Beginning in 2020, the California City Management Foundation (CCMF) added a new funding source to the suite of resources for California’s city managers: the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund. This annual program offers two $5,000 grants to local governments to fund summer internships. Applications are now open for 2026. 

This grant opportunity is available exclusively to CCMF members. Those who are not currently members are encouraged to visit the CCMF membership page to sign up and become eligible to apply. 

Half the funding for this program comes from the estate of Judy Lyn Kelsey, a longtime California city manager with a passion for uplifting others. At the beginning of her career, Kelsey interned in the City Manager’s Office in the City of San Dimas and participated in a grant program for the Los Angeles Police Department. She saw great value in these experiences and donated part of her estate to enable internships for individuals with a passion for local government. Her estate funds one $5,000 grant annually. CCMF is matching her gift to provide a second $5,000 grant.

California cities and towns should apply online by 5:00pm PST on Friday, May 1 2026. A committee from the CCMF Board of Trustees will select up to two recipients based on the perceived socioeconomic need for an internship and anticipated impact of the intern’s work, among other criteria. Selected cities are required to deliver an end-of-internship report summary to CCMF highlighting the work performed as a result of the internship and providing proof that the $5,000 grant was exclusively and directly used to fund the internship.

CCMF aims to announce winners in May 2026. Please note that the awards will be granted as reimbursements to a city or town, not an individual intern. Please visit the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund webpage for more information and contact info@cacitymanagers.org with any questions.