RECREATION ACCESS

Los Angeles CountyRegional Park and Open Space DistrictSeptember 2019

A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM

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RECREATION ACCESS | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 3

RECREATION ACCESSThis guideline provides extensive information about the Los

Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District’s (RPOSD)

Recreation Access Competitive Grant Program for the 2019-2020

grant cycle. In this first grant cycle RPOSD is partnering with the

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)

to meet the directives of both our Boards as well as leverage

our separate funding sources to begin to meet the needs of our

communities in accessing parks as well as recreation programs.

After reviewing this guideline, you will have a better understanding

of the application process and evaluation criteria for both the

RPOSD and Metro programs.

The evaluation criteria for the RPOSD program comes from the

Measure A Implementation Steering Committee Proceedings.

RPOSD is very appreciative of the committee and community

members who helped to develop the evaluation criteria for the

competitive grant programs. For more information regarding

Measure A funding opportunities, programs, and procedures, please

refer to the Grants Administration Manual for Measure A and the

Measure A Basics Handbook. Additional information is also available

online at RPOSD.LACounty.gov.

More information on the Metro Programs can be found on the

Metro Transit to Parks Strategic Plan as well as the Congestion

Management Air Quality Program.

A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM

Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines4

COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM 2019-2020 CYCLE TIMELINE:

» Application Process OpensSeptember 9, 2019

» GMS Registration Must be Completed to ApplyJanuary 30, 2020

» Application Process ClosesFebruary 25, 2020

» Evaluation ProcessMarch 1, 2020 through early June 2020

» Award of Funds / GrantsJune 2020

The information regarding this timeline will be continously updated on the Competitive Grant Programs page of RPOSD’s website. Each competitive grant program will operate according to its own cycle and schedule, so it is important to refer to each category for specific details.

Mark Your CalendarsThe application period for Recreation Access, one of the Competitive Grant Programs, is starting in September 2019. Be sure to attend at least one of the mandatory application workshops designed to assist eligible agencies before application period ends in February 2020!

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WORKSHOP LOCATIONS AND DATESApplication workshops will focus on Recreation Access and Youth and Veteran Job Training and Placements, the two Competitive Grant Programs available 2019 - 2020. It is mandatory for grant applicants to attend at least one of the workshops available throughout the application process. For materials and more information about this and other RPOSD application workshops, refer to the Application Workshops page on our website.

September 2019 � Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Wednesday 9/18 1:00PM-4:00PM.Palm Room, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007

� Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior CenterSaturday 9/28 9:00AM-12:00PM.Gallatin Room, 7810 Quill Drive, Downey, CA 90242

October 2019 � El Monte Aquatic Center

Thursday 10/10 1:00PM-4:00PM.Room A & B, 11001 Mildred St., El Monte, CA 91731

� Betty Ainsworth Sports CenterSaturday 10/19 9:00AM-12:00PM.Room 3, 3851 W El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250

November 2019 � El Cariso Community Regional Park

Thursday 11/7 1:00PM-4:00PM.Multipurpose Room, 13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, CA 91342

� Ganesha Community CenterSaturday 11/16 9:00AM-12:00PM.1575 N. White Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768

December 2019 � Las Palmas Park

Saturday 12/7 9:00AM-12:00PM.Banquet Room, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando, CA 91340

� Exposition Park - Expo Center - Roy Anderson Recreation CenterThursday 12/18 1:00PM-4:00PM.3980 Bill Robertson Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90037

January 2020 � Veterans Park

Thursday 1/16 1:00PM-4:00PM.101 East 28th Street, Long Beach, CA 90806

� Chimbole Cultural CenterSaturday 1/25 9:00AM-12:00PM.Joshua Room, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale CA 93550

RSVPonline now and select the Competitive Grant Program Application Workshop that best fits your schedule!

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONMeasure A allows for up to 15 percent of Category 3 and 4 funds to be awarded to Recreation Access Grants Programs. These grants shall establish or continue building upon established programs to increase the ability of residents to access public lands, park facilities, and park amenities, including education, interpretive services, safety information, transportation, and other activities that increase accessibility for County residents, especially those in High-Need or Very-High-Need Study Areas.

The Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) shall prioritize grants to organizations that provide services to, or recruit a majority of their participants from, the areas of high-need, and very high-need, as identified in the 2016 Countywide Park Needs Assessment Report.

In this first grant cycle RPOSD is partnering with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to meet the directives of both our Boards as well as leveraging our separate funding sources to begin to meet the needs of our communities in accessing parks as well as recreation programs.

The Metro Board recently adopted Transit to Parks Strategic Plan (Plan) which is a strategic vision for increasing access to park and open space, specifically for disadvantaged communities. Applicants are encouraged to review and consult the Plan. “Supportive Programs and Initiatives” (page 75 of the Plan) may be particularly helpful in project development.

Acknowledging that improving access to parks and open spaces by filling in the gaps in the regional transportation network requires collaboration at all levels of government, on June 27, 2019 the Metro Board adopted a motion to begin to implement the Transit Parks Strategic Plan. The motion activates Metro staff to move forward with: a) communicating existing and future transit lines serving parks and open space, including a web based access tool; b) outreach to Councils of Governments (COGs), park organizations, municipal operators, and other partner agencies to promote the plan as a resource and encourage funding and implementation partnerships; c) pursue discretionary funding opportunities for the plan along with providing grant writing assistance to eligible partner agencies and non-profits; d) collaborate with the Department of Parks and Recreation to determine a baseline number of Los Angeles County residents who lack a 10 minute walk or ride to a park; e) utilize the plan as a guiding document in the development of a Regional Service Concept through the NextGen Bus Study; f) integrate transit to parks planning into 28x’28 and Measure M project planning; and to also partner with RPOSD in the Recreation Access Competitive Grant program, provide $ 1 million in funding to create a grant program for municipalities to fund transit to parks programs and initiatives.

Available FundingAvailable funding for this round of the Recreation Access Competitive Grant ProgramMeasure A Funding: $7.2 MillionLos Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority: $1.0 Million

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Metro funding and/or in-kind support will be applied to selected projects meeting Metro policy objectives and fund eligibility requirements. There will be a group of questions to gather some of the information that Metro staff will need to move forward identifying appropriate projects to meet the requirements of the funding source(s) they identify in support of this partnership. The Metro funding will not be conscribed by the specifics of Measure A funding requirements and evaluation criteria.

Funding Eligiblity For Metro: Metro will be assigning its funding and/or in-kind support to individual selected projects from a variety of funding sources. The commitment of specific funds to specific projects is to be determined. Applicants are generally directed to the eligibility requirements for the Congestion Management Air Quality Program.

Recreation Access Program Award SizeRequested grant awards must meet the minimum and maximum grant award size requirements.

� Minimum: $50,000

� Maximum: $1,850,000

Grant applications will be categorized into award size brackets as shown in the following table.

RECREATION ACCESS PROGRAM AWARD SIZE BRACKETS

AWARD SIZE BRACKET MINIMUM AWARD SIZE MAXIMUM AWARD SIZE

Small $50,000 $499,999

Medium $500,000 $999,999

Large $1,000,000 $1,850,000

Projects that require funding beyond these Measure A limits may seek to leverage supplemental funding from other sources.

Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines8

Start early!Competitive grant applications have firm deadlines. Begin your application as far in advance of the deadline as possible.

Grant applications completed hastily tend to contain errors and lack sufficient information, which can reduce the likelihood that your project will be awarded a grant.

ELIGIBILITY OF APPLICANTS AND PROGRAMS

Applicant Eligibility

PUBLIC AGENCIES

Any governmental agency, special district, or joint powers authority (JPA) that is authorized to acquire, develop, improve and restore real property for beach, wildlife, park, recreation, community, cultural, open space, water quality, flood control, or gang prevention and intervention purposes within Los Angeles County is eligible to apply for Measure A grants.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Eligible nonprofit organizations must have a mission related to one or more of the following focus areas:

• Environmental protection and preservation

• Park, recreation, community services, or facilities

• Gang prevention and intervention

• Environmental education and interpretation

• Tree planting

• Conservation and preservation of wetlands or of lands predominantly in their natural, scenic, historical, forested, or open-space condition

• Restoration of lands to a natural, scenic, historical, forested, or open space condition

• Job skills training and educational opportunities to young adults and/or veterans

• Nonprofit affordable housing development

SCHOOLS

Public and private nonprofit schools are eligible to apply for Measure A grants with RPOSD, provided they allow public use of school facilities during non-school hours or offer education/training programs. Schools offering education/training programs or certification placement services to youth and veterans are also eligible but are limited to applying for programmatic grants (e.g., Youth and Veteran Job Training and Placement Program and Recreation Access Program grants) only.

Program EligibilityApplicants must provide proof that the program meets all the following eligibility requirements to apply for a grant award:

• The program increases the ability for county residents to access public lands, park facilities, park amenities, and recreational opportunities.

Tip:If you have not registered for our Grants Management System (GMS) yet, register now! Prior to applying to any RPOSD grants, applicants will need to be registered online. No matter how many different RPOSD grant programs you apply for, you only need to be registered once. Refer to the Quick Start Guide for more details.

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• The program meets or will meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act of 1990.

• The program must provide an annual program evaluation.

Program FeasibilityApplicants must provide proof that the program meets at least one requirement below in order to apply for a grant award:

• The program has already been established; or

• The program provider has a track record of running similar types of programs at other locations; or

• The program provider has not run programs similar to the one proposed but is either well-established in the service area or has established a partnership with an agency or CBO that is well-established in the service area.

Program Examples

Below is a non-exhaustive list of programs that may be eligible for Recreation Access grant funds:

• Educational and Interpretive programs that promote park use

• Interpretive programs and Environmental Education programs

• Programs that provide or fund transportation that includes an interpretive or educational opportunity from areas of High-Need or Very-High-Need to beaches, regional parks, cultural facilities, recreational events, or natural parks

• Pop-up recreational programs or Pop-up Interpretive Programs

PR IORI TY

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APPLICATION PROCESSThe application for all funding opportunities with RPOSD is to be completed in the online Grants Management System. Each of the funding opportunities, in this case a competitive grant program, will have a set of questions that are specific to each program. The application will include questions specific to this grant program and require that supportive documentation be uploaded to GMS.

Application QuestionsRPOSD has provided directional notes along with the questions (in green italicized font) to help applicants understand what will need to be provided in the online application which will need to be completed and submitted through GMS. The application available on GMS will have additional detailed directions for each question in the application and will outline the process required to submit the completed application.

GENERAL

1. Describe the program you are seeking funding for.Provide a narrative of the overarching goals, measurable objectives and the purpose of this program.

2. Provide a high level, short summary of the program.Describe the proposal succinctly in a useful “sound bite.”

3. Who will the program serve? Describe your outreach plan to attract the participants for this program.Provide a detailed description of the plan. Identify the Study Area(s) you anticipate your program participants will come from. Be prepared to upload maps, brochures, and/or other documents to support the proposal.

4. How will this program address access and connectivity to recreational activities and/or sites?Provide a detailed description and be prepared to upload maps and other supporting documents.

5. Explain how this program fits within your organization’s mission. Also describe if this program enhances your organization and in what way(s). Provide a detailed description.

6. Provide a statement of how the program will be evaluated for effectiveness. How will this program be measured to determine success?Provides details describing how the program will be measured to determine success, including what outcomes will be measured, how they will be measured and how often.

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PROGRAM ELEMENTS

7. Provide a description of expected outcomes and impact of project.Provide a description of the anticipated output from the project and a detailed description of who the beneficiary of the targeted results will be.

8. Provide a detailed Work Program for this grant request.Describe the tasks, subtasks and deliverables of this project. Be prepared to provide a timeline and budget information for the total cost of the program’s various tasks and subtasks as well as the costs associated with a grant award from RPOSD (if awarded).

9. Describe any safety and transportation elements that your program will provide and/or enhance.Provide description of safety and transportation elements identified and include information about who will provide these services and what their expertise are.

10. Describe the accommodations and/or services and materials that your program will provide for the diverse needs of the participants.Provide detailed description.

BUDGET

11. Provide a line-item budget for both the program and the amount requested in this proposal.The line-item budget must reflect the full costs of the program. It must reflect the costs to be attributed to this program from funds allocated by RPOSD (if awarded), as well as costs from all other funding sources, to show all funding for this proposed program.

12. Provide an explanation of what costs are included in the budget.Be prepared to provide a description clarifying costs for administrative overhead and any other budget line-items that require more details.

13. Provide a description of all funding sources for this program.Identify the type of funding source (grant funds or in-kind resources), the status of the funding (applied, awarded, denied, etc.), and the amount of funding secured or anticipated from each funding source.

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ORGANIZATION/FINANCIAL HEALTH

14. What types of outreach does your organization regularly complete? You will be required to provide a detailed description of the outreach performed and who the intended audience(s) were. In addition, you must provide information about the methods used and the success of the outreach efforts. You will also be required to clearly identify how these efforts are reflected in your organization’s budget.

15. Approximately how many people and for what purposes does your agency reach on an annual basis?Provide a description and statistics.

16. Describe the overall financial condition of your organization and explain any operating deficit or surplus that appears in your financials and your current operational budget.Provide narrative and be prepared to upload the operating budget for your current fiscal year.

17. Future funding - address how or if the program will continue beyond the grant period.Provide a description detailing your plan for acquiring future funding if the program is anticipated to continue beyond this grant period.

STAFF

18. Provide a list of key staff members who would work on this project.You will be required to provide the full names, titles, roles, and a short biography for all staff working on this project. If new staff need to be hired, you must provide information about their intended titles and roles, and a plan for how and when you intend to hire staff.

19. If volunteers are an essential part of the program, how many will be involved and what will their roles be? Provide a description identifying the roles of the volunteers, the years of experience they have performing similar work, their level of education, training, and/or certifications requirements.

METRO

Funding Eligiblity For Metro: Metro will be assigning its funding and/or in-kind support to individual selected projects from a variety of funding sources. The commitment of specific funds to specific projects is to be determined. Applicants are generally directed to the eligibility requirements for the Congestion Management Air Quality Program.

20. Include a description of transportation service or infrastructure to be provided along with operational considerations, vehicles to be used (if applicable), and infrastructure to be developed or deployed.Operational considerations include staging locations, provider, frequency, etc. Examples of infrastructures to be developed or deployed include new or improved pathways, signage, bus/shuttle stops, etc.

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21. Discuss how your proposal considers and incorporates “Supportive Programs and Initiatives” as identified in the Metro Transit to Parks Strategic Plan. Proposals should address the strategy categories, if applicable, as follows:

• “Help People Find Their Way”Does your proposal include First/Last Mile Pathways and/or wayfinding signage strategies where needed? Would users benefit from maps or other materials to help make transite connections? What communication strategies are considered for your project/program and how will they be funded?

• “Make it Easier”Describe how transportation service or infrastructure will be user friendly, considering schedules, pickup and dropoff points, vehicles, and walk/bike connections.

• “Make it Fun”Does your proposal include educational or interpretive programming and how is programming integrated with the transportation project/program?

• “Make it Last”Discuss how your project/program will be sustained beyond the grant period. Does your project consider/incorporate transportation demand management at park sites? Describe any program evaluation elements.

22. Describe how the program provides connection for a community of interest as identified in the Metro Transit to Parks Strategic Plan (refer to page 52-54).Provide a written description and a map that specifically identifies the community of interest and the parks to be accessed by program.

Completing your Application in the online Grants Management System (GMS)The information regarding the Grants Management System (GMS) derive from the Quick Start Guide, which will guide you through all the steps required to register your agency in GMS, apply for grants and manage your grant(s), if you are awarded any.

REGISTRATION IN THE GMS If you are already registered, you will not be required to do so again. Please ensure that all individuals from your agency who will be working on the RPOSD grant application are registered. Those individuals authorized in the system can log on and find the Funding Opportunity that is available for your agency to apply for.

If you have not already registered, the first step each applicant will need to take is to register in the GMS. We highly recommend that all users access the Quick Start Guide first as it provides specific instructions that will help you get this done quickly! Registration is a required step for any public agency, nonprofit organization, or school applying for a Measure A grant. Registering now ensures that your agency or organization will be ready when it is time to apply for Measure A grants.

Skipthe sections about registration if you have already successfully registered to GMS and proceed to the subsequent section entitled,

‘STEP ONE: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES.”

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Initial registration should be completed by a single individual within your agency or organization. This individual should have access to, and knowledge of, general information about your agency’s/organization’s operations.

If registration is completed by more than one individual, the additional registrations will be discarded by the system. Avoid doing double work by making sure everyone in your agency/organization is aware that registration will be completed by a single individual. Once you submit your information, you will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours notifying you that your registration is active. Please add rposd@webgrantsmail.com to your safe senders list to ensure delivery to your inbox.

You can add additional users once your initial registration is complete.

INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION

All agencies/organizations will need the following information/documents to complete the registration process:

� Contact Information � Federal Tax ID Number � LA County Vendor ID Information � County of Los Angeles Vendor Direct Deposit Program Enrollment

Status � RPOSD Grant Terms � Technical Assistance Needs

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� Audited Financial Statement � Proof of Jurisdiction Support (if available)

Public agencies will also need: � Annual Allocation Plan

Nonprofit organizations will also need: � Mission Statement � Articles of Incorporation � Proof of 501(c)3 Status � IRS Form 990

Schools do not need any additional items.

Once registration is completed for your organization, you will be able to log onto the GMS. When you log on to the GMS, the Main Menu will provide the following options for you to choose from:

InstructionsThis link displays a high-level instructions page describing all the screens in the GMS. This detailed information will help you learn more about the GMS. My Profile This link contains contact information for you and the agency with which you are associated. You can add additional GMS users at this link and update your own contact information as needed. You can also reset your password here.Funding OpportunitiesThis link displays all currently posted opportunities for which your agency is eligible. Follow this link to create and submit applications for each opportunity.My ApplicationsThis link connects you to all previously created applications associated with your account. My GrantsThis link displays all grants that have been awarded to your agency. This is also where you will create status reports, complete reimbursement claims and communicate with RPOSD about your awarded grants.

STEP ONE: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Your agency or organization can view current funding opportunities for which you are eligible by clicking on the Funding Opportunities section of the Main Menu. If more than one opportunity is available, you will need to determine which one(s) to apply for. Every Measure A competitive grant program funds distinct project types and has distinct application requirements. To determine which type of competitive grant funding opportunity is best for your project, review the descriptions of each program in the Measure A Basics Handbook and the Grants Administration Manual for Measure A (select “Competitive Grants”), both of which can be found online.

Tip:Access the Quick Start Guide online for step-by-step directions on navigating through Funding Opportunities in GMS. There is a section on applying for Competitive Grant Program funds on page 55.

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Once you have determined which Funding Opportunity you will be applying to, select it from the options available.

STEP TWO: GATHERING INFORMATION

To ensure a smooth application process, use the checklist that corresponds to the funding opportunity you are applying for to make sure you have all required information and documents. Checklists start on page 59 of the Quick Start Guide.

STEP THREE: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Once you have gathered all the information needed to complete the application, return to the funding opportunity and select “Start a New Application.”

Information is entered in the GMS in one of three ways:» Drop Down Menus offer a selection of responses to choose from» Free Form Fields allow you to type your response directly into the field» File Uploads require that you upload a file to the GMS

Throughout the application process, all fields with a red asterisk (*) require a response from you. Your application cannot be submitted if any of these fields are left blank.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

WorkshopYou are required to attend an application workshop prior to submitting your application. Workshop dates and times are listed on the RPOSD website. If a representative from your agency is not able to attend a workshop in person, please contact RPOSD.

ApplicationYou must apply for your grants using RPOSD’s online Grants Management System (GMS). The GMS allows you to apply for and manage your funds from one centralized location. Using the GMS, you can download reference information, complete required forms, upload supporting documents, sign forms, and execute contracts using electronic signatures. The GMS allows you to save your work as you go, so you can complete your application in sections as time allows.

RPOSD provides a Grant Management System Quick Start Guide that contains detailed information for using the GMS. Additionally, RPOSD offers periodic trainings for GMS users.

Community Outreach and EngagementAll Measure A grants require community outreach and engagement that meets Measure A requirements. The requirements for the Recreation Access Program must meet Measure A’s minimum community engagement

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requirements. This program requires that outreach for participants occur utilizing the methods and requirements described within the Community Outreach and Engagement requirements.

These requirements vary by grant type and project budget. Refer to the Measure A Grants Administration Manual for detailed information about Community Outreach and Engagement requirements and best practices, including language access requirements.

You are required to identify and/or report on the Community Engagement Plan that describes how you conducted outreach and engagement or how you plan to engage the community in the future. As you prepare your Community Engagement Plan, consider the following questions:

• When is it most appropriate to engage the community?• What inclusive outreach methods are most appropriate for this project?• How do the outreach methods and engagement events remove barriers

to access?• Who can you partner with to improve engagement with the

community?If you’ve completed any qualifying community engagement for this project prior to submitting your application, you will need to upload supporting documents as part of your application. These supporting documents may include:

� Vendor invoices � Outreach flyers � Log of canvassing � Media ads and other graphics � Sign-in sheets � Photos � Activity sheets � Public comment cards � Meeting minutes, staff reports, and other summary documents

Good StandingYour agency/organization must be in Good Standing with RPOSD to apply for grant funding. If all your existing RPOSD grants are in compliance with their grant agreements, or if you have never received funding from RPOSD, you are in Good Standing. Contact an RPOSD Grants Officer to verify Good Standing!

Project DeliveryGrantees are required to follow RPOSD procedures to close a grant after completion of the project. Failure to close the grant in a timely manner will affect a grantee’s Good Standing. The final closing date should be identified in the work program during the submission of the grant application.

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Grants for this competitive grant round will be awarded in the summer of 2020 and funded projects must be completed by summer of 2023.

ReportingIn addition to status reports, grant recipients must submit an annual report and a final report. The final report must include results/outcomes of the project, lessons learned, obstacles encountered and any proposal for ongoing activity as a result of their grant work.

RPOSD Signage and BrandingGrant funded programs shall acknowledge the assistance of RPOSD funding prominently on signage, outreach materials, etc. For further instruction and more information, refer to the RPOSD website.

InsuranceRPOSD requires grant applicants to review the insurance requirements associated with the grant agreement. Insurance requirements can be found in the Appendix.

Grant AgreementApplicants must review the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement prior to submitting the application and be prepared to execute the Grant Agreement if awarded.

REVIEW PROCESS

Administrative ReviewOnce the application period has closed, RPOSD staff will conduct an administrative review of all submitted applications to verify Good Standing status, completeness, and adherence to category and project requirements. Applications that pass the administrative review will be sent to the Competitive Grants Evaluation Panel.

Panel ReviewRPOSD will create an evaluation panel(s) for each competitive grant program. Each panel will be composed of a multidisciplinary team with diverse backgrounds and expertise in various aspects of park, recreation, and open space challenges and opportunities.

Applications passing administrative review shall be assigned in groups of approximately 40 applications to a panel consisting of 3-5 panelists with knowledge and experience in the areas under review, including at least one knowledgeable layperson.

RPOSD will provide the panelists online access to the applications approximately one month in advance of the panel meeting. The applications that have passed administrative review will be sorted by award bracket size. Grant applications within the same award bracket will be evaluated against one another and at least one grant will be awarded in each bracket.

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At this stage the panelists will review and evaluate the applications and assign a preliminary score for each one. This review may include technical comments and provide initial ratings within each bracket. All applications must be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria listed in the application guidelines and articulated in the Measure A Implementation Steering Committee Proceedings, Section 4. Since the evaluation criteria varies for each competitive grant category, applicants should consult the criteria of the category to which they are applying. After the initial reviews have been completed, panelists will meet as a group to discuss applications in closed session. Informed by the panel discussion, individual panelists may change their initial ratings.

RPOSD staff will meet with the competitive grants evaluation panel to review each grant application’s scores and arrive at a composite score for each application. This meeting will produce a preliminary ranking to select projects within each bracket that will receive an invitation to provide a presentation on their proposed program.  The presentation will take approximately 15-20-minutes and shall be presented to the evaluation panel and RPOSD staff. Presentations will be followed by a question and answer period which will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

RPOSD staff and the evaluation panel will finalize scores and the ranking and create a list of recommendations for funding.

Grant AwardsMinimum and maximum Funding and Award Brackets were established for each of the Competitive Grant Programs.

To ensure recommended minimum funding targets for applicable competitive grant programs are met, RPOSD staff and evaluation panel members will complete the following analysis:

• From the current grant program’s total funding, set aside 30% to provide funding for approved projects in High-Need or Very-High-Need Study Areas. Any funds left unawarded will be held for the next grant cycle for projects in High-Need or Very-High-Need Study Areas. If there is insufficient funding for approved applications, RPOSD may award grants proportionately.

• The remaining 70% will be available for funding of approved grant applications in all Study Areas. If there is insufficient funding for approved applications, RPOSD may award grants proportionately.

RPOSD’s Board of Directors will be notified of results at the end of the review cycle. RPOSD will issue a Notification of Award to selected agencies for projects to be funded.

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NotificationAward recipients will be notified of their award amount by RPOSD. Award recipients will receive a grant agreement that must be signed and returned to RPOSD within 16 days of receipt. Once the grant agreement is fully executed, award recipients will receive a fully executed PDF copy for their records. The project performance period will not begin until the grant agreement is fully executed. Reimbursements will only be issued for expenses incurred during the grant performance period.

Transparency and ConfidentialityRPOSD seeks to make our review process as transparent as possible, while protecting the confidential information of applicants, panelists, staff and Board Members. RPOSD will announce the names of grantees on our website as well as through a press release and/or social media posts. A summary of all applications, their scores and evaluation comments will be available on our website once the process is complete.

Applicants who do not receive a recommendation for grant funding will also be notified. RPOSD staff will meet with individual applicants, at the applicant’s request, to address specific questions related to their application and the panelists’ comments. Requests must be received by RPOSD no later than 30 days after the receipt of official notification by applicant.

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EVALUATION CRITERIAApplications will be scored using the following criteria:

• Level of Need• Community Involvement Beyond Minimum Requirements• Program Benefits

Each evaluation criterion is described below along with a breakdown of points by subcriteria (where applicable).

Scoring Rubric

EVALUATION CRITERIA POINTS

LEVEL OF NEED 25

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 30

PROGRAM BENEFITS 30

TOTAL 85

LEVEL OF NEED

LEVEL OF NEED IS BASED ON THE CURRENT COUNTYWIDE PNA DETERMINATION. PROJECTS LOCATED WITHIN OR SERVING OR BENEFITTING STUDY AREAS WITH HIGH OR VERY HIGH NEED WILL RECEIVE MORE POINTS THAN PROJECTS THAT DO NOT.Projects may receive a maximum of 25 points by meeting one or more of the subcriteria below.

25 MAX.

(A) Program is located in a High or Very High Need Study Area or 90% ofprogram participants live in a High or Very High Need Study Area.

25

(B) Program is not located in a High or Very High Need Study Area, butdirectly serves or benefits the residents of a High or Very High Need StudyArea by achieving one or more of the subcriteria below.

20 max.

(B1) Program attracts participants who live in High or Very High Need Study Areas. More points will be awarded to projects that can provide statistical information that a high number of residents from High or Very High Need Study Areas will participate in the program.

0-10

(B2) Program demonstrates access from High or Very High Need Study Areas to the recreation site. Access can include connections by existing trails, bikeways, pathways, transit routes, or shuttle service to and from High or Very High Need Study Areas. Best practices include convenience in access, frequency in service, visibility, safety, and /or provision of the most effective and/or efficient means of transportation between the program site and High or Very High Need Study Area.

0-15

(B3) Program includes elements that support the language needs of the participants and/or people who live in High or Very High Need Study Areas, including multilingual wayfinding, information signage, interpretive programs, and educational materials.

0-10

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE POINTS BASED ON THE QUALITY OF PAST AND/OR PROPOSED ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY (SEE SECTION 3.3.1.4) THAT GOES BEYOND THE MINIMUM ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.

POINTS WILL BE AWARDED BASED ON THE EVALUATORS’ ASSESSMENT OF THE SUBMITTED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND/OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN DESCRIBING PROPOSED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. ALL PROPOSED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WILL BE TRACKED AS PART OF THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION PROCESS; GRANTEES NOT COMPLETING PROPOSED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WILL LOSE GOOD STANDING ON THE GRANT.

PROJECTS MAY RECEIVE A MAXIMUM OF 30 POINTS BY MEETING ONE OR MORE OF THE SUBCRITERIA BELOW.

30 MAX.

(A) Applicant engaged the community while developing the program, to ensure that the program will meet the community’s needs (see “Engage the Community at an Appropriate Time” under Section 3.3.1.4 for details).

0-8

(B) Applicant utilized and will continue to utilize multiple inclusive outreach methods that target broad representation of residents and stakeholders (see “Employ Inclusive Outreach Methods” under Section 3.3.1.4 for details). Applicants utilizing more than three methods may receive more points.

0-8

(C) Applicant actively sought and/or will seek to remove barriers to accessing the program, such as scheduling meetings/events in the evenings and/or weekends, providing transportation, and providing refreshments (see “Remove Barriers to Access” under Section 3.3.1.4 for details). Applicants removing more barriers will receive more points.

0-8

(D) Applicant established or leveraged, or will establish or leverage, community partnerships with local community-based organizations, citizen advisory groups, and/or school districts to gain support for the program (see “Establish and Leverage Community Partnerships” under Section 3.3.1.4 for details).

0-8

(E) Applicant provided or will provide language access services beyond minimum requirements (see Section 3.3.1.2 for minimum requirements).

0-8

(F) Community input received during the engagement process is reflected or will be reflected in the program and its components.

0-8

RECREATION ACCESS | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 23

PROGRAM BENEFITS

PROGRAMS THAT IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY, CONNECTIVITY, AND SAFETY, AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION, INTERPRETIVE SERVICES, AND ACTIVE RECREATION.

Programs may receive a maximum of 30 points by meeting one or more of the subcriteria below.

30 MAX.

(A) Goals and Objectives Agency or organization has clearly stated its goals and objectives (e.g., service or recruit a certain number of participants), and has provided a detailed description on how these goals and objectives will be met, and an evaluation program to show how the outcomes are met.

0-5

(B) Accessibility Program provides accessibility for many users, including hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, seniors, and persons with disabilities, especially in urban areas. More points will be awarded to programs that intentionally provide access to more types of users, and/or targets its services to urban areas.

0-5

(C) Participant Recruitment Agency or organization actively recruits and publicizes the program to a wide range of participants within the area served.

0-5

(D) ConnectivityProgram connects (or offers transportation to) river, mountain, and urban areas, especially to County Parks, State Parks, National Forests, National Recreation Area, and National Monument, and that link other canyons and regional and local parks throughout the County.

0-5

(E) Interpretive Programs and Education Program incorporates elements that provide interpretation and education to foster user connection and awareness of the environment, the outdoors, and/or recreation, such as programs that educate the public about the project’s location and natural and cultural history. More points will be scored on the quantity and quality of the proposed interpretive programs and education programs.

0-5

(F) Safe and Active Transportation Program includes elements that promote the ability of users to travel to and from the project by active forms of transportation such as walking, biking, skateboarding, scootering, utilizing a Metro or City transportation system, etc. Examples include Safe Routes to School programs, safety education, and other programs that promote walking and biking.

0-5

Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines24

Additional Information, Processes, & ProceduresIf/when your organization is awarded a grant, information on managing your grant can be found in the Measure A Grants Administration Manual. The Grants Administration Manual can be found on the RPOSD website.

PAYMENT OF GRANT FUNDS

Measure A funds will be distributed to grantee on a reimbursement basis, unless advancement of funds is requested and approved. Eligible costs must have been incurred within the grant performance period to be approved for reimbursement.

Payment Request PackageInvoicing - All payment requests must be submitted using GMS; Reimbursements will only be issued for expenses incurred during the grant performance periodRetention - 10% retention will be held from each payment

CHANGE REQUESTS

Projects must be completed in accordance with the work plan and timeline approved in GMS and the grant agreement.Due to the competitive nature of these grants, significant changes will be prohibited for the following:

Scope - No changes allowedBudget - No changes allowedLevel of Need - No changes allowed Community Partnership - Can be increased or partnerships can be changed to accomplish comparable benefitProgram Benefits - Can be increased or identified benefits can be changed to accomplish comparable benefit

RECREATION ACCESS | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 25

ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Grantee must maintain adequate financial documents and records that accurately account for disbursements of Measure A funds. The Grants Administration Manual Section 3.4.5 provides detailed information regarding Audit Requirements, Accounting Requirements, and Records Retention.

SITE VISITS / CEREMONIES

Once a grant has been awarded, RPOSD Grants Officers will conduct site visits at key stages of projects to verify grant status and consistency with work plan, timeline, and budget as described in GMS and the grant agreement. Grantees will be required to coordinate with RPOSD at least two weeks prior to scheduling a site visit.

METRO

Metro’s process to identify projects appropriate for the Transit to Parks funding or in-kind services, will come after the evaluation process for the Measure A funding. Metro staff will be represented on the evaluation team(s) so that their understanding of each project is robust.

Metro reserves the ability to assign its funding and/or in-kind support to individual selected projects from a variety of funding sources. The commitment of specific funds to specific projects is TBD. Applicants are generally directed to the eligibility requirements for the Congestion Management Air Quality Program.

Applicants should also review the Transit to Parks Strategic Plan to understand the projects envisioned by Metro in these efforts. In particular, “Supportive Programs and Initiatives” (Page 75) may be helpful in project development.

If you have questions regarding Metro’s Transit to Trails Plan or funding please contact Jacob Lieb at LiebJ@Metro.net

Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines26

MEASURE A GRANT PROGRAMS Measure A offers three types of grant programs: Annual Allocation Grant Programs, Competitive Grant Programs, and Other Programs.

Annual Allocation Grant Programs provide formula-based annual allocations of grant funds to identified public agencies in Los Angeles County. The funds in these programs are not competitive and provide flexibility for eligible project types.

Competitive Grant Programs allow public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and schools that meet Measure A’s eligibility requirements to compete for funding. Each competitive grant program has distinct requirements for applying and is offered on a cycle ranging from annual to once every four years.

Other Programs available include:• Maintenance and Servicing, which supports projects funded by

Proposition A and Measure A, and is available to identified public agencies and nonprofit organizations;

• Technical Assistance Program (TAP), which provides funds for a range of assistance that helps public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and schools deliver completed park projects. The TAP includes funds for planning and design work; and

• Innovation Grant Program, which provides funds for projects that can serve as precedents to help pioneer innovative park design, use, access, and function in Los Angeles County. Projects funded by this program should be replicable in communities throughout the County.

Refer to the Measure A Basics Handbook for detailed information on each grant program.

Important Tips:• Make sure that your registration with RPOSD’s online Grant Management System is

current, including all contact information.

• Get to know the requirements for each grant program BEFORE the application period opens.

• Get in contact with your Grants Officer early in the grant writing process. They are available to answer your questions as you move through the process!

• Recreation Access Competitive Grant Program is one of two different grants programs available at RPOSD for the 2019-2020 grant cycle. Go to our website’s Competitive Grants page to learn more.

RECREATION ACCESS | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 27

Measure A ProgramsRefer to this graphic to determine which grant programs your type of agency/organization is eligible to apply for.

The following programs are not shown on this graphic,

• County Priority Projects• County Cultural Facilities*• Department of Parks & Recreation*• Department of Beaches & Harbors*

*Available only to County departments

Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines28

REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICTThe Los Angeles Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) was created with approval of Proposition A by the voters of LA County in 1992. The County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors is the board of RPOSD. RPOSD is a special district whose boundaries are the same as the County of Los Angeles. RPOSD’s mandate is to collect taxes within the boundaries (as approved by over two thirds of the voters) and to grant out funds to all 88 cities, local park agencies and non-profits for improving, refurbishing and creating new park projects.

Over the last 27 years RPOSD has granted funds for more than 1,500 projects for parks, recreational, cultural, and community facilities as well as beaches and open space lands throughout the county. With the approval of 75% of the voters in 2016 a new tax for parks, called Measure A, is now in place. RPOSD will continue this work in communities across the county for at least another 30 years or more.

RPOSD’s Board: (County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors)

- Hilda L. SolisSupervisorial District 1

- Mark Ridley-ThomasSupervisorial District 2

- Sheila KuehlSupervisorial District 3

- Janice HahnSupervisorial District 4

- Kathryn BargerSupervisorial District 5

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626.588.5060 • info@RPOSD.lacounty.gov • RPOSD.LACounty.gov