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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application for Community Development Block Grant funds allocated through the City of Daly City to support Project Read and authorizing the Finance Director to adjust the 2023 - 2024 Revenue Budget upon receipt of grant award. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant proposal for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated through the City of Daly City for FY 2023-2024 in the amount of $20,000 to support Project Read and authorize the Finance Director to adjust the 2023-2024 revenue budget upon receipt of a grant award letter.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
It is recommended that City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant proposal for CDBG funds allocated through the City of Daly City. Last year Project Read received $20,000 from this program to support 35 adult literacy students living in Daly City. We anticipate receiving the same amount for FY 23-24. We have received Daly City CDBG funds for over fifteen years.
Adult learners receive free services that include 1) a literacy assessment, 2) free one-on-one tutoring or small group tutoring, 3) free workbooks and dictionaries, and 4) use of library computers. Adult literacy services target adults with low level English reading and writing skills and focus on basic skill development. Over the year 34% of our adult learners are from Daly City, while 60% are from South San Francisco and 6% from San Bruno and Colma.
In 1985, when Project Read was established, we were encouraged by the California State Library to serve North San Mateo County, thus increasing the number of people served. Part of our funding structure is reliant on matching funds from California Library Literacy Services (CLLS). Matching funds are based on the amount expended on literacy services and the number of adult literacy students served. Even through the pandemic, last year, CLLS supported our program with a grant of $66,355. By serving students in Daly City, San Bruno and Colma, we increase the amount received in matching funds. In addition, expanding our geographic area has proven successful when applying for grants to support enhanced programming for low-income, low-literacy participants.
Most Project Read participants are SSF residents and benefit from our core adult literacy services. Additional SSF community support from grant-funded programs includes visits from Learning Wheels, Families for Literacy programs, and workshops on digital literacy. Prior to COVID-19, annual core user participation reached over 450 SSF regularly participating in at least one of these enhanced programs.
FISCAL IMPACT
Grant funds received from the CDBG program for FY 2023-2024 will offset general fund expenses; there will be no need to increase the Library Department’s budget for expenditures. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing or matching funding. Adopting this resolution will authorize the Finance Director to amend the 2023-2024 revenue budget upon receipt of a grant award letter.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Support of Project Read’s Adult Literacy services will provide enhanced literacy programming for low literate adults within the City and surrounding communities. The strengthening of learning programs is an action item in the City Strategic Plan under Priority #2: Quality of Life.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant proposal for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated through the City of Daly City for FY 2023-2024 in the amount of $20,000 to support Project Read and authorize the Finance Director to amend the revenue budget upon receipt of a grant award letter. Receipt of these funds will enable Project Read to continue adult literacy services to Daly City.