The City of Rancho Mirage is now accepting applications for Special Assistance Funds (SAF) for fiscal year 2023/2024. The City Council has allocated $103,000 for support of nonprofit organizations that have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2023.
Special Assistance Funds (SAF) Program
In 1990, the City Council implemented a special assistance funds program for nonprofits that have a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Funds are set aside each fiscal year for the purpose of allocation to community groups and organizations that provide special activities, programs, or services to the citizens of the community. The number and variety of funding requests made to the City have increased over the years. To provide guidance to those groups and organizations that may wish to request funds, the City prepared guidelines and policies for the allocation of funds.
Program Objectives
The overall objectives of the City of Rancho Mirage special assistance funding program are:
• Protection and improvement of the living environment for the residents of Rancho Mirage;
• Assistance to low and moderate-income households and special population groups such as the elderly, in meeting basic needs, and
• Enabling residents to increase or improve their capacity to deal with problems over the long-term without continuing public assistance.
Program Priorities
Priority for funding will be given to programs, projects or services that address basic living conditions of the citizens of Rancho Mirage, which include food and shelter. Second priority for funding will be given to programs, projects or services that improve an individual’s or household’s health, basic living conditions and capacity to be self-sufficient, which include health care and related transportation, seniors, children, and youth services. The third priority for funding consideration will be given to programs, projects or services that improve the livability of the community but are not, of necessity, related to basic living conditions, which include arts and cultural, advocacy, animals, educational programs or services related to employment or job training, energy conservation, and other programs or services deemed necessary to support community groups and organizations.
The Special Assistance Fund guidelines and application are available on the City’s website at www.RanchoMirageCA.gov.