Meeting Minutes – February 9, 2024
Guadalupe Coalition of Nonprofits
In-Person Meeting
Guadalupe Social Club
February 9, 2024
Attendees:
- Jose J Nichols – Comite Civico & Lions Club
- Eryn Parks – Savie Health
- Karina Acosta – Childrens’ Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County
- Garret Matsuura – GBA, GVPAC, Friends of the SMVRR
- Gloria Villegas – Dunes Center
- Erika Weber – Dunes Center
- Roberto Rodriguez – Boys and Girls Club, Central Coast
- Josue Rojo – Boys and Girls Club, Central Coast
- Deek Segovia – VVA Chapter 982
- Gary See – Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad
- Kevin O’Roark – Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad
Minutes
Meeting Start: 3:30
Welcome and introduction
Presentation and Q&A by Al Correale and Marcos Ramos from the USDA
Al and Marcos provided information on the number of Community programs that the USDA provides communities. They include community facilities to waste water programs. The have worked with water tanks and water treatment plants, 1st responder equipment, surveillance equipment, early childhood development centers, and more. They have been involved in the LeRoy Park Expansion project as well as the new Jr. High School.
Specifically, their Community Facilities Program can cover things as diverse as street beautification, childcare facilities, museums, educational institutions, food bank, community kitchens, and more.
They have grant (matching) and loan programs that can be used for equipment, capital improvements and they peak around $50,000. Guadalupe is 33% grant eligible, meaning that grants need to be matched by the non-profit at a rate of 67% to the USDA’s 33%. For example, with an approved grant project, if a nonprofit funds $670, the USDA could fund $330.
While there is no specific grant window, the fiscal year goes from October 1st to September 30th. Funds dry up over the course of the year.
State grants can be used as matching funds but NOT federal funds. Grants are typically reimbursable, not up-front payments.
Al would be the local point of contact for questions and processes.
The presentation was followed by roundtable updates.
Eryn with Savie talked about vision clinics that happen the 2nd Friday each month as well as a Health Fair coming up on 2/17.
Jose and Karina both spoke about the 211 event coming up on Saturday, February 10th at Minami Center in Santa Maria.
Deek spoke about a scholarship fundraiser via engraved brick sales at their monument in downtown. He also talked about Color Guard representation at local events.
Josue spoke about Friday Teen Nights at the Boys and Girls Club as well as a food bank on the last Thursday of the month.
Erika and Gloria spoke about the July 27th Dunes Center Gala at the Edwards Barn as well as the upcoming Coastal Stories project. There is also a neat hike at Oso Flaco coming up on Saturday the 24th.
Kevin and Gary spoke about a Friends of the SMVRR Fundraiser BBQ at the Osburn Rail Yard in Santa Maria also on the 24th. Oso Flaco hikers are were encouraged to come after the hike.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:00pm.
