REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Applications from Non-Profit Organizations Serving Youth or Seniors in Santa Clara to Provide Volunteer Support at the 2025 Art & Wine Festival.
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
The 43rd Annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival (Festival) will take place on September 13 and 14, 2025, in Central Park. This event is one of the City's hallmark special events attracting thousands of attendees to the City of Santa Clara each year.
The size of the event makes it an attractive opportunity to generate revenue for the community. Historically, the City has identified appropriate opportunities for local non-profit groups to earn funds to support their programs by performing work related to the operations of the festival. In the past, this work has included, but was not limited to:
1. Providing permitted food services on Food Alley;
2. Managing parking;
3. Services related to onsite loading/unloading of equipment and supplies;
4. Supplying volunteers to staff beverage and merchandise booths; and
5. Litter cleanup.
During the planning phase for the Festival, an application process is initiated with local non-profits by inviting them to submit a proposal to be considered a designated volunteer group, making them eligible to receive payment for their services.
As part of the process, each non-profit is required to present their proposal for consideration. This presentation must include how the funds raised will be spent and a summary of how funds raised from prior participation have been used. These presentations are made to the Parks & Recreation Commission (Commission), to evaluate the proposals and makes recommendations to staff. Staff reviews the recommendations and makes final assignments in alignment with the proposals received from the non-profits. Only non-profit organizations or groups that serve San...
Click here for full text