COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa City Council last week awarded the second and final round of Community Sake Grant funding to nine nonprofit organizations to put toward projects and initiatives that enhance the well-being and quality of life for Colusa residents.
The grants are funded from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allocation, which was awarded to the city to help in the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the second and last year of the $30,000 allocated from our ARPA funds,” said Sadie Ash, grant administrator.
Ten nonprofit organizations requested a total of $27,953, but with just over $16,000 available, the city had to make some adjustments.
The Stagehands Theater will receive $2,000 to put toward a cooling system.
The Colusa Swim Team was awarded $1,269 to upgrade the audio equipment at the pool so sound will reach the AB Davison Park Pavilion.
Virginia Yerxa Community Read will receive $2,000 to put toward the 2025 book-in-common event.
The Rotary Club of Colusa will receive $1,500 for a Tennis Family Day event to raise awareness of the sport and help create an annual event as a fundraiser for the club to help refurbish the tennis court.
Colusa Area Little League was awarded $2,000 to put toward the creation of a new parking lot.
Colusa Lions Club will receive $2,000 to increase awareness and prompt the 3F Bicycle Ride in the fall.
Colusa Founders Day will receive $2,000 to put toward a mural project at the Newlin Building on Market Street.
California State Duck and Regional Duck Calling Championship was awarded $2,000 for seating, shading, and promotion of the August event in Veterans Memorial Park.
The Ministerial Association will receive $2,000 for vouchers for residents to purchase food at the Colusa Farmers Market.
“This looks like a lot of great projects that can benefit the city and the citizens,” said Councilmember Ryan Codorniz.
The Colusa City Council established the Community Sake Program in 2023 to help nonprofits recover in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Although Councilmembers Greg Ponciano, incoming Lions Club president, and Dave Markss, Lions Club
Treasurer, recused themselves from the vote, Ponciano thanked the council on behalf of the club.
“Pre-Covid we were approaching 200 riders,” Ponciano said. “After Covid, we have gotten back up to 130, but we need to get back up to over 200.”
The 3F Ride attracts people to Colusa from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Oregon, and Arizona.
Because the Community Sake Grant Awards embodies the city’s vision for Colusa as a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community, city officials said they may consider continuing some kind of grant program or event sponsorships each year when planning their annual budget.
“I think this is wonderful and I wish we can continue (the grant program) in the future,” said Councilmember Denise Conrado.