23 NONPROFITS REQUEST FEDERAL GRANTS IN SIMI.

Byline: Terry Kanakri Daily News Staff Writer

The city reports that 23 nonprofit organizations have queued up for federal community development block grants to help them kick off or expand programs.

The nonprofit groups, which need money for programs ranging from helping the needy to promoting anti-drug education and adult literacy, are competing for $544,815 in grant money that the City Council will allocate.

``We're going to put the money where it's going to do the most good,'' Mayor Pro Tem Bill Davis said. ``That's the bottom line. We want to see results from the money, and more than anything, you want to make sure that the money that is spent is going to benefit the community as a whole.''

At a public hearing scheduled for its 6:30 p.m. meeting Monday at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, the City Council will review funding requests totaling $774,990.

The money requested by nonprofit groups adds up to $360,575. An additional $414,415 has been requested by city staff members for such uses as reimbursement for earthquake repairs of public buildings and revitalization of the Tapo Street business district.

But since there is only $544,815 available in CDBG grants, the City Council will have to decide which programs would benefit the community most.

To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must show that the money would be used to start or expand an existing program or conduct a specific activity, Deputy City Manager Laura Herron said. The nonprofits also must provide matching funds.

The money also must be used to benefit people with very low to moderate incomes, help prevent or eliminate blight, or meet a community development need such as jobs and housing, Herron said.

Last year, the City Council used $615,000 on city projects but allocated $256,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations.

This year, the city staff said seven city projects eligible for funding include $198,846 to help spruce up the Tapo Street business district by improving roads and landscaping. An additional $42,000 is needed to help low- and very low-income homeowners cover the cost of inspecting and removing lead-based paint, while $69,883 is needed for earthquake repairs.

Nonprofit group requests include $50,000 for the Samaritan Center and Public Action to Deliver Shelter Program to help needy and homeless people get off the streets and into jobs. Others include $42,500 for Baseballers Against Drugs, $40,600 for the Boys and Girls Club to buy new equipment, $25,000 for Lutheran Social Services of Southern California to help senior citizens and disabled adults, and $20,000 for the Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum to add attractions at Robert P. Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.