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 2026 Art & Wine Festival
Report
BACKGROUND
The 44th Annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival (Festival) will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026 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.
Due to the size of the event, the Festival provides an attractive opportunity for local non-profit organizations to generate revenue in support of their programs. Historically, the City has identified opportunities for eligible non-profit groups to earn funds by performing work related to Festival operations. In the past, these activities have included, but were not limited to:
1. Providing permitted food services on Food Alley;
2. Managing parking;
3. Assistance with carnival games in the Kids Kingdom area;
4. Providing onsite loading and unloading services for equipment and supplies;
5. Supplying volunteers to staff beverage and merchandise booths; and
6. Performing litter cleanup.
During the planning phase for the Festival, the City initiates an application process, inviting local non-profit organizations to submit proposals for consideration as designated volunteer groups. Selected groups become eligible to receive payment for services provided in support of Festival operations.
As part of the application process, each non-profit organization is required to present its proposal for consideration. The presentation must include information on how the funds raised will be used, as well as a summary of how funds generated from prior Festival participation were utilized. These presentations are made to the Parks & Recreation Commission, which evaluates the proposals and provides recommendations to staff. Staff will review the Commission's recommendations and make final assignments based on ...
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