We are the Santa Monica Fund to accept donations for broader purposes to support local recreation, justice, and vulnerable residents

At its meeting last night, the Santa Monica City Council approved an approval item to expand the categories for the We Are Santa Monica Fund, a donor-advised fund managed by the California Community Foundation. The fund was established in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help vulnerable residents and businesses and raise equity through the Black Agenda for Santa Monica. As of September 2021, the fund has raised $ 1,176,521.

In June 2021, the We Are Santa Monica Advisory Fund was established to build on the fund’s success. In line with the advisory board’s original objectives, an expanded set of donation categories was recommended to the city council to both meet the emerging needs of the pandemic and community recovery, as well as provide a strong framework for the long-term vitality of the fund.

“One of the bright spots of the pandemic was the openhearted way donors supported their fellow citizens by donating to the We Are Santa Monica Fund,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “The fund has the potential to continue to do an enormous amount of good for our recovery and, in the longer term, to provide a helpful boost to those who need it.”

The expanded categories are now:

Lively local economy

Promoting opportunities for workers, creatives and entrepreneurs to survive and thrive.

Support of cultural organizations that make up the fabric of our city.

Partnerships with nonprofits that ensure small businesses have the resources they need to keep their doors open, care about employees, and serve customers.

Santa Monica for everyone

Investing in programs that promote justice, protect human rights and dignity, promote and celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, combat injustice and ensure access.

Providing resources for the Santa Monica Black Agenda and groups and programs led and served by Black, Hispanic, AAPI, and Indigenous Santa Monicans, the LGBTQIA + community, and people with disabilities.

As previously directed by the council, 10% of all unrestricted donations will continue to be reserved for the Santa Monica Black Agenda.

Healthy neighborhoods

We provide residents of all ages with access to nutritious food, exercise and play spaces, places to live, and opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

We invest in the health and sustainability of our community and our planet by saving energy and protecting our air, water and natural places.

To be helpful 

Sharing resources with people and families who need additional support and care.

Investing in community resilience.

Providing assistance with emergencies, natural disasters, and other unexpected community needs that require immediate funds, supplies, or repairs.

These expanded categories are now used to evaluate funding requests from nonprofits that serve the community. If you’re a non-profit organization and want to apply for funding, visit www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/volunteer-opportunities. If you are a community member interested in contributing to the We Are Fund, visit https://www.calfund.org/wearesantamonica/.

“Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation before the end of the year is encouraged to donate to the We Are Santa Monica Fund. Show your local love by empowering community members in need this season! ”Said Debbie Lee, the city’s chief communications officer.

Submitted by Constance Farrell, Santa Monica Public Information Officer