Merced City Council Approves $50,000 in Funding to Local Nonprofit Organizations. 

Merced, Calif – At the Monday, September 19, 2022, meeting, the City Council unanimously approved $50,000 in funding to support the community service efforts of ten local nonprofits. These Merced-based nonprofits focus on community, social, environmental, cultural, and recreational programs that serve residents in the City of Merced. 

"This funding is in line with Council’s Goals and Priorities and is an investment in strengthening our community through programs and projects that support the health and wellness of residents in the City of Merced, said Merced City Manager Stephanie Dietz. "Additionally, these organizations serve and employ residents, partner to provide critical services, and are often the lifeblood of after-school enrichment programming and the community's arts and culture programs." 

The following organizations received funding for fiscal 2022/2023. 

Bear Creek Yacht Club - $5,000

Mission: To revitalize Bear Creek and the surrounding waterways as natural sanctuaries and places of recreation through Education, Advocacy, and Community Stewardship. 

Program: Funding will support Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Education, and Community Stewardship to strengthen the community, empower youth and provide opportunities for impact. For more information about this organization, please visit www.bearcreekyachtclub.org. 

LifeLine CDC: $5,000

Mission: Provide resources and opportunities for underserved neighborhoods in Merced County. 

Project:  Open a third community center in an under-resourced neighborhood in the City of Merced with a dedicated area for neighborhood youth. The center will encourage youth input to create a place where young people can find wellness and help each other grow and develop. For more information about Lifeline CDC, please visit www.lifelinecdc.org. 

Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: $5,000

Mission: To promote Hispanic-owned small businesses and to further the economic development of all Merced businesses through advocacy, networking, marketing, educational or training opportunities, language assistance, and creating valuable partnerships within our community. 

Program: Funding will support The Entrepreneurial Challenge Match at the Mercado. The Merced Mercado hosts about 65 local vendors at each bimonthly event. Of those, roughly 25 are new enterprises coming to the market. The project goal is to stimulate new enterprises and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of the Mercado. New small businesses will be defined as those serving the public for three years or less. Among the new small businesses, certain demographic groups will be featured at most events, with one event open to everyone. For more information, please visit www.mercedhcc.com. 

Merced County Nut Festival - $5,000

Mission:  To celebrate the nut industry and those in it, educate the public on what happens from "tree to table," and give back to our community in the form of Scholarships and sponsorships for youth 12-17 years old. 

Program:  Funding will support the Merced County Nut Festival, scheduled on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Merced County Fairgrounds. The festival will have five major nut vendors, performances and entertainment, games, and a rock-climbing wall and will include an agriculture educational component. For more information, please contact  [email protected]. 

Merced Youth Connect - $3,000

Mission: We use the creative power of the arts, education, and strengths-based collaboration to build a stronger community and inspire future generations. 

Project: Funding will support the Merced Youth Connect App, which was built to foster connections to activities, services, and opportunities for youth in the Merced community. After disconnection due to COVID-19, in-person events and services have resumed, and families seek easy-to-access information about local events and available services. MYC will actively promote the MYC App as the solution for families and parents of school-age children, employees of family-serving organizations, and students. For more information about Merced Youth Connect, please visit www.mercedyouthconnect.com. 

Merced Youth Soccer Association - $8,000

Mission: MYSA provides youth recreational and competitive soccer programs that inspire players to develop to their highest potential and experience the rewards of pursuing excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. 

Program: Funding will support the Merced United Leadership Academy (MULA) to help prepare high school student-athletes for the next steps in their career with exposure to a variety of life skills, community leaders, and educational opportunities. For more information about Merced Youth Soccer Association, please visit www.mercedsoccer.com.  

Play Adventures - $5,000

Mission: To create an environment that encourages children to access their innate curiosity and playfulness through creative play with a wide range of materials. 

Program: Funding will support two Create Your Own Adventure Day Camps for youth. Additional programming includes the "Junior Playworker Course" for youth ages 12-17. The program will teach Junior Playworkers vocational skills and install play work as an approach to child connectedness. The organization will also host three to five Pop Up Play Days at community events. For more information about Play Adventures, please visit www.playadventures.org. 

Students with Aspiring Goals - $5,000

Mission: Prepare student-athletes for college admission through academics, mentorship, and national exposure. 

Program: Funding will support an after-school program at McNamara Park during the school year. This program will operate from 3 to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. The program will offer homework assistance, life skills, and physical activity. For more information about Students with Aspiring Goals, please visit www.swagmerco.org. 

Symple Equazion - $5,000

Mission: We are dedicated to fostering healthy communities through personal development to restore safe homes, schools, streets, and workplaces. 

Program: Funding will support programs that provide rich and diverse personal development opportunities to young people. Programming will focus on life skills and development, visual arts forums, community service, and work readiness. For more information about Symple Equazion, please contact [email protected]. 

The Isaiah Project: $4,000

Mission:  Located in South Merced and birthed from a tragic incident of losing a loved one to street violence, the Isaiah Project will provide a safe, encouraging, healthy community for at-risk and underprivileged youth. 

Program: Funding will support out-of-school programming that includes homework help, basketball, four-square, table games and craft activities, and topical lessons from the Bible. Additionally, the program will offer bi-weekly events, back-to-school giveaways, Thanksgiving and Easter family dinners, Christmas food boxes, and community outreach. For more information about the Isaiah Project, please visit www.mercedcalvaryag.org.