April 2017

California Consulting LLC: "Putting Clients First"

                     GRANT AWARDS:


California Consulting is pleased to announce our client, Housing Authority of the City of Madera, has recived their Comunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) for $150,000. Congratulations to Housing Authority of the City of Madera and California Consulting's grant writing team on the successful application. 



California Consulting is pleased to announce our client, Azusa Unified School District, recieved the Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) Grant for $135,000. Congratulations to Azusa USD staff and California Consulting's grant writing team on the succesful application. 



California Consulting is pleased to announce the City of Waterford was awarded their Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant for $108,000! This highly comptetive grant was written by City of Waterford Staff and California Consulting's grant writing team. Congratulations City of Waterford on your award.









FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 29, 2017 
Contact: Tracy Hernandez 818.429.0864


MEDIA RELEASE: 
Two Armenian-American Leaders Elected to BizFed Board and Executive Committee 
Diverse Business Voices Connect to Strengthen LA County Economy in 2017 

LOS ANGELES, March 29 

Founded in 2008, BizFed is a massive, diverse grassroots alliance of over 160 top business organizations representing 325,000 businesses with 3 million employees across the region. BizFed's volunteer officers provide the active leadership necessary to promote the economic vitality of Southern California.

The election of Zanku Armenian and Steve Samuelian to the 2017 BizFed Executive Committee is a significant and noteworthy achievement. They will provide critical thought leadership throughout the year, aimed at guiding the priorities and direction of the BizFed alliance.
BizFed Founding CEO 

Tracy Hernandez  commented, "As one of the l eading voices for businesses, BizFed prides itself on our leadership. We are very proud to have Steve and Zanku as members of our Executive Committee.  L.A. County is home to the largest Armenian-American population outside of Armenia and BizFed looks forward to our continued work with the Armenian community and all ethnic groups across our diverse region."

Zanku Armenian is Director of Public Affairs for Southern California Edison , one of the nation's largest electric utilities. He manages external outreach working with 200 local and regional governments and communities in southern California. He also is a senior member on the company's emergency preparedness and crisis response teams. Mr. Armenian has three decades of experience leading public affairs campaigns and communications strategies for major corporations and high-profile issues working out of Washington, DC, Silicon Valley and southern California. In Washington, he was a founding member of public affairs firm Powell Tate, established by President Jimmy Carter's press secretary Jody Powell and First Lady Nancy Reagan's press secretary Sheila Tate. He also has held positions with global public relations firms Burson-Marsteller and Brodeur Worldwide and has worked in the media and political fields in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate,  including the office of former Senator and later Vice President Joseph Biden.  In addition to serving on the boards of various community-based organizations, Armenian currently serves on the Board of the USC Price School of Public Policy's Local Leaders Program, the City of Glendale's Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, including as its past chairman, and previously also served as President of the City of Glendale's Water and Power Commission. More recently, Mr. Armenian was part of a U.S. State Department delegation to the Republic of Armenia on renewable energy matters.

Steve Samuelian is the Founder and CEO of California Consulting, LLC  the state's largest grant writing company with clients and offices in the Bay Area, Central Valley, Sacramento, and Southern California.  Steve was recently appointed as the Co-Chair of the USC Unruh Institute Ambassadors Board of Directors,  a group of 35 influential community, civic, labor, political, and business leaders from throughout Southern California. Steve's family has a long history of civic, community, and political involvement in the L.A. region dating back over seventy five years. Steve began his political involvement in Los Angeles in 1982 at the age of thirteen. Steve has served on the Board of Directors of a Chamber of Commerce, a United Way, and a Crimestoppers.  He served in the California State Assembly and served 8 years as District Director for a U.S. Congressman. Steve has twice traveled to the Republic of Armenia once as part of an OSCE delegation monitoring adoption of Armenia's first Constitution and later as part of a U.S. Congressional visit.


During a ceremony hosted at the City Club Los Angeles in downtown, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge The Honorable Tony Mohr administered an oath of office to install the following new BizFed officers for 2017:



(Steve Samuelian is fourth in from the left in the middle row, Zanku Armenian is the third in from the right in the middle row).

                           
    Zanku Armenian                                Steve Samuelian

 
About BizFed : BizFed is a grassroots alliance of more than 160 diverse business groups, including industry trade groups, chambers of commerce, ethnic business groups, business improvement districts, premier independent companies and agencies.The organization represents more than 325,000 businesses that employ 3 million employees across all 88 cities in Los Angeles County. BizFed is recognized as the credible voice for business in Los Angeles, Sacramento and Washington, DC. For more information, visit  bizfed.org.

California Consulting is honored that we have been invited to conduct grant writing presentations at the following workshops in Salinas, Modesto, and Millbrae. We hope you can attend. 









State Water Resources Control Board: Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP)

Deadline: December 2030 (currently accepting applications via FAAST system)

Amount: $75,000 (for Planning Grants); $15-$20 Million (for Construction Grants)

Match: 50% (for Planning Grants); 35% (for Construction Grants)

Financing: For Construction applications Interest at 1/2 General Obligation Bond Rate; 
30 year term; Allowance following the CWSRF Policy

Eligibility: local public agencies

Click link here for more information. 

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) provides funding for the 
planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects that offset or augment state 
fresh water supplies.  There are two programs within this fund:
  • Planning Grants: The purpose of the planning grant is to assist agencies or regions with completing feasibility studies for water recycling projects using treated municipal wastewater and/or treated groundwater from sources contaminated by human activities.  Only local public agencies are eligible to apply for planning grants.
  • Construction Grants: The Water Recycling Funding Program provides grants and financing to eligible applicants for the construction of water recycling facilities. Construction projects may be funded with grants and low interest financing from a state bond, a CWSRF financing agreement, or combinations of funding sources.  Eligible applicants are local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, state & federal recognized Indian tribes, and mutual water companies.


CalRecycle: 2017-18 Tire-Derived Product Grant Program

Primary Deadline: April 12, 2017

Secondary Deadline: May 11, 2017 (for Resolution & EPPP documents only)

Amount:  $150,000 per grant award.  $1 Million has been allocated for the entire program for 2017-
18.

Match: Any project costs not covered by the grant award, including construction and installation.

Eligibility: Public entities including: California cities, counties, public school districts, public colleges and universities, special districts, park or recreational districts, and state agencies.


CalRecycle administers a program to provide opportunities for the diversion of tires from landfill disposal, prevent illegal tire dumping, and promote markets for recycled-content products. The Tire-Derived Product (TDP) Grant Program is a reimbursement grant designed to use TDPs for re-purposing projects such as pathways, landscaping, mats, playground surfacing, curb stops, and ramps.  Only one application per qualifying entity will be accepted and only for projects within California. A minimum of 2,500 California-generated waste tires must be used per application. Multiple products/projects may be combined to achieve this minimum. Project(s) must not have previously received CalRecycle grant funds.




Welcome to the Team!
              
 
 
California Consulting welcomes the City of Canyon Lake and Ramona Unified School District, as our newest clients. We look forward to working with you strategically to meet the needs of your communities.


Thank you for your renewal!

   
California Consulting is delighted that City of Coachella and Cosumnes Community Services District  have renewed their contract. Thank you for your continued confidence in our services!



Municipal Grant Opportunities: 

Education Grant Opportunities: 


ON THE GO

3/30/17- North Orange County Chamber of Commerce CEO 
Theresa Smith Harvey , California Consulting CEO Steve Samuelian, and North Orange County Chamber Board Chairwoman  Emily France
 at the City of Fullerton State of the City Luncheon. California Consulting was proud to support the North Orange County Chamber and the good work they do serving the cities and communities in North Orange County.

3/30/17- California Consulting Associate Holly Choon Hyang Bachman attended the very informative Independent Special Districts of Orange County lunch on March 30, 2017. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services for many special districts throughout the State. Holly is pictured here with California Special Districts Association Public Affairs Manager Chris Palmer at the event. Congrats to Independent Special Districts of Orange County for organizing a successful and productive event!

3/24/17- California Consulting Senior Associate, Amiee Alden, attended the Alameda California Special Districts Association (ACSDA) in Castro Vally, CA. 
 
3/23/17-  California Consulting Senior Associate Maryann Marino, Orange City Councilman Fred Whitaker, Assemblyman Matthew Harper's Chief of Staff Patti Garrett-Taylor, and California Consulting CEO Steve Samuelian at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach on March 23, 2017. The reception honored Orange County elected officials with awards. The awards winners/honorees- Special District Member of theyear Doug Davert, School Board Member of the Year Jim Reardon, City Council Memberof the Year Tyle Diep, Orange County Elected Official of the Year Eric Woolery, Legislator of the Year Bill Brough, golden state leadership award Diane Harkey. Congratulations to all of the award winners! 

3/23/17- It was great to be with State Board of Equalization Chairwoman Diane Harkey and congratulate her on her award as a top elected official in Orange County. Pictured with Diane, City of Westminster Mayor Tri Ta, and my longtime friend and City of Orange City Councilman Fred Whitaker. Congratulations Chairwoman Harkey! California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services for the City of Westminster and several public agencies throughout Orange County.


3/22/17- California Consulting CEO Steve Samuelian, California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) CEO Gurbax Sahota, and Kosmont Companies CEO Larry J. Kosmont at the CALED reception held March 22, 2017 in San Diego. The reception was attended by more than 100 local government officials from across the State. Great job CALED for organizing a productive and informative conference in San Diego.

3/22/17- California Consulting Associates, Greg Pettis and Dan Rodriguez attended the Inland Valley Empire Utilities Agency Meeting with keynote speaker Randall Lewis. He shared his on-point economic forecast and legislative impacts.


3/21/17- Steve Samuelian of California Consulting, Secretary of State Alex Padilla and West L.A. Chamber Roozbeh Farhaninoor at the BizFed Board of Directors meeting.







3/20/17- California Consulting Senior Director Allison Richards and Project Manager Tove Beatty took part in the Promising Initiatives Capacity Building Grant Workshop along with LF Leadership's Max Freund. The grant readiness workshop, and efforts to build capacity among promising non-profits , is a project led by the Funders Alliance of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and funded by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). California Consulting is honored to be part of this team. We are also honored to have IEHP as our client and we conduct grant research, identification, writing and adminisration for a large and respected group IEHP.
 
3/17/17- California Consulting CEO, Steve Samuelian, recently attended the Orange County State of the County lunch and is pictured here with keynote speaker Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Michelle Steele. 






3/17/17 - California Consulting Bay Area Senior Associate, Amiee Alden, attended the MMANC winter forum last Friday in Mill Valley. The event was attended by city staff members from across Northern California. Amiee represented Cal. Consulting at the conference. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing and grant Administration services for public agencies throughout Northern California.


3/16/17- California Consulting CEO, Steve Samuelian, at the Orange County Public Affairs Association luncheon held on March 16, 2017 at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach. The event was attended by more than 125 OC elected officials, business and community leaders. Steve is pictured here withDiana Victoria Coronado of the Association of California Cities, Orange County (ACC-OC) and Dirissy Doan of the OC Board of Realtors.............two of OC's finest leaders!

3/15/17- California Consulting Associate, Matthew Park, attended the 17th Annual Kern County Economic Summit in Bakersfield, CA, on March 15, 2017.












3/14/17- California Consulting Associate, Holly Choon Hyang Bachman, at the California Contract Cities Association dinner in Long Beach on March 14, 2017.







3/14/17- California Consulting Associate,  Holly Choon Hyang Bachman , with Whittier City School District Board Member, Dr. Irella Perez, at the CALSA reception March 14, 2017 in Pasadena. California Consulting is a proud sponsor of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) and the good work they perform for students all over California.



03/13/17- California Consulting Associate, Sergio Sanchez, at the League of California Cities - Monterey Division Membership Meeting with Watsonville Councilmember, Felipe Hernandez, and Greenfield Councilmembers, Nely Martinez, Leah SantibaƱez and Vice-Mayor Avelina Torres. 


3/7/17- California Consulting Project Manager David Marquez and CEO Steve Samuelian met today for a monthly grants check in meeting with our client the City of Baldwin Park. California Consulting is proud to provide grant writing services for the City of Baldwin Park.




3/5/17- Senator Connie Leyva and California Consulting Associate, Dan Rodriguez, at the Leyva reception held on Sunday March 5,2017 in Pomona. California Consulting was a proud sponsor of this wonderful event. 











3/4/17- California Consulting Senior Associate, Maryann Marino, with Assemblyman Steven Choi at the March 3, 2017 League of California Cities Orange County Division dinner held in Garden Grove. California Consulting is a proud "League Partner" for the League of California Cities. 

3/3/17- Tove Beatty, California Consulting Project Manager and Transportation Grant expert, gave a presentation for the League of California Cities Sacramento Valley Division on March 3. Her information prompted great questions and interest in grant funding for transportation projects. A big thank you to Charles Anderson, SV Regional Public Affairs Manager, for inviting us to participate. We're looking forward to working with the Sacramento Valley Division!

Issue: 16
In This Issue


Team Member Spotlight:  Diana Dinerman


Diana Dinerman is a project management and communications professional offering fifteen years experience in creative, corporate and academic writing. A Washington, DC-native, she previously worked for the Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice, serving teams from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). After working as a government contractor, she transitioned to the non-profit sector to build successful grant programs for mission-based organizations. As a non-profit consultant, Ms. Dinerman secured over one million in private foundation and government grants to support arts education for underprivileged youth, and public access to the performing arts.

In the private sector, Ms. Dinerman was the Director of Project Management for a digital agency, where she supervised over five million in accounts, delivering scalable, web-based business solutions to corporations, lobbying and advocacy groups, and membership organizations.

Ms. Dinerman is a graduate of Indiana University and the George Washington University. She was a writing instructor at the George Washington University and taught American History at the University of Minnesota during her PhD. Ms. Dinerman has received many grants for her historical research, and was a research fellow at the University of Minnesota, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, and the University of Southern California.
Ms. Dinerman is pleased to offer her project management and grant writing skills to serve California Consulting's municipal, education, and non-profit clients.




Upcoming Grants: 

Municipal Opportunities:

California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank): Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program

Deadline: Continuous

Amount: $50,000 to $25 million or more (with IBank Board approval)
Financing Terms:
The interest rate benchmark is Thompson's Municipal Market Data Index. Staff may adjust the interest rate based upon factors that include: Unemployment, Medium Household Income, Environmental, and Other special circumstances.  The IBank Board has final approval of the interest rate. Maximum 30 year term Open application process 

Eligibility:  Any subdivision of a local or state government. Applicant may also be a company, corporation, association, partnership, firm, or other entity or group of entities organized as a public benefit not-for-profit entity engaged in business or operations within the state


The ISRF Program provides financing for public infrastructure projects such as: environmental mitigation; port facilities; power and communications transmission or distribution facilities; public transit; solid waste collection and disposal; defense conversion; as well as military infrastructure.  A project must promote economic development and attracts, creates, and sustains long-term employment opportunities.  Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, construction or modification of the following:
  • educational, cultural, and social facilities;
  • public infrastructure, purchase and install pollution control or noise abatement equipment;
  • parks and recreation facilities;
  • docks, harbors, piers, marinas;
  • facilities for and/or transmission or distribution of electrical energy, natural gas, and telecommunication;
  • air and rail transport of goods, including parking facilities;
  • transfer stations, recycling centers, sanitary landfills, waste conversion and recycling facilities;
  • facilities for successfully converting military bases;
  • facilities on or near a military installation that enhance military operations acquire land in conjunction with such project


National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Acres for America Grant Program

Deadline: April 13, 2017 (pre-proposals); June 29, 2017 (invited full proposals)

Amount: Varies.  $3.5 Million is available for the entire program for 2017.
Match: A minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, Indian tribes, and educational institutions are eligible to apply.

   
Acres for America, a partnership between Walmart Stores, Inc. and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects that conserve important large-scale habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants through land acquisitions and perpetual conservation easements. Preference will be given to projects that achieve more than one of the following program priorities: conserve critical habitats for birds, fish, plants, and wildlife; connect existing protected lands to unify wild places and protect critical migration routes; provide access for people to enjoy the outdoors; and ensure the future of local economies that depend on forestry, ranching, and recreation.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate NFWF regional office to discuss project ideas prior to applying. Visit the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website to review the 2017 Request for Pre-Proposals.


California D epartment of Parks & Recreation: Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program

Deadline: September 1, 2017

Amount: Up to $500,000

Match: Optional.  Including a match counts for 5 out of 100 points and consists of the applicant agreeing to pay for all Non-Construction costs.

Eligibility: Cities, Counties, regional park districts, open-space districts, 501(c)(3) Non-profit organizations


The intent of the Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities Grant Program is to provide assistance to local agencies and community-based organizations with regard to the development of outdoor environmental education facilities.  Eligible projects include development of public outdoor structures and exhibits that facilitate focused learning. The focused learning must take place in a natural outdoor setting, with native vegetation. The learning must encompass the natural environment, and inspire environmental stewardship and an appreciation of the natural world. The learning must include an understanding of how humans interact with, and are dependent on, natural ecosystems. These structures and exhibits may provide outdoor education on their own (such as signs, kiosks, nature trails), or facilitate providing outdoor recreation (such as campfire centers, amphitheaters, group campgrounds).



Educational Opportunities:







Eaton Charitable Fund Grants

Deadline: Continuous
Amount:  $2,500.00 - $500,000.00
Match: None
Eligibility :501(c)(3) nonprofits, Public School, 
Private School, Higher Education, Other

Please click link here for more information. 

The Eaton Charitable Fund gives on a national basis in areas of company operations to 
support organizations involved with arts and culture, education, children and youth,
 families, and community development. Special emphasis is directed toward 
organizations  with which employees of Eaton are involved.  Program Areas include 
After-School, Arts,  Community Involvement/Volunteerism, Early Childhood, Family
Services, General Education, Health/PE, Math, Reading, Science/Environmental, 
Social Studies, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).








The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County: Free Buses for Schools Program

Deadline: Continuous while funding is available

Amount: Varies.  LACSD will reimburse schools for bus transportation costs.

Match: None

Eligibility: Teachers/classrooms for grades 5-12 at a public or private school in the Sanitation District's service in LA County.


The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County are offering you a free field trip to our facilities (while funds last). If you qualify, we will reimburse you for your bus transportation costs to visit either a wastewater treatment plant, materials recovery facility or one of our other sites. This is a unique opportunity for you and your students. You will get to see, learn, and really experience what happens to your sewage or trash. It is  fun intereseting and educational! Please note that funds for buses are limited and may run out. A school is eligible for one free bus during the school year.


 





San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Public Benefit Program New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Purchase Grant

Deadline: Continuous until funding exhausted

Amount: $20,000 per vehicle (max); $100,000 per agency (max)

Eligibility: School districts in the five-county area of the SJVAPCD in central California


This component provides funding for the purchase of new alternative fueled vehicles (Electric, Plug-In Hybrid, CNG, LNG, LPG, etc.) Applications for this component are currently being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 




California Department of Education: California State Preschool Program Expansion FY 2016-17 (Round Three) 

Deadline: April 25th, 2017

Amount : Varied, $11,506,488 allocated to entire program for FY 2016-2017.

Match: None

Eligibility: Local educational agencies.  See further eligibility details in description below.


The intent of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to expand California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services to eligible children statewide. This funding opportunity is available to new and existing Local Education Agency contractors. In accordance with existing law, priority will be given to applicant agencies that will be serving the highest percentage of 4-year-old children. Funding preference shall be provided to underserved areas as identified by the Local Child Care and Development Planning Council.
  • Required Eligibility Criteria: Any Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) may apply for funding pursuant to this RFA. Funding is available to those counties reflecting a need based on the formula described under program overview. The applicant must be licensed, be eligible for licensing in accordance with 22 CCR, Community Care Licensing, Division 12, or exempt from licensing pursuant to Health, and Safety Code Section 1596.792.
  • Additional Eligibility Criteria: If the facilities are exempt by statute or otherwise exempt from licensing, they must comply with the health and safety regulations as set forth in the aforementioned regulations. Services to children may not begin until the contractor submits to CDE a copy of their site license or provides verification of their license exempt status.




 

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