Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Apply for and Appropriate if Awarded, Grant Funding in an Amount Up to $10,000 for FY 2025-2026 from Merced County First 5 to Support Various Children Oriented Special Events
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to apply for grant funding and if awarded, appropriate grant funding in the amount up to $10,000 from First 5 Merced County Mini Grants to support special events such as Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K Walk/Run and Nightmare on Main Street Halloween Parade Kids Activity Zone.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Application for $10,000 from First 5 of Merced County Mini Grants to support various children’s activities
B. Accepting grant funds from First 5 Merced County Mini Grant and increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, up to the amount of $10,000 if awarded; and,
C. Appropriating the same in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Operating Materials, Services and Supplies if awarded; and,
D. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement from the grant is received if awarded; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents if awarded.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of First 5 Merced County’s Mini-Grant program is to provide (Proposition 10) funding for one-year grants and encourage community participation and development of projects that address First 5 Merced County’s vision and mission.
Vision Statement: All children in Merced County will thrive in supportive, loving, and nurturing environments and enter school healthy and ready to learn.
Mission Statement: To provide for the optimal physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of young children in Merced County.
Enhancing Family Engagement and Early Childhood Development through Community Events:
The City of Merced is excited to submit this proposal for the First 5 Merced County Mini-Grant in support of expanding two cornerstone community events: the Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K Walk/Run (9/21/2025) and Nightmare on Main Street Halloween Kids Activity Zone (10/11/2025). These events serve as platforms to promote family wellness, physical activity, early childhood engagement, and social interaction.
With First 5 funding, the Department will introduce a Free, 1K “Parent and Me” Walk/Run, designed specifically for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This addition will offer an inclusive and nurturing space for our youngest residents to engage in physical activity alongside their parents, free of cost to a limited number of registrants. Additionally, enhancements to the Halloween Kids Activity Zone will allow for expanded, developmentally appropriate activities for young children, including crafts, sensory play, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, candy stations, a costume contest, and face painting-all in a safe, supportive, and festive environment.
Our proposed programming directly supports First 5’s vision of ensuring that all children in Merced County “thrive in supportive, loving, and nurturing environments and enter school healthy and ready to learn.” Through these events:
• Families with young children will have greater access to free, inclusive, and developmentally enriching activities.
• Children ages 0-5 will benefit from early socialization, sensory stimulation, and parent-child bonding experiences, promoting their physical, social, and emotional development.
In alignment with First 5’s mission, our activities encourage optimal growth by:
• Promoting physical development through age-appropriate movement activities like the “Parent and Me” 1K.
• Fostering intellectual and emotional growth through creative play, crafts, and interactive games.
• Building strong family and community connections through shared experiences that support healthy childhood development.
Use of Funds:
Funds awarded through the Mini Grant will be used to:
• Offset registration fees for a limited number of families participating in the 1K Walk/Run.
• Purchase age-appropriate supplies and materials for crafts, pumpkin decorating, and carnival games.
• Hire local artists and professionals for face painting, game management, and event setup.
• Enhance safety and accessibility for young children and their caregivers during the events.
The City of Merced is committed to creating opportunities for children ages 0-5 and their families to grow, play, and thrive together. With First 5 Merced County’s support, we can enhance beloved community events to become even more impactful spaces for early childhood development, family bonding, and lifelong health and wellness.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
If awarded, accepting and appropriating to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services, up to $10,000 will be available within the FY2025-26 budget to help with costs of the special events.
Recommendation A and B will require an affirmative vote of five council members.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First 5 RFP Mini Grant Application