigns
• Installation of energy-efficient lighting or devices (community benefit)
• Outreach programs teaching ways to reduce energy use at home or school
The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (SGVMWD) will support the Water Conservation &
Landscaping portion of the grant program for projects located within its service area through its
Opportunities for Water Leadership (OWL) Community Grant Program.
Grant proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Environmental impact
• Feasibility
• Community benefit
• Educational value
If approved, the full grant amount will be issued upfront. All funded projects must be completed within
180 days of approval. A final report is required at the end of the project, along with receipts (when
available) to confirm that funds were used as intended. Unspent funds must be returned to the City.
Approval of GREEN Community Grant Program
June 23, 2025
Page 3
FISCAL IMPACT:
A total budget of $30,000 for FY 2025-2026 is allocated for the grant program. Approved grants will be
funded according to the application’s environmental objectives. SGVMWD will support water
conservation within its service area. Energy conservation projects will be funded under 24-40-739-085-
6625/market6625; recycling under 39-40-750-065-6625, and water conservation (outside SGVMWD
service area) under 32-40-721-791-6633.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Liza Sagun Paul Reid
Environmental Programs Specialist Environmental Programs Manager
Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Danny Smith Tikan Singh
Utilities Admin and Finance Manager General Manager
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachment:
1) Grant Application
2) Expenditure Report Form