Input from an upcoming public meeting will help shape program expectations, funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and goals before the formal Request for Proposals is released in fall.
The city of Santa Monica is inviting residents to weigh in on the next five-year cycle of its Human Services Grants Program, which distributes roughly $10 million annually to nonprofits serving vulnerable residents.
The Housing and Human Services Department, in partnership with the Human Services Commission, will hold a special meeting Tuesday, May 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to gather feedback on the draft Request for Proposals for the FY2027-2031 funding cycle. The meeting will take place at the Civic Center Parking Structure SMI Training Room, 330 Olympic Drive, on the second-floor plaza level.
The Human Services Grants Program provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations for services addressing community needs, including support for youth and families, seniors, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, low-income households, and people experiencing homelessness.
Input from the public meeting will help shape program expectations, funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and goals before the formal Request for Proposals is released in fall.
Additional community engagement opportunities are planned, including a meeting at Virginia Avenue Park (date TBD) and a Cradle to Career meeting on June 1 at the Main Library.
The full timeline for the grants process includes:
– August 2026: City staff presentation to City Council on proposed funding guidelines.
– September 2026: Release of the Request for Proposals.
– December 2026: Proposal submission deadline.
– Spring 2027: Awards announced and City Council approval of funding recommendations.
– July 1, 2027: Start of the new five-year funding cycle.
The agenda packet for the May 19 meeting will be available on the Human Services Commission website at least 72 hours in advance.
