Discretionary Funding or Grant Request

Council District 5 discretionary fund grant  requests are considered on a rolling basis. Grants are district-specific and are allocated at the discretion of each LA City Councilmember. Councilwoman Yaroslavsky has established a discretionary funding program that is intended to award grants to a variety of Council District 5 organizations for projects that promote and enhance the quality of life for fifth district constituents.

Grant requests through this form will be carefully reviewed, considered for possible funding, and responded to within a month by the Councilwoman and staff. Please understand that given the number of requests received, Councilwoman Yaroslavsky cannot accommodate all requests.

To apply for funding, please fill out the form linked here as completely and accurately as possible (form linked)

Discretionary grant  funds have a number of restrictions attached to their use according to the rules of the Los Angeles Controller’s office. 

To be considered for a grant, an organization/project must meet the following criteria:

  • The requesting organization must have a location within or a strong connection to the Fifth District, and the funds requested for the benefit of Council District 5 constituents and communities
  • Requesting organization must be a non-sectarian, Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) non-profit organization and funding cannot be used to promote a particular religion or religious belief
  • Funds cannot be granted to political committees organized under IRS Code 501(c)4
  • Funds cannot be used for fundraising events
  • Grants are for a one-year period only. Grants requesting multi-year or ongoing funding will not be considered - for example, applications for ongoing staffing, operations and/or salaries will not be considered

Applicants that will be given priority consideration of grant will: 

  • Hold a BTRC number (you can find out more about what a BTRC is and how to obtain one here).
  • Be based in, or have a strong connection to, Council District 5. 
  • Be requesting $5,000 or less 
  • Project scope is specific to educational/recreational projects, arts and cultural programs, environmental awareness programs/projects, public safety programs, health and social service initiatives and programs

If you have a request over $5,000, please reach out to our office directly at Councilmember.Yaroslavsky@lacity.org

If you have a request related to an event, including renting event equipment or paying street closure fees to the Bureau of Street Services, please reach out to our office directly at Councilmember.Yaroslavsky@lacity.org, and include your BSS Special Event reference number.