WLASNC Budget & Funding Policy

The West Los Angeles‑Sawtelle Neighborhood Council (WLASNC) receives funds from the City of Los Angeles via the Neighborhood Council Funding Program (EmpowerLA / Department of Neighborhood Empowerment). These funds support our operations, outreach, neighborhood improvement, and grants. Our Budget & Funding Policies ensure that all funds are used responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with City rules and stakeholder expectations.

1. Funding Sources & Budget Cycle

  • WLASNC’s budget is funded annually by the City of Los Angeles through the Neighborhood Council Funding Program.

  • We operate on a City Fiscal Year schedule.

  • Unspent funds may roll over per City/EmpowerLA policy, subject to rollover limits.

2. Allowable Uses of Funds

Funds may be used for, but are not limited to:

  • Meeting space, supplies, equipment, office costs, communications (printing, mail, newsletters)

  • Outreach and community engagement activities within the WLASNC boundaries

  • Neighborhood improvement projects or initiatives, subject to EmpowerLA guidelines

  • Neighborhood Purposes Grants (NPGs) to nonprofit organizations or public schools for projects that benefit the community, in line with City policy

3. Budget Development & Approval

  • WLASNC creates an annual budget proposal, developed by its Board, with input from the Treasurer and applicable committees.

  • Draft budget is presented in a public meeting to allow stakeholder feedback before final adoption.

  • Final budget must be approved by the WLASNC Board in a publicly noticed meeting.

4. Financial Accountability & Oversight

  • WLASNC has a designated Treasurer and a Second Signatory/Financial Officer per City / EmpowerLA requirements.

  • All expenditures must follow the funding guidelines set by EmpowerLA, including allowable categories, documentation, and approvals.

  • Books of accounts are kept according to applicable accounting norms, are open for review by stakeholders, and are discussed publicly.

  • Financial reports including expenses paid, expenses approved but not yet paid, and remaining balances are provided regularly.

5. Neighborhood Purposes Grants (NPGs)

  • WLASNC may award Neighborhood Purposes Grants, as allowed under EmpowerLA policy. These grants must follow application, evaluation, and contracting procedures set by the City.

  • Grant proposals must include:

    1. Legal name of the organization

    2. Amount requested

    3. Description of the public benefit served by the grant

  • For grants above certain thresholds, more extensive contractual oversight or City review may be required.

6. Purchasing, Payments & Reimbursements

  • To make a purchase or request reimbursement, WLASNC board members or designated officers must follow internal authorization procedures.

  • Use of City‑approved processes for payments: demand warrants, purchase cards, or checks per EmpowerLA policy.

  • Emergency or urgent expenditures: comply with City’s emergency funding policies (if applicable), and ensure accountability.

7. Transparency & Reporting

  • All budget documents (approved budget, periodic financial reports) are published on the WLASNC website and are accessible to stakeholders.

  • Minutes of meetings that approve spending or budget items must clearly list the vendor/organization, amount, and purpose. (As required by City policy.)

  • Annual Self‑Assessment: WLASNC participates in EmpowerLA’s self‑assessment process, which reports how the budget was spent vs. planned budget, including outreach, operations, grants, etc.

8. Fiscal Misuse, Corrections & Compliance

  • If funds are misused or financial reports are not provided, the City/EmpowerLA has the authority to issue corrective actions, remedial measures, or admonitions.

  • Training requirements for financial officers and Board members (e.g. funding training, treasurer training) must be maintained and up to date.

  • WLASNC adheres to rollover policies: unused funds may be carried over up to the limits set by City policy. Exceedance may result in adjustments.

9. Review & Amendments

  • The Board reviews the budget & funding policies annually (or as needed) to ensure compliance with City changes and community needs.

  • Amendments to these policies are adopted in publicly noticed Board meetings.