FROM:
Community Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Co-Sponsorship Application Cycle One (1) FY 2026/2027
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Review, and approve the sixteen (16) Co-Sponsorship Applications for the 2026/2027 fiscal year (July 2026 through June 2027) totaling an amount of $71,235.00 as recommended by the Parks, Community, and Human Services Commission.
2. Consider a budget adjustment for a total of $100,000 for the co-sponsorship program to be included in the 2026/2027 first-quarter requests.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Improve public safety by emphasizing community-oriented policing, community involvement, and youth programs.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by creating a memorable customer experience with every interaction.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by ensuring that the public debate is based on accurate information.
DISCUSSION:
Fifteen (15) of the sixteen (16) applications were approved by the Parks, Community, and Human Services Commission. The Parks, Community, and Human Services Commission will move all sixteen (16) applications to the City Council for their review and approval. All applications are included in the attachments to this report.
Process:
The current Co-Sponsorship procedure, as approved by the Parks, Community and Human Services Commission and City Council, requires organizations to submit all Co-Sponsorship requests for activities taking place during the next fiscal year, between February 1 and February 28 (cycle one) or between September 1 and September 30 (cycle two).
All organizations in consideration for Co-Sponsorship must meet all Co-Sponsorship criteria (Attachment A - Co-Sponsorship Policy), which includes the following items:
• Proof of non-profit status (501c3) or proof that the event is not for profit
• Organizations must be based in the incorporated boundaries of the City of Fontana
• Event must benefit and be open, free of charge, to Fontana residents
• Organization must adhere to the Co-Sponsorship tier rating
A brief description of individual applications is provided (Attachment B - Co-Sponsorship Application Descriptions).
Sixteen (16) eligible applications were received during the February 2026 requested period, (13) requesting assistance with community events and (3) facility use requests. (Attachment C - organizations applying for Co-Sponsorship and Attachment D - Co-Sponsorship in-kind cost breakdown).
Tier Levels:
Tier One
The organization provides a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of program resources and funding.
Tier Two
The organization provides a minimum of seventy percent (70%) of program resources and funding.
Tier Three
The organization provides a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of program resources and funding.
Although all organizations requesting funding must provide a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of program funding, tier funding levels are not applicable to organizations requesting the use of facilities during regular center hours.
Funding for Co-Sponsorships in the amount of $37,500.00 is approved by the City Council in the 2026/2027 fiscal year budget. Requested funding during the February application period totaled $71,235.00, resulting in a funding allocation balance of -$33,735.00 for the remainder of the FY 2026/2027 operating budget.
The original Co-Sponsorship budget was created for the 2013-14 Fiscal Year. This budget unit has never seen an increase. In addition to advancing the co-sponsorship applications to the City Council, the Parks, Community and Human Services Commission recommends that the City Council increase the Co-Sponsorship program budget to $100,000 to more realistically reflect the internal costs of these community events
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for Co-Sponsorships in the amount of $37,500.00 is approved by City Council in the FY 2026/2027 operating budget. Requested funding during the February application period totaled $71,235.00, leaving an available balance of -$33,735.00.
The Co-Sponsorship budget does not represent actual monetary funds; instead, it measures the value of the in-kind services requested by the organizations, such as equipment, street closures, staffing, and facility rental.
The significant rise in in-kind services can be attributed to a change in how we calculate full-time staff usage. The City will now use the “Fully Burdened Hourly Rate Calculation” to account for the personnel in the Public Works and Police departments. In the past, only an “Hourly Overtime” estimate was utilized.
This is Cycle 1 of the Co-Sponsorship 2026-27 Fiscal Year. The Cycle 2 application period will commence in September. Considering the traditional applicants for Cycle 2, the estimated cost will be about $39,000. An additional $39,000 will result in a negative balance of $72,735
The budget deficit does not impact other programs, services, or resources. This budget impact is not currently reflected in the 2026/2027 budget. This budget adjustment will be included in the 2026/2027 first-quarter requests.
MOTION:
Approve Parks, Community, and Human Services Commission recommendation.