Commission members flagged a need to improve outreach and preparation for the next grant cycle. Members asked staff to make grant guidelines a main agenda item at the next meeting and to circulate materials in advance so the commission can coordinate solicitation and outreach.

Adrian (referenced in the meeting) said they would send the grant guidelines to commissioners as homework before the next meeting so members can help broaden outreach. The group discussed channels for solicitation, including MAC meetings, local schools, Friends of the Eel River and press releases to encourage applications.

Commissioners identified administrative barriers that may discourage applicants, including reimbursement timing and pre-spend requirements. They discussed whether the commission’s bylaws constrain direct solicitations to schools and noted that some applications may require board of supervisors approval or a partner organization to apply on behalf of schools.

No formal grant awards were made at this meeting; commissioners agreed to follow up with written guidelines and to include community recruitment in future outreach plans.