Groups and Clubs

How to be Recognized as a Cerritos Community Organization

Organizations wishing to be recognized as a Cerritos Community Organization must submit all of the following to the City for consideration:

1. Community Organization Application
   Complete the Community Organization Application form. The application must be completed and signed by the president or executive director, who must be 21 years of age or older. The president/executive director will act as the responsible party of the group’s reservations and must be present at all meetings and events held at City facilities.
2. Current Organization Membership Roster
   A current updated membership roster that lists name, date of birth, residence address (including city and zip code) and phone number of each member. Membership rosters will be kept confidential and will be used to verify residency status. Only one (1) membership roster may be submitted per calendar year. Revised rosters will not be accepted.
3. Proof of Registration as a Non-Profit Corporation
   Current proof of a registration as a non-profit corporation with the State of California and the IRS is required. All items must be dated within three (3) years. Acceptable written proof includes:
   State of California
   – Certificate of status from the State of California stating organization is in good standing
   IRS
   – Determination Letter from the IRS stating recognition as a tax-exempt organization in good standing
4. Current Copy of the Organization Bylaws
   Bylaws set the overall structure and basic rules for the operating organization.
5. An Original Certificate of Liability and Endorsement (if required)
   Organizations that wish to utilize City facilities (e.g., fields, courts, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, etc.) for play or practice, i.e., sports organizations, dance organizations, etc., are required to submit an original certificate of liability insurance and endorsement, verifying proof of insurance in the amount of $1 million ($5 million for aquatic-based organizations), which names the City of Cerritos as certificate holder. The City of Cerritos, its officers, employees, agents and volunteers must be listed on the certificate as additional insured. If the organization will not be utilizing City facilities for the aforementioned activities, an insurance certificate will not be required.
6. Letter of Verification Signed by School Principal (For local school/parent-based organizations/booster clubs only)
   Letter on school letterhead, signed by the school principal verifying that the parent-based club/organization is affiliated with the school.

Community Organization approval within the City of Cerritos will only be valid through December 31st of the current year only. Organizations may make reservations through January of the year following the current approval year until approval is obtained. If organization approval has not occurred before the reservation date in January, the reservation request will be canceled.

Organizations will be notified by mail as to whether the application has been approved or denied, based upon the information provided. Please allow 14 to 21 business days for processing.  Once approved, any changes to the organization, including election of new officers, must be submitted in writing and signed by the president/executive director.

Please submit the completed application and supporting documents by mail or in person.

Submit by Mail

Community Organization Application
Attention: Recreation Services Division
P.O. Box 3130
Cerritos, CA 90703

Submit in Person

Cerritos City Hall, 2nd Floor
Recreation Services Division
18125 Bloomfield Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703

Community Organization Overview

The City of Cerritos is fortunate to have dozens of Community Organizations such as clubs, churches, sports groups, scout troops, etc., which help improve the quality of life in the community.

If your group would like to be recognized as an "Approved Cerritos Community Organization," your group must submit the necessary application form and materials to the City's Community & Safety Services Department for review. City staff members thoroughly analyze each application to determine:

• The purpose of the organization and its potential benefit to the community.
• The level of involvement by Cerritos residents in the organization.

If approved, the organization may become eligible to reserve City facilities for group functions and participate in certain community programs based upon group type.