The Manhattan Beach City Council unanimously approved the creation of a new nonprofit, LoveMB, designed to collect private funding for local improvements, starting with plans for a new public pool.
LoveMB will operate as a city-connected 501(c)(3), making it easier for residents, businesses, and others to contribute money toward community upgrades while receiving tax benefits. The group will run independently with its own leadership, budget, and outreach efforts.
While organizers originally asked for over $100,000 in first-year funding, the council approved $50,000 to get things started, with a check-in scheduled after six months. For now, efforts will center on raising money for the pool project.
City leaders pointed to past success with groups like the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation as proof that local support can drive meaningful improvements.
The idea builds on earlier donation efforts in the city, which mostly funded smaller items like trees and benches before being paused in 2018. Since then, a team including Parks and Recreation staff studied similar programs in other cities and developed a broader approach.
Supporters believe LoveMB can rally community backing for larger projects that might not otherwise get funded through public budgets alone.
