MISSION VIEJO : Deadline Nears for Service Grants

The deadline for service groups to apply for $11,000 in city funds is Feb. 1.

The city’s community services program will give a total of about $50,000 this year to local nonprofit organizations. Groups do not have to be based in Mission Viejo, but their programs must benefit residents of the city.

“The tight recession has dried up many revenue sources for nonprofit groups,” said Virginia Chavez, community services coordinator. “This is a way to serve the community.”

Applicants are reviewed and funding is passed out four times during the year. The city is now taking requests for the third quarter of the community services program.

Recipients over the past year have used the city money for programs as diverse as homes for teen-age mothers and services for senior citizens to music outreach programs for children.

Funding can also be extended to special civic events, cultural arts programs and a broad range of services.

Priority is given to nonprofit groups that provide services to the largest number of Mission Viejo residents and which fill a social need that otherwise would go untended.

Organizations interested in applying for community service funds can pick up an application at City Hall, 26522 La Alameda. For information, call (714) 348-2061.