M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
From: Rafael G. Casals, ICMA-CM, CFM, Town Manager
Date: July 29, 2020
Re: Resolution Awarding Grant Funding to: COAST Academy Parent Association, Inc.; DEEP Foundation, Inc.; and Seasons Hospice
RESOLUTION
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A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN AWARD OF $7,500.00 IN GRANT FUNDING FROM THE CUTLER BAY COMMUNITY FUND TO SUPPORT LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL development AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR THE TOWN’S YOUTH; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND
On July 17, 2013, the Town of Cutler Bay (“Town”) entered into an agreement with the Miami Foundation to establish the “Cutler Bay Community Fund.” This donor advised fund allows the Town to support non-profit organizations that serve Cutler Bay residents. The mission of the Cutler Bay Community Fund “is to support nonprofit organizations that endeavor to improve the life of residents in the Town through educational, aesthetic (community beautification), environmental, cultural, social services and other philanthropic programs and services.” As of June 30, 2020, the Cutler Bay Community Fund has accumulated a total of $43,821.20 (Attachment “A”).
The Town accepts grant applications throughout the year and reviews the applications quarterly. For the funding cycle that ended June 2020, the Town received a total of three (3) funding requests. A review panel consisting of three (3) Town employees reviewed the funding requests and found that all of the projects were aligned with the Cutler Bay Community Fund’s strategic plan primarily under the “Education” and “Social Services” categories. The “Education” service category aims to impact student achievement by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that serve both children and youth, from the time they enter daycare through twelfth (12th) grade, that reside in or attend schools in the Town.
Activities include but are not limited to: out-of-school programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, educational field trips, teacher incentive programs, curriculum enhancement/development activities, educational equipment and supplies, personal safety and prevention activities (anti-bullying, distracted driving awareness, abuse prevention), parenting skills training, life skills training, civic engagement, and college and career preparation.
The “Social Services” category aims to support local 501(c)(3) social service agencies for projects that will improve the quality of life of Cutler Bay residents in need. Activities include, but are not limited to; workforce development, healthy living (support of community bike events, nutrition activities, anti-bullying campaigns), youth development (support for programs that encourage youth leadership and facilitates their transition into adulthood), basic needs (i.e. utility assistance, food, and emergency shelter), outreach efforts, aging in place programs, housing, and other generally defined social services.
The funding requests are as follows: (Attachments “B”; “C”; and “D”)
|
Requesting Agency |
Amount of Request |
Total Project Cost |
Purpose |
|
COAST Academy Parent Association, Inc. (“CAPA”) |
$2,500.00 |
$13,500.00 |
CAPA’s request for $2,500.00 will fund the travel expenses for approximately 50 students enrolled in the COAST Marine Science Magnet at Cutler Bay Middle School to attend weekly field trips to Deering Estates to participate in the Nurturing Environmental Stewards of Today and Tomorrow (“NESTT”) Program. |
|
DEEP Foundation, Inc. (“DEEP”) |
$2,500.00 |
$5,200.00 |
DEEP’s request for $2,500.00 will engage students and families with an interest in Scuba Diving. Following an introductory “Discover Scuba Diving” class, ten (10) participants will be selected to participate in an intensive training, with the goal of obtaining the PADI Open Water Scuba Certification. |
|
Seasons Hospice Foundation |
$2,500.00 |
$71,000.00 |
Season’s Hospice Foundation’s request for $2,500 will fund Camp Kangaroo Miami, serving children, ages 5-18, in the community who have lost loved ones who were served by Hospice, and children* who have lost someone suddenly- often through suicide, overdose or gun violence (*over 70% of camp participants). A curriculum moves campers through the tasks of mourning, and adult support groups are also offered as part of the camp to parents/guardians to learn how to support their children through the grieving process. |
|
Total Request |
$7,500.00 |
$89,700.00 |
|
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Town Council approve the Resolution authorizing an award $2,500.00 to CAPA for the Deering Estate NESTT Program Field Trips; $2,500.00 to DEEP for the Cutler Bay Scuba Program; and $2,500.00 to Seasons Hospice Foundation for the Camp Kangaroo Miami Program. The total allocation of funds is $7,500.00.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Ø Attachment “A” - Cutler Bay Community Fund Balance Sheet
Ø Attachment “B” - CAPA Application
Ø Attachment “C” - DEEP Foundation, Inc. Application
Ø Attachment “D” - Season’s Hospice Foundation Application