MURRIETA -- At a time when major corporations are filing for bankruptcy protection, nonprofit organizations say they're thankful for any bit of cash thrown their way.

On Tuesday, more money could be given to local do-good groups. The City Council is scheduled to consider spreading $60,000 among four organizations aimed at helping commuting and single parents, breast cancer victims and those who can't afford to buy food.

If the council approves recommendations made by the Community Steering Committee, the Murrieta Boys & Girls Club, Michelle's Place in Murrieta and Single Mothers Unified in Rewarding Fellowship of Temecula could each receive a $10,000 grant. It is recommended that St. Martha's Community Food Pantry receive $30,000.

The four organizations were selected from a pool of 15 groups that provide services to Murrieta residents, city reports state.

The money represents 15 percent of the estimated $400,000 the city anticipates receiving for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins in July, from Riverside County in Community Development Block Grants. County restrictions attached to the grant stipulate that no more than 15 percent go toward public service projects or groups, which are required to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

The remaining $340,000, Steering Committee members suggested, should be spent to upgrade crosswalks and intersections throughout the city to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

If the council agrees to give the grants as suggested, group organizers said the money will be spent quickly and will benefit Murrieta residents directly.

Catherine Mailliard, assistant director of the food pantry, which also operates under the name of Murrieta Community Food Pantry, said that as economic times have gotten rougher, already stretched services are being pulled on even more. For example, she said, the pantry that once gave food to about 275 families a week now serves more than 400 families a week.

If awarded the grant, Mailliard said, the money would go toward rent at the Sky Canyon Drive facility, as well as toward the purchase of food.

At the single mothers fellowship, founder Paul Kauffman said the $10,000 would go toward a yearlong program to get burdened mothers on solid ground by bringing them together with financial planners and counselors. Those who succeed in sticking to a budget are rewarded with incentives such as gas cards, Kauffman said.

The fellowship, Kauffman said, has helped more than 600 single mothers from Riverside and San Diego counties since 2002.

"They attend, they go back to school, their budget is in balance, they have matured, they've gotten rid of their anger and they're doing a better job of parenting," Kauffman said.

Kim Goodnough, executive director at Michelle's Place, a Murrieta-based breast cancer support organization, said the grant, if awarded, will go toward getting about 200 women with breast cancer into the treatments they need.

"In these economic times, we are grateful for $10,000," Goodnough said. "It's hard to come by in that quantity."

And at the Boys & Girls Club, chief executive officer Michelle Arellano said a grant of $10,000 could cover the costs associated with the club's before- and after-school transportation program.

The program, which currently serves about 90 Murrieta children, offers transportation from the club to school in the morning, and back to the club from school in the afternoon.

Arellano said the services meet the needs of many parents in the area who commute to work.

"They need to drop their kids off early in the morning and they can't get back until late at night," she said. "It's so helpful for the families."

Council members will consider the grant awards during the 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.

Contact staff writer Nelsy Rodriguez at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2626, or nrodriguez@californian.com.