California Consulting Community Newsletter

Edition 108 / January 2025

California Consulting Proudly Sponsors

California Consulting Secures Over $37 Million in 120 Days for Clients

California Consulting has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing over $37 million in funding for our clients within a span of just 120 days. This impressive feat underscores our expertise in navigating the complex landscape of federal, state, and private grants.

The $37,815,343 million in funding includes grants for a wide range of initiatives, from school safety programs and environmental conservation projects to transportation infrastructure and community development. This influx of funding is expected to drive significant progress in these areas, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society.

"Our grant writers are truly the backbone of this achievement. Their thorough research and creative approach to crafting proposals have been key to our success," said Cal Consulting’s Director of Operations, Dan Rodriquez, "Our client's success is our success. We're proud to contribute to projects that make a real difference in communities, and we're excited about the positive impact this funding will have."

For the full story, please click here.

Montgomery County, Maryland Secures $1 Million Federal Grant to Advance Transportation Innovation

Montgomery County, Maryland, has achieved a significant milestone in infrastructure innovation by securing a $1 million Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grant under the Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems (ADCMS) program. This funding, part of a State of Maryland application submitted on behalf of Montgomery County, aims to elevate the maturity of the county’s P3DSETI program—a cutting-edge Building Information Management (BIM) platform.

The successful application was a collaborative effort between Montgomery County Department of Transportation and California Consulting’s Project Manager, Ashley Ramsey. Their meticulous work in crafting a compelling proposal underscores the importance of partnerships in securing competitive federal funding.

"The Technical Team owes this win to the communication strategies of Ashley Ramsey (Senior Grant Writer for California Consulting) developed and built into that first proposal after reading our documents and understanding what we are about. We are sharing this win with her."-stated Adrian Q. Labor, Chief, Engineering and Capital Project Management -MCDOT Division of Parking Management

"This $1 million grant is not just an investment in Montgomery County’s transportation systems; it’s an investment in the future of how infrastructure is designed and managed. By embracing cutting-edge technology, the county is setting an example for others across the nation. California Consulting is thrilled to have been part of this process and to support efforts that prioritize smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions." stated Shasta Bell, California Consulting Director of Communications

Please view the entire article here.

Centinela Valley School District Awarded $881,100 for Student Success Program

The Centinela Valley Union High School District has been awarded $881,100 as part of the California Department of Education's Learning Communities for Student Success Program (LCSSP) Cohort 8. This grant aims to support programs that improve student outcomes by reducing truancy and assisting students at risk of dropping out or affected by crime.

The winning application was written by California Consulting Project Manager Christine Stanley with the assistance of CVUHSD staff. "It's truly rewarding to see our efforts come to fruition and to know that this funding will make a significant difference in the lives of many students," said Ms. Stanley.

"Receiving the LCSSP grant is a significant milestone for our district. We are dedicated to using these funds to create a supportive and engaging environment for our students, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive." stated CVUSD Superintendent Stephen Nellman

Please find the complete article here.

California Consulting Lands Several Awards for Clients

California Consulting collaborations and partnerships have had tremendous success. We congratulate City of Pittsburg, City of San Gabriel, Centinela Valley Union High School District, City of Glendale, City of Davis, City of Hercules, City of Baldwin Park, Castro Valley Unified School District, Montgomery County Maryland, San Gabriel ROP, Parlier Unified School District, and Corona-Norco Unified School District for their grant awards

Congratulations to everyone!

Join us for a Dessert Social on

February 5th

California Consulting Shines at

Trade Conferences

California Consulting proudly exhibited at several prestigious trade conferences. We were honored to participate in these events, which provided us with invaluable opportunities to share the latest news about new and upcoming federal and state grant opportunities with attendees.

Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC)

California Consulting was proud to attend the MMANC Annual Conference held at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country in Santa Rosa, CA, November 6th-8th. Management Assistant Clayton Owens hosted our booth at MMANC with enthusiasm and professionalism, engaging with conference attendees and discussing our services. Additionally, Clayton co-led an insightful Grant Administration Workshop alongside Dale Sumersille, Grants Manager for the City of Davis. The workshop was well-received and offered participants practical advice and strategies for successful grant management.

Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC)

The MMASC Conference was held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort from November 12- 14th, 2024 Clayton represented CC at this vibrant gathering of municipal professionals featuring insightful panels and networking opportunities. He managed our booth, fostering meaningful connections while sharing the impact of our work with numerous attendees.

California State Association of Counties (CSAC)

CSAC’s annual conference was held at the Pasadena Convention Center November 19^th – 21^st, 2024. Our CEO, Steve Samuelian, attended the CSAC conference alongside Clayton Owens, further demonstrating our commitment to engaging with and learning from local government leaders. Their presence at the conference allowed us to discuss the needs of cities and counties with attendees so that California Consulting can continue to learn about the highest priority funding needs of local governments in California.

California School Board Association (CSBA) AEC Conference and Table Talk Session

The California School Boards Association Annual Education Conference (CSBA AEC) held at the Anaheim Convention Center on December 5th -7th 2024, was a resounding success for California Consulting, as we proudly showcased our booth, connecting with clients and forming new relationships.

Our booth was a hub of activity, where we had the privilege of engaging with educational leaders from across the state, discussing innovative solutions and fostering relationships.

A highlight of the conference was the widely attended "Maximizing Grant Impact: Enhancing School Financials" Table Talk Session, led by our CEO, Steve Samuelian. This session provided valuable insights on how schools can effectively leverage grants to boost their financial health. Steve's expertise and engaging presentation style captivated the audience, making it one of the most talked-about sessions of the event.

We were also thrilled to have Senior Client Relations Associate Karen Herrera and Management Assistant Clay Owens in attendance. Their dedication and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the success of our presence at the conference. Karen and Clay engaged with attendees, offering their expertise and support, ensuring that our booth was a welcoming and informative space for all visitors.

Overall, the CSBA AEC Conference was a fantastic opportunity for California Consulting to strengthen our connections with current clients and build relationships with potential new partners. We are grateful for the chance to participate in such a prestigious event and look forward to continuing our work in supporting educational institutions across California.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited our booth and attended our session. We look forward to fostering these connections and working together to enhance the educational landscape in California.

Granting Success with California Consulting Podcast is Now Available

Get ready for a monthly dose of expert insights, interviews, and practical tips on grants with our new podcast! Subscribe now for valuable knowledge and success stories in the world of funding.

Episode #4- Granting Success: Active Transportation Program (ATP)

Episode #3- Granting Success: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program

Episode- Granting Success with CC- CAL Volunteers Grant

Episode #2 - Granting Success with CC - Dr. Juile High

Episode #1- Granting Success with CC- Project Manager Karen Leventhal

Grant Corner

Coastal Waterways Grants ants

District Attorney Grants

Climate-Related Grants

USBR WaterSmart Grants

Library Museum Grants

Grants for Cities:

CalTrans: Sustainable Transportation Grant

Deadline: January 22, 2025

Match: 11.47% minimum* (in cash or an in kind contribution). OR 20% match for strategic partnership grants.

Amount:

Sustainable Communities Grants:

Minimum: $50,000 for under-resourced communities; $100,000 for others.
Maximum: $700,000.

Climate Adaptation Planning Grants:

Minimum: $100,000.
Maximum: $1 million (single organizations); over $1.5 million for partnership applications.

Strategic Partnerships Grants:

Minimum: $100,000.
Maximum: $500,000.

Sustainable Communities Grants ($29.5 million) to encourage local and regional planning that supports state goals, implements Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) (where applicable), and to ultimately achieve the State’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of 40 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 2050, respectively

NEW! Climate Adaptation Planning Grants ($50 million) support local and regional identification of transportation-related climate vulnerabilities through the development of climate adaptation plans, as well as project-level adaptation planning to identify adaptation projects and strategies for transportation infrastructure

Strategic Partnerships Grants ($4.5 million) to identify and address statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the State highway system in partnership with Caltrans. A sub-category funds transit-focused planning projects that address multimodal transportation deficiencies

Link: h ttps://dot.ca.gov/programs/transportation-planning/division-of-transportation-planning/regional-and-community-planning/sustainable-transportation-planning-grants

HCD: CalHome Program

Deadline: February 13, 2025

Amount: Grants vary based on program type. For example, Mortgage Assistance grants can range up to $80,000 per homebuyer, while Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation grants can reach up to $100,000 per project.

Match: No match required

Link: CalHome Program

FHWA: Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program

Deadline: February 24, 2025

Amount: Planning: $100,000 min, no max, Implementation: $500,000-no max

Match: 0-20%, depending on project

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356840

USDA: Community Wildfire Defense

Deadline: February 28, 2025

Amount:The maximum amount of Federal funding awarded to any one community or Tribe via this competitive process is:

$250,000 for the creation or updating of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
$10 million for a project described within a Community Wildfire Protection
Plan less than 10 years old.
For planning purposes, the total Federal funding available through the CWDG
competitive process could be up to $250 million for this second round.

Eligibility: Entities eligible to apply for at-risk communities for funding under the CWDG include:

Units of local governments representing communities located in an area with a risk of wildfires, Indian Tribes (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska Native
Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice),
Non-profit organizations including homeowner associations that assist such communities, State forestry agencies (including U.S. territories and interests), and Alaska
Native Corporations (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska
Native Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice).

Match: Yes 10% for CWPPs, 25% for implementation

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants

HCD: Homekey+ Program

Deadline: Applications accepted after January 30th, Gap Financing projects due March 14th, all other project application types due May 30th or until funds exhausted

Amount: Proposition 1 allocates approximately $2 billion, with $1 billion specifically designated for veterans.

Eligibility: Local public entities (cities, counties, and public housing authorities), Tribal entities, Housing developers

Match Requirements: No match required.

https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/homekey-plus

Cal Parks: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP)

Deadline: May 30, 2025

Amount: Maximum: $15 million per application, Minimum: $300,000 per application

Match: 50%

Eligibility: Cities, Counties, State agencies, Federally recognized Native American Tribes, Joint Powers Authorities where all members are otherwise eligible under LWCF. Park districts, and special districts with authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30578

Grants for Education:

California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP)

Deadline: February 7, 2025

Amount: Up to $500,000 per campus per year

Duration: 5 years

Matching requirements: At least one-third of total grant amount

Reporting requirements: Annual

flat allocation amount of $150,000

https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6159

CDE: School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Grants

Deadline: March 3, 2025

Amount: $15,000.00 per site

Eligibility: To qualify for SBP grants, at least 20 percent of enrolled students at the school site must be approved for free or reduced-price meals. To receive SMP grants, the site must meet program eligibility criteria. The Budget Act allows the California Department of Education (CDE) to award grants only to school districts, county offices of education, and direct-funded charter schools.

https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6118

U.S. Dept. of Energy Renew America's Schools Round 2

Deadline: April 3rd, 2025

Amount: $500,000 - $1,000,000

Match: No

https://www.herox.com/2025renewschoolsprize/timeline

California Consulting Attends Governor's Budget Proposal Breakdown Webinar

Recently, California Consulting's Management Assistant, Clay Owens, attended the CSBA 2025 Governor's Budget Proposal Breakdown Webinar. This event provided an in-depth analysis of the latest budget proposals and their potential impact on education in California.

Clay's participation reflects our commitment to staying informed about policy changes and ensuring that we can effectively support our clients. The insights gained from this webinar will help us navigate the evolving financial landscape and continue to provide exceptional service to educational institutions across the state. We are excited to leverage this knowledge to benefit our clients.

California Consulting Welcomes Danielle Noble and Janine Heft as Senior Associates

Cal Consulting is excited to welcome Danielle Noble and Janine Heft as senior associates.

Danielle brings over 25 years of experience in social services, municipal management, and organizational and leadership development to California Consulting.

Ms. Noble has held roles as a grant writer and manager, non-profit administrator, and senior municipal executive, including Deputy City Manager and Acting Director for the City of Santa Monica. She is an expert in social services, homelessness and housing policy, and organizational development. Her extensive career includes overseeing significant funding distributions, managing compliance for state and federal grants, and serving in various leadership roles.

Janine Heft joins Cal Consulting as a Senior Associate and has been a prominent leader in Orange County government affairs and public policy. She served on the Orange County Assessment Appeals Board from 2010, issuing rulings in over 100 property tax appeal cases. Elected to the Laguna Hills City Council in 2016, she served as Mayor twice.

In 2022, she was elected President of the Association of California Cities – Orange County, advocating for OC cities in Sacramento and Washington DC. She also held leadership roles in the Transportation Corridor Agency.

Professionally, Janine has extensive experience in the real estate and financial services industry and co-founded Personalized Mortgage Express in 2004. She also contributes to civic, charitable, and professional organizations, such as the Board of Directors for the Pacific Symphony.

We warmly welcome Danielle and Janine to the Cal Consulting Community and look forward to their valuable contributions.

You can find out more about Ms. Noble here.

To learn more about Ms. Heft, please click here.

Welcome New Clients

CC is excited to welcome Franklin-McKinley School District, La Habra City School District, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, City of Anaheim - Public Works Department, Coastland Civil Engineering LLP, WoodlandJoint Unified School District, Exeter Unified School District, the City of Sutter Creek, and the California Association of School Counselors into the California Consulting Community for grant writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.

Celebrating Our Renewal Clients

CC is thrilled that the City of Irwindale, Bi-Bett Corporation NP, the County of Yolo, the City of Santa Cruz, the City of Ontario, the City of Solvang, and the San Antonio Hospital Foundation have renewed their contract. We look forward to our continued collaboration that strategically secures funding to enhance their communities.

Spotlight on Karen Herrera:

Representing California Consulting at Major Conferences

California Consulting's Senior Client Relations Associate, Karen Herrera, has been actively representing the firm at a series of important events.

On December 5-6, Karen attended the CSBA Conference in Anaheim, where she engaged with educational leaders, discussed innovative solutions, and strengthened connections with key stakeholders. This conference was a significant platform for sharing insights and fostering relationships crucial to advancing California Consulting's mission.

On December 11, Karen participated in the ACC-OC Holiday Party, where she networked with influential figures in the community and celebrated the successes of the past year. This event provided a relaxed atmosphere for building new relationships and solidifying existing ones.

Karen Herrera's active participation in these events exemplifies her dedication to representing California Consulting and forging strong connections within the community. Her efforts continue to drive the firm's success and reinforce its commitment to serving clients statewide.

California Consulting Associate Rev. Dwight Williams attended the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Reception

California Consulting Associate Rev. Dwight Williams recently attended the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Reception. This event provided a fantastic platform for networking and relationship-building with representatives from various rural counties.

Rev. Williams engaged in meaningful conversations, forming valuable connections to enhance our collaborative efforts moving forward. His participation reflects our commitment to fostering strong partnerships and supporting the needs of rural communities across California. We are excited about the opportunities these new relationships will bring and look forward to working closely with our new partners.