The Vernon City Council and Vernon CommUNITY Fund (VCF) are dedicated to enriching the local community. The VCF provides grants to charitable and governmental entities for projects and programs that benefit those residing and working in Vernon and surrounding cities - the Vernon Area (which is comprised of Vernon, Maywood, Commerce, Bell, Huntington Park, and the areas of Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles). These grants contribute to the health, well-being, and quality of life in local communities and support regional programs and services that address workforce development, youth advocacy, sports, the arts, violence prevention, homelessness, mental health, and more!

We are pleased to announce the availability of funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27. Direct service grants are provided to organizations located in the area served by the VCF, or whose services directly benefit residents in the Vernon Area. VCF applications for FY 2026–27 will be accepted until Friday, September 25, 2026. The City of Vernon will distribute approximately $230,000 for VCF direct service grants in FY 2026-27, and awards are anticipated to be within the range of $15,000 - $20,000 per organization.

To assist VCF grant applicants in crafting a successful application package, an informational Grant Workshop will be provided to interested community-based organizations and nonprofits on August 5th at 10:00am in the Vernon City Hall Council Chamber (4305 Santa Fe Ave, Vernon, 90058). Details about grant eligibility requirements, grant amounts, and grant focus will be shared at this session. No registration or RSVP is required. We hope to see you there!

Information about the history of the fund, eligibility requirements, and other specifics regarding the application process can be found at www.vernoncommunityfund.org along with a link to the VCF Grant Application. Potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to the VCF management team at VCF@cityofvernonca.gov with any questions about the application process.