Malibu awards $150,000 in General Fund Grants to 29 local nonprofits

By The Malibu Times · Mon Aug 31 2026

Malibu awards $150,000 in General Fund Grants to 29 local nonprofits

The City of Malibu has announced the recipients of its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Fund Grant Program, awarding a total of $150,000 to 29 nonprofit organizations whose programs and services benefit the Malibu community.

The annual program provides City funding to nonprofit organizations serving Malibu residents, with this year’s recipients representing a broad range of community needs, including youth sports, education, public safety, wildfire preparedness, environmental protection, wildlife rescue, music and the arts, social services and coastal safety.

“This excellent program, and the long list of worthy causes by and for Malibu demonstrates our community’s charitable, compassionate character, which is something all of Malibu can be proud of,” Mayor Bruce Silverstein said.

The City Council regularly sets aside funding for the General Fund Grant Program as part of its annual budgeting process. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the City designated $150,000 for grants.

Applications were reviewed by the City Council’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee, which includes Silverstein and Councilmember Doug Stewart. According to the City, the subcommittee prioritized Malibu-based causes that directly benefit the local community before presenting its recommendations to the full City Council.

The awards were approved as part of the City’s annual budget process in June.

Among the organizations receiving funding are several focused on emergency preparedness and public safety, including the Corral Canyon Fire Safety Alliance, Malibu Search and Rescue and the Malibu Coast Surf Lifesaving Association.

Environmental and wildlife organizations are also well represented. Recipients include the California Wildlife Center, Malibu Monarch Project, Poison Free Malibu, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, Sea Save Foundation and Wishtoyo Foundation.

Youth and family programs receiving grants include AYSO Region 759 — Malibu, Malibu Elementary School PTA, Malibu Little League, Malibu Marlins Swim Club, Malibu Friends of Music, The Emily Shane Foundation and Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America.

Other recipients provide services ranging from animal rescue and employment assistance to education, community outreach and support for children and families.

2026-2027 General Fund Grant Recipients

The General Fund Grant Program is intended to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations located withinMalibu that provide programs or services benefiting residents.

Organizations seeking funding for the 2026-27 cycle were required to submit a complete application by March 31. In addition to a narrative describing the organization and proposed use of funds, applicants were required to provide a budget and supporting documentation.

Required materials included the organization’s most recent financial statement, current board of directors list, organizational chart, promotional materials, verification of federal nonprofit status under Section 501(c)(3), a W-9, articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Incomplete applications were not eligible to advance through the review process.

The Administration and Finance Subcommittee reviewed applications in May and developed recommendations for consideration by the full City Council. Final approval took place in conjunction with adoption of the City’s annual budget in June, with grant funding scheduled for release beginning in July.

The annual program has become one of the ways the City directly supports organizations working on the ground in Malibu, particularly smaller community groups whose programs rely heavily on grants, donations and volunteers.

This year’s list illustrates the range of nonprofit work taking place throughout Malibu — from protecting the Santa Monica Mountains and local wildlife to providing opportunities for children, supporting families, preparing neighborhoods for wildfire and helping keep Malibu’s coastline and community safe.

More information about the City of Malibu General Fund Grant Program, including previous grant recipients, is available through the City of Malibu’s General Fund Grant Program webpage.

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