REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of a $15,000 Grant from the Forty Niners Football Company LLC for Youth Sports in the City of Santa Clara and Approval of the Related Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
Youth sports groups that regularly use Youth Soccer Park (“YSP”) experienced disruptions in January and February 2026 due to the National Football League’s (“NFL”) exclusive use of the facility in connection with Super Bowl LX. Additional impacts to field availability are anticipated during the scheduled YSP field improvement work in the summer of 2026.
To help mitigate these impacts, the Forty Niners Football Company LLC (“Club”) has awarded the City a one-time grant of $15,000. The grant will provide financial assistance to youth sports groups for relocation-related costs and will also support the creation of a City’s youth activity scholarship program.
DISCUSSION
Under the term of the grant agreement (Attachment 1), the grant funds will be used to cover costs associated with relocating youth sports groups to non-City facilities or accommodating them at other City facilities due to reduced YSP availability. Eligible expenses may include standard City field use fees, staff support costs, and third-party facility rental fees necessary to support displaced user groups.
If any grant funds remain after the relocation costs have been covered, the remaining grant funds will be used to provide needs based scholarships to increase access to Parks and Recreation programs for local youth. The scholarship will provide up to $500 per applicant toward program registration fees for Parks and Recreation activities. Applicants will be required to provide documentation demonstrating eligibility for the scholarship, including verification of financial need, Santa Clara residency, and parentage or legal guardianship. Scholarships will be awarded to eligible participants on a rolling basis until all available grant funds have been awarded.
The City will expend the entire grant amount in accordance with the terms of the agreement no later than the end of FY 2026/27.
Per Council Policy 051, Donations to the City, donations of $1,000 or more require recognition by the City Council under Special Order of Business and a letter of acceptance and appreciation signed by the Mayor and City Manager. The policy also requires review by the City Manager’s Office prior to Council acceptance. The City Manager’s Office has reviewed and confirmed that the purpose of this designated donation is consistent with the City’s goals and objectives and in the best interest of the City, and therefore approved acceptance of the $15,000 grant from the Club. Accordingly, the Forty Niners Football Company LLC will be recognized for its generous contribution and continued partnership in support of youth sports programs and support in increasing equitable access to recreational, educational, and enrichment programs for youth in the City of Santa Clara.
This item requests that the City Council accept the grant and approve the FY 2026/27 budget amendment recognizing and appropriating the funds. Acceptance of the grant aligns with the City's goals and objectives by supporting youth recreation opportunities, reducing barriers to participation, and strengthening community partnerships that benefit local youth and families.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff recommend recognizing and appropriating the $15,000 grant from the Forty Niners Football Company LLC in the Expendable Trust Fund. The grant funds will be used in accordance with the grant agreement to cover costs associated with the displacement of youth sports groups. If any funds remain, they will be used to provide scholarships for youth participation in Parks and Recreation programs.
The recommended budget actions are summarized below.
Budget Amendment
FY 2026/27
|
|
Current |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Revised |
|
Expendable Trust Fund |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
Other Revenue |
$0 |
$15,000 |
$15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
|
|
Parks and Recreation - Forty Niners Grant |
$0 |
$15,000 |
$15,000 |
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Accept the $15,000 grant from the Forty Niners Football Company LLC and authorize City Manager to execute Grant Agreement by and Between Forty Niners Football Company LLC and City of Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department;
2. Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign a letter of appreciation; and
3. Approve the FY 2026/27 budget amendment in the Expendable Trust Fund to increase the Other Revenue estimate by $15,000 and establish a Forty Niners Grant appropriation in the amount of $15,000 (five affirmative Council votes required to appropriate additional revenue).
Staff
Reviewed by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation Department
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Grant Agreement