FROM:
Development Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation Inaugural Fundraising Event
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize the Community Foundation to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the formation and initial operations for the Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation, a proposed non-profit educational foundation focused on youth music education and authorize the Community Foundation to accept donations on behalf of The Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents associated with the fiscal sponsorship.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Promote economic development by pursuing business attraction, retention, and expansion.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by creating a memorable customer experience with every interaction.
DISCUSSION:
The Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation (SR Foundation) is dedicated to empowering young people through music by funding instruments, resources, and educational opportunities for students across the Fontana community. Each year, the foundation will honor individuals who inspire through their dedication to music and service, ensuring that the transformative power of music continues to thrive in Fontana for generations to come.
On October 29, 2025, Stage Red will host the inaugural fundraising gala to commemorate the establishment of the SR Foundation. Founded by music legends with deep roots in the community-Sammy Hagar and Jay Buchanan-the foundation is dedicated to supporting music education for future generations.
The newly formed SR Foundation is currently processing applications to receive IRS approval for status as a non-profit. Due to processing timelines and requirements, the approval of the non-profit status will not happen before the event on October 29th.
It is important that donors to the SR Foundation event can receive full and appropriate tax benefits for their donations, which require that donations are made to a fully approved and legally formed non-profit organization. For this reason, staff is proposing that the Fontana Community Foundation (Fontana Foundation), a recognized and duly formed 501.C.3 corporation, act as the fiscal sponsor to receive all donations on behalf of the SR Foundation, enabling donors to receive appropriate tax benefits for their donations.
Expenses for the event will be paid directly by the Fontana Foundation, using proceeds donated for the event. Staff proposes to bring the amount of the expenses, along with confirmation of funds received to date to the City Council on October 28, 2025, for consideration of distribution for event expenses. Remaining contributed funds will remain in the account of the Fontana Foundation until the non-profit status for the SR Foundation is approved. After approval of the SR Foundation’s non-profit status, staff will bring the item back to the City Council requesting a final disbursement of any remaining available event donated funds to the SR Foundation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The donations from the fundraising event will be included in Org. 29910200.6425.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.