A1: In 1999, voters in the City of Los Angeles approved changes to the City Charter, which added Section 900 to create the NC System. With the creation of the NC System, the Plan for a Citywide System of NCs (Plan) was also drafted and adopted. The Plan discusses financial accountability relative to NCs and the requirements for proper spending of public funds.

A2: Per ordinance 184835, The Office of the City Clerk is tasked to administer the NC Funding Program, which includes:

1. Facilitates access by the NCs to their annual budget allocation by making the process of spending public funds simple, while maintaining accountability and transparency; and
2. Ensure public funds are spent appropriately following all City government laws, policies, rules, guidelines and expectations and that said regulations and policies are applied consistently across the NC System.

A3: During the budgeting process, the City allocates fund to the Neighborhood Council Trust Fund, and the funds are made available to the Neighborhood Council. 

A4: The NC Funding Program Policy 2.0 states, the Neighborhood Council may expense their funds under three categories:

1. General / Operational – expenditure for the functions, operations, outreach activities, and duties of the NC
   a. Office/Operational
   b. Outreach
   c. Elections
2. Neighborhood Purposes Grants (NPG)- monetary grants to nonprofits corporations (excluding religious institution and private schools ) organized under 26 United States Code Section 501c3 and to public schools pursuant to criteria set forth in Article XI of the Plan for a Citywide System of NCs. Los Angeles Administrative Code 22.817
3. Community Improvement Projects – beautification and capital improvement projects on public property

A5: To issue payment to a vendor the NC Funding Program requires a BAC form showing the approval of the expenditure and an invoice. Other documents may be required, please review the NC Funding Policies and Guidelines.

A6: No, NCs are not authorized to issue payment in advance of the services being provided. However, NCs are able to place a 50% deposit not to exceed $1000 for services. Additional exceptions may be provided. It is recommended NCs contact their Funding Rep if prepayment is needed.

A1: A Neighborhood Purposes Grants is an award of public funds to a 501c3 or public school for a project that will benefit the public. NPGs are outlined in the Los Angeles Administrative Code 22.817, “an NPG is a grant an NC is provide a 501c3 (excluding non-religious institutions) or public schools for the purposes of providing a public benefit.” NC Funding Policy and Guideline 2.4

A2: When an organization submits and NPG application, the NC should evaluated the grant application for the public benefit. The NC should also review NC Funding Policy 2.4 for other considerations and restrictions.

A3: Prior to the meeting evaluating the NPG application, the individual is advised to contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and City Attorney’s Office for guidance.

A1: Community Improvement Projects are beautification projects on public property. NC Funding Policy 2.5

A2: Neighborhood Council may use their funds to commission a mural; however, restrictions may apply per the administrative codes or procurement rules. For murals, NCs are advised to work with the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.

A3: Depending on the scope of the activity, a community cleanup may be considered a community event, which requires NCs to submit an event application. NC Funding Policy 2.2.3.

A1: Operational Expenditure are expenses made for the purposes of NC’s operations such as, but limited to, printing for a meeting, translations services for a meeting, leases, and utilities. A list of operational expenditures are listed under NC Funding Policy 2.1

A1: NC Sponsored and Co-Sponsored events are outreach activities that are hosted or co-hosted by an NC. It is considered hosted or co-hosted if the NC takes part in the planning, implementation, and/or supporting the event financially. NCs are also considered sponsors / co-sponsors if the NC is named as a sponsor of an event flyers, advertisement, banners, etc. Invitation to table at an event organized by another entity or purchasing the right for a table may not require an event application. If you required additional assistance, contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment or the Office of the City Clerk, NC Funding Program.

A2: A completed event package must have an event application, a Board Action Certification showing the board approved the event / event application, and event budget. Additional documents may be required following the submission of the packet. It is recommended that invoices for the event are available to determine potential contract considerations. Additional information is provided here.  NC Event Planning Checklist

A3: NCs may provide food at non-event outreach activity if the NC secures all required permits and authorization from the vendor and/or the County. Additional information is provided here. NC Event Planning Checklist

A4: No, NC events sponsored / co-sponsored / supported through an NPG must be free and available to the public. There cannot be charge for the public to participate in the event. A participating agency or organization in the event may request a recommended donation; however, it cannot be compulsory.

A1: Special accounts are financial accounts created through a LA City Council action. The Council File will outline how the funds may be used; in some cases, Neighborhood Councils are allocated special accounts for a specific project or activity.

A2: NCs are able to utilize the special accounts through the NC Funding System, as determined by the NC Funding Program.

A1: Please call 877-593-3883.

A2: Please contact the NC Funding Program at 213-978-1058.

A1: To issue a reimbursement treasurers must submit

1. BAC form approving the expenditure
2. BAC form approving the reimbursement
3. Proof of purchase (itemized receipts, invoices, additional documents requested, etc.)