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A New Partnership Proposed
At the Selma City Council meeting on July 1, 2025, Sonia Hall, founder of Granted Solutions, presented a proposal to provide grant writing and project development services to the city. Hall, with over 21 years of experience, highlighted her track record of securing over $580 million in grants, including $17 million in one year for the city of Parlier. I’ve been writing grants actually for the last 21, 22 years,” Hall stated, emphasizing her expertise even as a former city manager.
The council, including Mayor Scott Robertson, Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Guerra, and Council Members Jim Avalos, John Trujillo, and Santiago Oceguera, engaged with Hall’s proposal. She outlined two fee structures: a $4,000 monthly retainer or a $1,000 monthly retainer plus a 3% commission on secured grants, with a negotiable cap. “There definitely would be a ceiling,” Hall assured, addressing concerns about high commissions on large grants, such as a potential $4 million grant.
Comprehensive Grant Services
Hall’s services extend beyond writing grants. She emphasized her ability to develop projects and administer grants, leveraging her 12 years of city government experience. I’m able to come in and develop the project because I’m so/W familiar with cities, the inner working of a city,” she said. Her services include funding research, community outreach, partnership creation, and housing programs like first-time homebuyer assistance and owner-occupied rehab.
She also highlighted her focus on a few clients to ensure quality. “Rather than trying to represent scores of clients scattered throughout the state, I have focused my attention on just a few clients,” Hall explained, distancing her company from being a “grant mill.” This approach, she noted, ensures projects are seen through to completion, avoiding delays due to lack of city capacity.
Upcoming Opportunities and Questions
Hall informed the council of two imminent grants: the Land and Water Conservation grant, due August 5, and the CalVIP grant for cities with high violence, for which Selma is eligible. “Selma is on that list,” she said, noting the CalVIP grant’s potential funding of $1 million to $5 million for the police department. She mentioned sharing this information with the city manager last year, urging application this year.
Council Member Trujillo questioned Selma’s high-violence designation, citing a 35% crime reduction over two years. “I’d really like to see that list because it evades me,” he said, expressing skepticism about the grant’s criteria based on shootings. City staff noted the complexity of grant qualifications, with no confirmation on prior applications for this specific grant.
A Strategic Investment
Hall underscored the return on investment, citing a $333 return for every dollar spent on her services in one city, where she secured $100 million in grants. “I want to be able to do that for you,” she told the council, emphasizing her commitment to Selma’s growth. The council discussed the feasibility of paying fees through grant disbursements, with Hall confirming, “It can be paid through the grant itself.
The proposal represents a potential boost for Selma’s infrastructure and community projects, addressing funding needs through strategic grant acquisition. Mayor Robertson acknowledged Hall’s extensive experience, noting her involvement in city government since 2004.
What opportunities do you think grant funding could bring to your community?
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
