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Home My WebLink AboutPR 24868: AUTHORIZING THE CITIY TO APPLY FOR WALMART COMMUNITY GRANT THROUGH THE WALMART SPARK GOOD LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM City of ort rt{tur Texas INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Development Services Department Code Compliance-Animal Services Division Date: March 25, 2026 To: Ronald Burton, City Manager Mayor and City Council From: Darlene Thomas-Pierre, Code Compliance Manager Re: P. R. NO. 24868 — AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO APPLY FOR WALMART COMMUNITY GRANT THROUGH THE WALMART SPARK GOOD LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT THE NEW ANIMAL SHELTER. COMMENT Nature of the Request: The City of Port Arthur recently completed construction of a state-of-the-art Animal Services Center, a modern facility dedicated to enhancing the welfare and care of our local animal population.This grant will directly fund the "human" side of animal care-essential supplies that turn a kennel into a temporary home for our rescues. Staff Analysis/Considerations: If awarded, participation would support public health objectives by medical and intake supplies. Initial health screening tools and preventative treatments to ensure every animal starts their journey healthy. Enrichment and comfort with durable beds, puzzle toys, and calming bedding to reduce shelter stress and improve adoptability. Quality nutrition for animals in our care,as well as supplemental food for low-income residents in Port Arthur to help prevent pet surrender. Our goal is to ensure that every animal entering our facility receives the highest standard of care from the moment they arrive. By supporting this initiative, Walmart will be a key partner in helping Port Arthur's most vulnerable animals find their forever homes. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt P.R. No. 24868, authorizing the City Manager to approve Animal Services to submit a grant application for the Walmart Community Grant through the Walmart Spark Local Grant Program.If awarded,the grant funding will support the operational needs and care for the animals housed at the new facilities, and assist in the long-term success of the City's new animal shelter. Budget Consideration:Applying for this grant will have no fmancial impact on the City.No cash match is required. DTP/la cc: Pamela Langford, ACM/Director of Development Services Clifton Williams, Purchasing Manager P. R. No. 24868 TNR-LA RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR ANIMAL SERVICES CENTER TO APPLY FOR A WALMART COMMUNITY GRANT THROUGH THE WALMART SPARK GOOD LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM. WHEREAS,the City of Port Arthur has recently completed construction of a modern Animal Services Center designed to enhance public health and safety,promote humane animal care, and improve outcomes for stray and owned animals within the community; and WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes the importance of ensuring that such a facility is adequately equipped with the necessary supplies,equipment,and resources to support the health,safety,and well-being of animals in the City's care; and WHEREAS,the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant Program provides funding opportunities of up to $5,000.00 to local governmental entities for initiatives that directly benefit the community, as delineated in Exhibit"A"; and WHEREAS,grant funding, if awarded,will support critical operational needs of the Animal Services Center, including but not limited to medical intake supplies, preventative care resources, animal enrichment items, bedding, and nutritional support for sheltered animals, as well as supplemental pet food assistance for low-income residents to reduce animal surrender; and WHEREAS,the City Council finds that applying for such grant funding serves a valid public purpose and is in the best interest of the citizens of Port Arthur; and WHEREAS,the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant Program requires authorization from the governing body designating an official to act on behalf of the City in all matters related to the grant application and administration. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: SECTION 1. That the fact and recitals contained in the preamble of this Resolution are hereby found P. R. No. 24868 TNR-LA and declared to be true and correct. SECTION 2.The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to prepare, submit, and execute all applications, documents, and related materials necessary to apply for funding through the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant Program, in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00. Applying for this grant will have no financial impact on the City. No cash match is required. SECTION 3. The City Manager, or designee, is further authorized to act as the City's official representative in all matters pertaining to the grant, including the authority to accept, reject, negotiate, execute, amend, or terminate any grant award, if received. SECTION 4.If awarded,grant funds shall be utilized to support the operational and programmatic needs of the Animal Services Center, consistent with the purposes outlined in the grant application. SECTION 5.This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval. READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this the 21st day of April, A.D., 2026, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas,by the following vote: AYES:MAYOR: ;Councilmembers: • NOES: CITY OF PORT ARTHUR: Charlotte M. Moses Mayor P. R. No. 24868 03/25/2023 LA ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sherri Bellard Roxann Pais Cotroneo, Esq. City Secretary City Attorney APPROVED FOUR ADMINISTRATION: Ronald Burton, CP ta? Manager I f . ' 0/41-1c- ( I ' 41 r Q ,11 1 Ar 1,, . A 4,11..1 . Pamela D. Langford, CPM I. 111 a Thomas-Pie' PM Assistant City Manager/Director of Development • le Compliance Manager Services Exhibit "A" 4/7/26, 1:42 PM Spark Good Local Grants Guidelines Program Guidelines Spark Good Local Grants Guidelines Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve.Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate,build pride among all associates,and deepen relationships with our customers and members.Each year,Walmart U.S.stores,Sam's Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from$250 to$5,000. Before submitting a grant,organizations must review the below guidelines. Program Guidelines • Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations serving the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves. • Organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart's third-party verification partner,Deed.Only authorized users of the organization's Spark Good account may apply. • Grant amounts range from$250 to$5,000. • Applications are accepted and reviewed through three application cycles in FY27: o Cycle 1:Feb.1-April 15 o Cycle 2:May 1-July 15 o Cycle 3:Aug.1-Nov.30 • A maximum of 25 applications(pending or approved status),is allowed per organization at any time. • Once funded,reapplication to the same facility is not allowed within the same fiscal year. • Final decisions are made prior to the next application cycle's opening. • Affirming alignment with Spark Good program guidelines is mandatory for all grant recipients. • Agreeing to logo usage and recognition guidelines is required. • If recommended for a grant,funds are distributed through electronic payment via JP Morgan,requiring the organization to provide correct banking within 21 days of the organization's primary owner being notified that the grant was recommended for approval. Organization Eligibility • Organizations must have a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed,Walmart's third-party verification service provider. • Organizations must serve the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves.Eligible entities must be a: o S01(c)(3)public charity:An organization holding a current tax-exempt status and recognized as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3)of the Internal Revenue Code,listed on the IRS Master Fite and conducting activities within the United States;classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1),(2) or(3)(Types I or ID;and Deed verified. o Government entity(non-S01(c)(3)):U.S.federal agencies territories and commonwealths,state agencies and departments and political subdivisions (including cities,counties,municipal agencies);and Deed verified. o School:All K-12 public or nonprofit private schools,charter schools,community/junior colleges,state/private colleges,or universities.Institutions must have a NCES(National Center for Education Statistics)number or 501c3 tax status and be verified with Deed. • o Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large,such as food pantries,soup kitchens and clothing closets and Deed verified. Note:Non-charities,including but not limited to organizations such as 501(c)(4)s,(c)(6)s,and(c)(19)s like homeowner's associations,civic leagues,or volunteer fire companies,are not eligible. • https://www.walmarl.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines 1/4 4/7/26, 1:42 PM Spark Good Local Grants Guidelines Selection and Approval Process • Facility managers review applications and make initial recommendations,informed by guidance on applicable considerations such as community trust, organizational track record and existing relationships. • Facility managers consider the following criteria when recommending a grant: o Mission Aligned:The request addresses a specific,demonstrated need in their community and falls within areas where Walmart or Sam's Club is well positioned to contribute(for example,because Walmart is a major grocer,hunger relief is a frequent area of support). o Builds Trust:The request supports an organization that is in good standing and compliant with applicable laws and regulations,and whose activities promote community cohesion rather than division. o Effectiveness:The application clearly describes the organization's work,the proposed use of funds,and the expected outcomes and community impact.Click here for examples. • Managers and grant administrators reserve the right to adjust the amount awarded to each organization without notice. • All decisions will be communicated via e-mail,and are final and not subject to appeal. • If the grant proposal is approved for funding,the organization will receive an email with instructions to set up electronic grant payment.The organization must complete the payment set up within 21 days of the date of that email;failure to do so will be deemed a rejection,and the grant offer will be withdrawn. • Approval is expressly conditioned on the organization's agreement to the logo usage and recognition guidelines and its affirmation that it aligns with the Spark Good local grant guidelines. All grant applications are subject to review of the organization's reputation and activities and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions.Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.Funding exclusions include organizations that deny service,membership,or other involvement on the basis of race,religion,color,sex,sexual orientation,gender identity,age,national origin,ancestry,citizenship,veteran,or disability status. Access the application from your Spark Good account on Walmart.com. Spark Good Local Grants Spotlight Creating Opportunity Economic Opportunity • Walmart#5440 in Portland,Oregan awarded a$1,500 local grant to Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington to support JA BizTown programming to blend in-class learning with a one-day economic simulation. • Walmart#1514 in Brentwood,MO awarded a$250 local grant to Down Syndrome Association of Greater St.Louis to support Ready to Work • program improving employment training for adults with down syndrome. Advancing Sustainability Preservation of nature • Walmart#2598 in Sacramento,California awarded a$1,000 local grant to Color the Block to support Green Leaf Swap Meet and Plant Celebration to boost community green spaces in Sacramento. • Sam's Club#4768 in Reno,Nevada,awarded a$2,000 local grant to Truckee Meadows Park Foundation to support the Rosewood Nature Study Area Restoration Project. Reducing plastic,food and textile waste • Walmart#1119 in Naples,Florida awarded a$1,000 local grant to Keep Collier Beautiful,Inc.to support community clean ups and recycling efforts. Strengthening Community Access to healthier food for all https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines 2/4 4/7/26, 1:42 PM Spark Good Local Grants Guidelines • Sam's Club#4820 in Saint Helena Island,South Carolina,awarded a$300 local grant to Kelly's Kitchen to support the Nourishment Beyond the Plate programming,empowering disabled individuals through accessible cooking education and tools. • Distribution Center#7033 in Rancho Cucamonga,California,awarded a$1,000 local grant to Malcom's Heart to support Boxes of Love which delivers care packages for those impacted by Alzheimer's. Disaster preparedness&response • Walmart store#1405 in Houston,Texas,awarded a$500 local grant to Angelton Restoration Project to support Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. • Sam's Club#8281 in Houston,Texas,awarded a$500 local grant to Simply Her Movement to support programming to empower families with education and disaster resources. Building caring&connected communities • Walmart#2702 in Nixa,Missouri,awarded a$1,500 local grant to Nica Police Department to support Shop with a Cop. • Walmart store#924 in Holyoke,Colorado,awarded a$3,500 local grant to Phillips County Family Education Services to support Paquime Folkloric Dance program to build connections by students sharing their culture with the community through dance performances. • Distribution Center#6299 in Phoenix,Arizona,awarded a$1,000 local grant to Freed Spirits Animal Rescue to support Kindness Matter program,bringing autistic and opportunity youth together to work with rescued farm animals. Grant FAQs If you have questions about applying,this information may help N< je 'c >% Our Work prinnq Governance and Values https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines 3/4 4/7/26, 1:42 PM Spark Good Local Grants Guidelines vim d:1:1 Tools and Resources [ Man . tom . 740/0„ 1 Grant Eligibility Walmart Walmart Corporate Site I Governance I Terms of Use I Notice at Collection I Privacy Notice I Careers MID Your Privacy Choices I x O 2026 Walmart.Inc https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines 4/4