California Consulting Community Newsletter

Edition 113 / June 2025

California Consulting Proudly Sponsors

City of Wildomar Awarded over $1.2 Million for Transportation Grant

California Consulting is proud to announce that the City of Wildomar has been awarded $1,251,235 through the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) – SB821 Call for Projects Grant.

This significant funding will support vital transportation and mobility improvements for the community, further advancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and increasing safety and accessibility throughout the city.

Senior Project Manager Karen Simpson led the grant-writing process in coordination with the City's Engineering team to successfully secure this award.

"This grant is a major win for Wildomar and a shining example of how strategic partnerships and strong collaboration can bring valuable resources into our communities," said Shasta Bell, Director of Communications at California Consulting Inc.

California Consulting congratulates the City of Wildomar on this exciting achievement and remains committed to helping cities and public agencies pursue funding that improves the lives of their residents.

Bi-Bett Corporation Awarded $932,392 Through BHCIP Proposition 1 for Critical Rehabilitation Project

California Consulting is proud to announce that Bi-Bett Corporation has been awarded $932,392 through the Department of Health Care Services – Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP): Round 1 Funding, Proposition 1. This BHCIP Launch Ready project will restore and upgrade and expand Bi-Bett's Diablo Valley Ranch (DVR) Residential Treatment Center in Clayton, CA.

California Consulting Grant Specialist Samantha D’Ambrosio worked closely with Bi-Bett’s administration to develop the winning proposal, ensuring the application powerfully reflected the project's community impact and readiness.

"Bi-Bett’s work is vital to California’s behavioral health system, and we’re proud to support this transformative project that expands access to care where it’s needed most," said Dan Rodriguez, Director of Operation at California Consulting Inc.

Please view the article here.

Client Spotlight:

City of Bell

Championing Community Progress with Over $9.1 Million in Grant Funding

The City of Bell has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. Through vision-driven leadership and proactive planning, the city has secured more than $9,193,898 in competitive grant funding over the past six years and four months—strengthening infrastructure, public safety, environmental health, and recreational spaces.

"At the City of Bell, our mission is rooted in service to the community. Every grant we pursue is an opportunity to invest in our residents, strengthen our neighborhoods, and build a brighter future. These funding wins reflect our unwavering commitment to that vision. Due to the strategic partnership with California Consulting and the City of Bell has secured more than $9 million in competitive grants is a testament to what’s possible through partnership, collaboration, vision, and a shared commitment to progress. We’re grateful to work alongside California Consulting in advancing impactful initiatives for the people of Bell." Michael L. Antwine II, City Manager, City of Bell

Click here to read how this strategic collaboration turned vision into funding success.:

Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee Teams Up with California Consulting for Highly Successful Grant Webinar

California Consulting was honored to be invited by Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee to present during a highly successful and well-attended grant webinar hosted by Supervisor Chaffee.

The event drew 176 community leaders, including representatives from cities, school districts, nonprofits, and local agencies across Orange County.

California Consulting conducted an in-depth presentation focused on state and federal grant writing best practices, offering valuable insights and strategies to help public agencies secure critical funding.

“I am glad to have partnered with California Consulting to help our local non-profits, school districts, and cities learn about the best practices to obtain grant monies,” said Chair Doug Chaffee of the Orange County Board of Superiors. “By sharing this information, we are helping them find funding to carry out important projects and services to the community.”

To view the entire article, please click here.

California Consulting Makes On-Site Visit to City of Livingston

California Consulting Senior Associate Sonia Hall recently visited the City of Livingston to provide direct support to city staff as part of our ongoing commitment to client service and success.

During her visit, Sonia met Jacquelyn Benoit, the Recreation Superintendent, to tour the site of the city’s upcoming Park and Recreation Plex project. She also met with the Livingston Police Department to review their current grant list, identify new funding opportunities, and assist the department in setting up their Grants.gov account.

“Taking on a project like our Rec-Plex can be very overwhelming. There are many decisions that need to be made and funding sources to find. Sonia is a breath of fresh air. Her confidence and experience assure me that my project is in capable hands. I left our meeting having renewed hope that we will reach our finish line!” said Jacquelyn Benoit, Recreation Superintendent, City of Livingston

You can click here to view the entire article.

CC Management Assistant Caitlin Williams Meets With the Bureau of Reclamation

Recently, Cal Consulting Management Assistant Caitlin Williams had the opportunity to meet at the Washington, DC headquarters of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to discuss their federal grant programs.

The agency expressed optimism about future funding and shared exciting news about upcoming opportunities, including additional rounds of WaterSMART grants. It’s encouraging to see their ongoing commitment to supporting local governments and water agencies.

Please find several federally funded grant programs currently available:

USDOJ: COPS Hiring Program (CHP) – Up to $125,000 | Due: 6/25 (Grants.gov), 7/1 (JustGrants)
CA Parks: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – Up to $6M | Due: 8/5/25
CA Parks: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) – $300K–$15M | Due: TBD Winter 2026
USDOT: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) – $100K–$25M | Due: 6/26/25
USDOT FHA: Bridge Investment Program – $2.5M–$100M | Multiple deadlines (Aug–Nov 2025)

Grant Writer Spotlight :

Maghan Barber

California Consulting is proud to shine this month’s Project Manager Spotlight on the talented and driven Maghan Barber, whose outstanding grant writing and project leadership have resulted in impactful funding opportunities totaling $4.5 million for cities across California.

Maghan's work exemplifies excellence in strategy, collaboration, and community impact. She has recently led the development of several high-profile grant applications for key infrastructure and environmental initiatives, including:

Please click here to view the entire article.

Washington DC Update

California Consulting Management Assistant Caitlin Williams is our presence in the Nation's Capital and will regularly meet with federal agencies in DC to monitor federal grant opportunities and keep updated on federal grant activities.

Caitlin gathered important insights on funding priorities and agency strategies. To view her findings and key takeaways, please click the following links:

Office of Congresswoman Nanette Barragán

Office of Representative Jimmy Gomez

Office of Congresswoman Young Kim

Office of Senator Adam Schiff

Office of Representative Jim Costa

Department of Transportation Budget Update

Bureau of Reclamation Update

Office of Representative Doris Matsui

We’re proud to continue advocating for resources that strengthen our clients and their communities.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Program Announced

The NEA Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) is now open for FY26 Cycle 2!

Funding ranges from $10,000–$100,000 for arts programming that fosters public engagement, education, well-being, and sector growth.

Open to nonprofits, government entities, and tribal communities with 5+ years of arts programming. A 1:1 match is required.

🗓 Deadline to apply via Grants.gov: July 17, 2025

📅 NEA Applicant Portal closes: July 29, 2025

👉 Apply and learn more: GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS | National Endowment for the Arts

Grant Corner

Battery

Housing Grants

Library Museum Grants

Water Grants

District Attorney Grants

Grants for Cities:

California Department of Parks and Recreation: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Deadline: August 5, 2025

Amount: Up to $6 million

Match: Yes - 50%

Eligibility: Cities, counties, tribal governments, JPAs, park districts, and special districts with authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21360

CalFire: Wildfire Prevention Grants

Deadline: August 6th, 2025

Amount: The recommended funding amount is $3 million or less. Project

equipment not to exceed a cumulative total of $750,000.

Match: Not required, but encouraged

https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/wildfire-prevention-grants

CPRS Healthy Play Grant

Deadline: July 7th

Amount: $40k minimum

Match: 1:1

Eligibility: CPRS Members who have attended an education event in California in April or May 2025

https://www.gametime.com/cprs

USDOT: Low or No Emission and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Programs

Deadline: July 14, 2025

Amount: Varies depending on project. Awards can be large ($50M) or smaller (less than $1m)

Match: Max 20%

Eligibility: The Low-No Program provides funds to designated recipients of FTA grants, including states, local governmental authorities, and Indian Tribes.

The Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program provides funds to designated recipients that allocate funds to fixed-route bus operators, states, or local governmental authorities that operate fixed- route bus service, and Indian tribes.

URL: https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno

Grants for Education:

CDE: Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant

Deadline: July 15th

Amount: Total available $6,134,000

Match: Yes, TBD

Eligibility: Grade Level: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

The LEA must be operating an approved agricultural career technical education program in its school(s). Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCP) are not eligible for funds. However, ROCP classes that are an integral part of the school site's total agricultural program may be counted toward funding.

Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6412

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Grants for Art Projects Program

Deadline: R2: Grants.gov: July 10th (SF-424), NEA: July 22nd, 2025

Amount: $10,000-$100,000

Match: 1:1

Eligibility: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; Units of state or local government; or Federally recognized tribal communities or tribes.

URL: https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects

California Consulting Welcomes Jamie Liu and Sudeepta Murthy as New Interns

California Consulting is proud to welcome Jamie Liu and Sudeepta Murthy as our newest interns!

We are excited to have Jamie and Sudeppta on board and look forward to the great work they’ll accomplish with us!

Welcome to the team!

Welcome New Clients

CC is excited to welcome the Newberry Community Services District, El Segundo Unified School District, Lemoore Union High School District, the City of West Sacramento, the City of Marina, the City of Aliso Viejo, Lake Elsinore Unified School District, the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Youth Center, Surland, the Apartment Association of Orange County, and The Heroes Project into the California Consulting Community for grant writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.

Celebrating Our Renewal Clients

California Consulting is honored that the City of Martinez, City of Burbank Public Works Department, the County of San Diego, Corona Norco Unified School District, the City of Pittsburg, The City of Garden Grove, Azusa Unified School District, and South Whitter School District has chosen to renew our contract. We deeply value your continued confidence in our services and look forward to building on the success we've achieved together. We are honored that these agencies have renewed our grant writing contracts.

California Consulting in the Community

6/12- Senior Associate Sonia Hall presented at The Fresno Council Of Governments.

6/12-Senior Associate Janine Heft attends the Cal Cities Orange County Membership Meeting

6/11- Senior Associate Stephen Sanger attended the American Public Works Association (APWA) NorCal Luncheon!

6/11- Senior Associate Sonia Hall visits client City of Livingston.

6/11/25- Senior Associate Janine Heft attended the Association of California Cities Orange County (ACCOC)Golden Hub Awards.

6/9/2025- Cal Consulting Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera. San Bernardno County Council Of Governments (SBCCOG) Steering Committee.

6/4/2025- Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera attended the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board Meeting.

5/21-Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera attends the California Contract Cities Association Annual Dinner

5/21- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) Gametime Healthy Play Initiative Grant training in West Sacramento.

5/16- Senior Associate Dwight Williams attended the ACSA Region 3 San Joaquin Chapter End of Year Celebration.

5/15-18 2025- Cal Consulting Senior Client telations Associate Karen Herrera attended the California Contract Cities Association's Annual Municipal Seminar in Indian Wells, CA

5/13- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the Yolo County Office of Education Board of Directors Meeting.

5/12-Dale Sumersille and Dwight Williams attended the -Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 3 Administrator of the Year Gala.

5/9- Senior Associate Dale Sumersille attended the American Public Works Association (APWA) Sacramento County Chapter Luncheon

5/7/25- Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Hererra attended the Orange County Municipal Management Association of Southern California /Orange County City Manager’s Association Luncheon.

5/6/2025- Project Manager Hector Velasquez attended the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) Summer Institute.

5/1/2025- Project Manager Hector Velasquez attended the 2025 ACSA Region 14 Administrator Award Dinner

5/1- Senior Associate Stephen Sanger attended the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board Meeting.

California Consulting in the News

Thank you to all of the media outlets that feature California Consulting in their publications.

Cal Consulting Publishes The Latest Municipal Grants

J oin California Consulting for the Upcoming Prop. 2 Webinar

Cal Consulting's Latest Public Works Grants

Cal Consulting Education Grants

California Consulting Representatives

in your Area

California Consulting is proud of our Business Development Associates across the state.

...Dale Karen Stephen ..Dwight ...Janine ...Derek .. Therese... Helen... Francine...

The State's Premiere Grant Writing Company

www.californiaconsulting.org * 323-728-9002