GILROY
– The city may launch a new nonprofit foundation that would
expand a scholarship program already offered to disadvantaged youth
who cannot afford to join sports teams and other programs.
GILROY – The city may launch a new nonprofit foundation that would expand a scholarship program already offered to disadvantaged youth who cannot afford to join sports teams and other programs.
On Tuesday, the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission met with the executive director of Gilroy’s premier charitable foundation, the Gilroy Foundation. Commission members are hoping to follow Gilroy Foundation’s blueprint for fund raising, by filing for nonprofit status, or link with the foundation so donations can be earmarked for the city’s Community Services Department youth programs.
“We’re just asking the question, ‘Is there an advantage for us to do this?’ ” said Bob Connelly, director for the Community Services Department.
The department already waives roughly 50 percent of the costs associated with joining city sports leagues and other activities programs for those who cannot afford it.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sherri Stuart says with more fund raising, perhaps 100 percent of the costs can be covered.
“We want to enhance the existing program,” Stuart said. “We’ve always done 50 percent scholarships (through donations and city support), maybe one day we can provide the whole thing.”
The Gilroy Foundation holds earmarked funds for more than two dozen nonprofit groups, Stuart said. The funds are generated by donors who want to designate how their gifts are spent.
The foundation uses interest from its nearly $1 million principal to give to other charitable causes around town. In April, $35,000 was doled out to 20 local groups.
“The foundation is amazingly generous to parks and rec programs, but the grant process is a competitive process,” Stuart said. “There’s no guarantee we’ll get funding every year.”
Stuart said the proposal to establish nonprofit status is being reviewed by the city attorney.
If it passes legal muster, the Parks and Recreation Commission would take a vote on whether to begin the process for nonprofit status.
The commission would need City Council approval before moving forward with the effort.
