​​​​​​​​About the Commission

The Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission (Cable Commission) is the joint powers agency responsible for administering state-issued franchises for cable video service in Sacramento County, California. Its seven member agencies are the County of Sacramento and the Cities of Sacramento, Folsom, Galt, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, and Rancho Cordova (Member Agencies).

In addition to administering state-issued franchises for cable video service in Sacramento County, the Cable Commission performs the following services: resolves cable/video issues and concerns; operates Metro Cable 14 (the local government channel); collects and allocates franchise and Public Education Government (PEG) fee revenue for its seven Member Agencies; monitors the use of PEG fee revenue to ensure compliance with federal/state laws; and monitors community programming on six community/education channels that the Cable Commission owns and are programmed by licensees.

The Community Grant Program

On June 21, 2024, the Cable Commission launched a Community Grant Program, which will play a vital role in creating community programming and promoting PEG television channels as a powerful tool for community engagement, creative expression, education, and cultural exchange. The program aims to empower individuals, students, and organizations to amplify their voices by sharing their stories and contributions to the rich media landscape of the greater Sacramento region.

The Community Grant Program seeks to support and empower local communities by providing funding for producing and disseminating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that can be used for Community Programming and can be used on PEG television channels including Metro Cable 14.

The Metro Cable 14 production team will partner with grantees to ensure adherence to regulations, guidelines, and content submission procedures. This will help maintain the integrity of the channel and its commitment to serving the local community in a positive and inclusive manner. 

The Community Grant Program also includes a separate Scholarship where students and community members may apply for scholarships that will help fund their training and education related to video programming and production. This may include college courses or other courses and training that may be available that will help teach and increase knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of video production/programming, technical expertise, editing and other areas. Each year, the Commission Board will designate a separate amount for Scholarships.

Grant Application Process

The grant application process includes the following steps:

• Submit completed grant application form and all required materials via email to sacmetro@saccounty.gov​ by the specified deadline.
  
• Provide a detailed project proposal that outlines the description of the project, goals and objectives, target audience, and intended outcome.
  
• Provide a comprehensive budget that details all expected expenses, including pre-production, production, post-production, equipment and other related costs.
  
• Submit supporting materials, such as script, storyboard, production timeline, letters of support, and work samples.
  
• Submit supporting materials such as quotes from equipment vendors, project plans, and other ​relevant documentation.
  

Scholarship Application Process

The scholarship application process includes the following steps:

• Submit completed scholarship application form and all required materials via email to sacmetro@saccounty.gov by the specified deadline
• A description of the chosen educational path, including the specific workshops, programs, seminars, school program or certificate courses they plan to undertake
•  A detailed budget outlining the anticipated costs associated with the chosen educational activities
• A personal statement outlining their passion for video production, their aspirations in the field, and how the grant will contribute to their growth
• Any additional supporting documentation, such as letters of recommendation, portfolio samples, or previous work related to video production

Goals and Priorities

• Encourage youth and community engagement in local government.
  
• Provide opportunities for students, youth, and other members of the community to improve their audio/video, production, and communication skills.
  
• Promote public education related to government programs and opportunities.
  
• Create audio/video content for Metro Cable 14 and other PEG channels to provide information and education on important government, community and public programs.
  
• Increase Cable Commission and PEG channel awareness to the community at large.
  

Grant and Scholarship Awards

The maximum grant award available is $50,000. Applicants have the option to request funding up to this stipulated amount for their proposed projects, but the final grant award is contingent upon review and approval by the Cable Commission's grant committee, which takes into consideration the merits of each application and the availability of funds.

The maximum scholarship award is $2,500. Applicants have the option to submit for scholarships for tuition, books, and other costs related to courses/educational programs providing for increasing skill level in the areas of video production, audio/video communications, and/or broadcasting.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to present budget proposals that are both practical and in alignment with the scope and objectives of their projects. Demonstrating a clear and justifiable necessity for the funds will maximize the potential impact of the granted funds to insure they further the Cable Commission’s public purpose.

The distribution of grant funds will occur in two separate disbursements. Furthermore, grant recipients are required to submit mid-year and year-end reports during the award period, ensuring a transparent and accountable utilization of the funds. Scholarship grants will be disbursed upon evidence of participation in a school or educational program and execution of a grant agreement with the Cable Commission.

Upon completion of the project or abandonment of the project any remaining unspent funds shall be returned to the Cable Commission.

Annual Funding Amount

The Cable Commission Board, at its annual Budget Meeting in June will take action to set the amount that will be funded each fiscal year for Grants and Scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria

Non-profit organizations, local governments, students, community members and groups and private/public schools that operate within incorporated and

​unincorporated communities within the County of Sacramento are eligible to apply. The Executive Director will have the discretion to determine eligibility for entities not covered here.

Application Deadline(s)

The deadlines to submit grant/scholarship applications are November 1 and February 1.

Final Grant / Scholarship Approval

The final grant/scholarship selection will be recommended by and submitted to the Cable Commission Board for approval.

For the latest updates on funding opportunities, visit Community Grant Program (saccounty.gov)​. If you have inquiries related to the Community Grant Program and Application Process, please direct your questions to sacmetro@saccounty.gov.

Grants / Scholarship Categories

Eligible individuals or organizations may apply for a grant/scholarship within one of the following categories and may apply for more than one category.

Production Grant

The primary objective of production grants is to support the creation of original Public, Education, Government (PEG) video programs, public service announcements, series, and documentaries for PEG television. The scope includes pre-production, production, post-production, production equipment and support.

Equipment and Infrastructure Grant

The Equipment and Infrastructure Grant is designed to provide non-profit organizations, local government organizations, and private/public schools that operate within incorporated and unincorporated communities within the County of Sacramento are eligible to apply with the necessary resources to acquire, upgrade, or maintain essential equipment, technology, and facilities vital to their operations and fulfilling their mission. 

The scope includes equipment purchases, technology upgrades, facility improvements, furniture and fixtures, storage solutions, communication systems, maintenance and repairs, audio and AV equipment, accessibility enhancements, environmental sustainability, documentation and tracking systems.

Video Production Education Scholarships

The Video Production Education Scholarship is designed to provide aspiring individuals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to excel in the field of video production. The scope includes educational empowerment, skill development, and professional advancement.

​Grant Proposal Scoring Rubric​

Cable Commission staff and subcommittee where appropriate will review the Community Grant Program applications and score based on the following components:

Project Alignment with Grant Goals (Max Points: 30)

  b) Is the project likely to achieve the intended outcomes and impact?

Project Feasibility and Viability (Max Points: 20)

  d) Are the proposed activities feasible within the specified timeline and budget?

Creativity and Innovation (Max Points: 10)

  f) Does the project propose fresh and unique ideas that differentiate it from other projects?

Impact and Community Benefit (Max Points: 30)

  i) Does the project promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Budget and Resource Management (Max Points: 5)

  k) Does the budget outline show an efficient and effective use of requested funds to achieve the project’s goal?

Clarity and Quality of Proposal (Max Points: 5)

  m) Are the ideas and concepts communicated effectively?

Please review​: ​Exhibit A​  |  Exhibit B  | ​ Exhibit C​​​​​