Northeast Neighbors Declines Santa Monica City Neighborhood Grant Over New Restrictions

2/12/26 — The Northeast Neighbors, a grassroots neighborhood organization representing residents in Santa Monica's northeast area, has voted to forgo the City's annual Neighborhood Organization Grant for 2026.

In a letter dated September 9, 2025, to the City Council and City Manager, the group's board, chaired by Tricia Crane, cited the new grant requirements as overly restrictive and incompatible with its mission to serve as an independent voice for the community.

The organization, registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, objected to three main conditions introduced in the grant program, which was approved by the City Council in September 2025.

These include mandatory collection of demographic data (such as age, income, and renter/homeowner status) from members, which the board described as intrusive and an invasion of privacy; the prohibition on using grant funds for independent newsletters, replaced instead by content in the City-produced "Seascape" newsletter (budgeted at $200,000 annually and written by City staff); and restrictions on political activities, including endorsements of candidates, hosting independent forums, or taking positions on ballot measures—despite the group's past compliance with IRS rules by separating political expenses.

Northeast Neighbors emphasized its commitment to retaining independence to advocate for residents without what it views as City overreach that could limit free speech and diverse viewpoints. The group plans to rely on member support moving forward and encouraged continued engagement via its website at http://www.neneighbors.org. The decision aligns with reports from local sources, including the Santa Monica Lookout, which noted the group's formal notification to City officials in early February 2026.

The City’s updated program aims to ensure neutrality in funded activities, with funding now scaled by neighborhood household numbers rather than a flat amount.