HISTORY OF GRANTS PROGRAM
One of the primary functions of the Valley Community Legal Foundation (the “VCLF”) is to fund and support law-related educational and charitable programs that serve the San Fernando Valley. For the last several years, VCLF has financially supported a variety of legal programs through the award of both grants and scholarships. VCLF particularly seeks to aid law-related programs that assist children, families, domestic violence victims and others in need. Grants are made to traditional, well-established programs, as well as new start-up community based organizations that apply innovative approaches.
SUMMARY OF GRANTS PROGRAM CRITERIA
In order to be eligible to receive a VCLF grant, a program or organization must be (i) law-related and (ii) primarily serve the San Fernando Valley. In addition, VCLF gives priority to programs/organizations that satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
| • | Apply innovative approaches or new ideas; |
| • | Have potential for independent continuity; |
| • | Demonstrate community support; |
| • | Avoid duplication of existing services; |
| • | Address under-served needs or populations; |
| • | Achieve broad geographic and demographic benefits within the San Fernando Valley; and |
| • | Demonstrate an ability to secure other funding to augment VCLF grant money. |
Please note that the VCLF will not make grants to: (i) political campaigns or entities designed principally for political purposes, (ii) organizations that support religious activities, (iii) organizations that could jeopardize the VCLF’s tax exempt status, (iv) organizations that fail to show fiscal responsibility and integrity, and (v) individuals.
PAST RECIPIENTS
Past recipients of VCLF grants include:
| • | The San Fernando Drug Court |
| • | Public Counsel |
| • | Northridge Hospital |
| • | San Fernando Valley Legal Referral Services |
| • | West Valley Boys & Girls Club |
| • | Fair Housing Council |
| • | San Fernando Valley Bar Association Fee Arbitration Program |
| • | Office of the Family Law Facilitator |
| • | The Alliance for Children’s Rights |
| • | Comfort for Court Kids |
| • | KEN Project |
| • | Friends of CASA |
| • | Haven Hills |
APPLICATIONS
The VCLF will make grant determinations based on the Grants Committee and VCLF Board of Director’s evaluation of written applications. You may download an application from the VCLF website, or contact the Chair of the VCLF Grants Committee at:
Judge Michael Hoff (retired)
P.O. Box 6999
Westlake Village, CA 91359
(818) 389-6681
tmrhoff2@verizon.net
In order to assist with the VCLF’s decision making process, the Grants Committee may request that an applicant submit supplemental information and/or appear in person at a VCLF Board or Grants Committee meeting. In addition, a representative from the Grants Committee may also request to visit an applicant’s headquarters or business location.
All applications must be submitted to David Rand, Chair of the Grants Committee, at the above-referenced address no later than APRIL 1, 20008. Applications post-marked after this date will not be considered.
GRANT DETERMINATIONS
Applicants will be notified in writing on or about May 1, 2008 of the disposition of their grant application. Determinations will be made initially by the Grants Committee and ratified by the VCLF Board of Directors
