Human Services Grants Program

The Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) provides over $10 million in annual funding for services offered by nonprofit organizations that respond to clearly identified community needs in Santa Monica and advance the City’s priorities. The program aims to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of Santa Monica’s youth and families, people with disabilities, seniors, victims of domestic violence, low-income households, and people experiencing homelessness. HSGP funding levels are approved by Council annually as part of the adoption of the City’s budget.

The 2027-31 Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) funding guidelines are under development. The City of Santa Monica plans to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit applications for the FY2027-31 HSGP funding cycle fall 2026.

2027-31 Community Engagement Opportunities

The City will host several opportunities for the community to provide feedback on the FY2027-31 funding guidelines. The following events are open to the public and all stakeholders are welcome to attend:

Human Services Commission Special Meeting – May 19, 6-7:30pm at Civic Center Parking Structure SMI Training Room (330 Olympic Dr., second floor plaza level)
Virginia Avenue Park Community Meeting – Date TBD at Virgina Avenue Park
Cradle to Career (C2C) Meeting – June 1, 1-2:30pm at Main Library Multipurpose Room

2027-31 HSGP RFP Timeline (subject to change)

August 11, 2026 – City staff to present the proposed 2027-31 HSGP funding guidelines to City Council.
September 2026 – City to release a RFP on the City's OpenGov procurement platform to solicit applications for the FY 2027-31 HSGP funding cycle. Date TBD.
October 2026 – City staff to hold a virtual Bidder’s Workshop for all prospective HSGP applicants. Date TBD.
October - November 2026 – City staff to hold an HSGP RFP Q&A Session. Date TBD.
December 2026 – Deadline to submit proposals in response to the 2027-31 HSGP RFP. Date TBD.
Spring 2027 – Awards to be posted to OpenGov and all applicants notified. Date TBD.
Spring 2027 – City Council to consider formal approval of FY 2027-31 HSGP Funding Recommendations.
June 2027 – City Council to consider formal approval of HSGP funding as part of the FY 2027-29 Biennial Budget
July 1, 2027 – FY 2027-31 HSGP funding cycle to begin.

Please send any questions to humanservices@santamonica.gov.

Contact Us:

(310) 458-8701
humanservices@santamonica.gov

FAQ

How is the HSGP funded?

Funding is provided by local General Funds alongside federal and local community benefit funds. The HSGP prioritizes funding for programs that are consistent with nationally recognized best practices for the population and type of service to be delivered, operated by staff with a range of clinical training and lived experience. See here for a listing of current HSGP grantees.

How do grantees demonstrate program effectiveness?

The City contracts with awarded agencies to provide a defined set of services with contractual requirements including service and outcome targets and an approved budget. City staff and HSGP grantees maintain regular communication to problem-solve service delivery challenges, address participant complaints, and to coordinate care for vulnerable individuals across multiple agencies and City departments. The HSGP prioritizes funding for programs that are consistent with nationally recognized best practices and operated by staff with a range of clinical training and lived experience. The City’s team also has expertise in these fields of practice, including staff that are licensed clinical social workers, master’s level social workers, and staff with 10+ years of direct services experience. This combined subject matter expertise of City and agency staff ensures programs are designed to have the potential to deliver on contractual goals.

Consistent reporting on progress towards goals: Twice a year, grantees submit Program and Fiscal Status Reports that document progress towards contractual goals and outcomes. If there are challenges to meeting goals, staff works with agencies to address any concerns and to ensure the program is meeting a local need.
On-site monitoring: City staff conducts monitoring visits to each funded program every two years, on average. Insufficiencies are noted, and agencies are given the opportunity to correct them. Unresolved or recurring deficiencies can affect future funding recommendations.
Annual contract renewals: City staff and grantees meet in the Spring of each year to discuss reasonable adjustments to program structure and goals in response to evolving community needs or new best practices.

Resources for HSGP grantees

Santa Monica Program Participants (SMPP) eligibility criteria

Abuse Prevention for Grantees and Lessees

Presentation from the HSGP welcome\orientation event, September 27, 2023

HSGP Mid-Year Fiscal and Program Status Reports are due the first Monday of February, HSGP Year-End Fiscal and Program Status Reports are due the first Monday of August

Where can I view HSGP Program and Fiscal Status Reports?

Posted reports for the FY2023-27 grants cycle are available at the following link.

When is the next opportunity to apply for funding?

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) to solicit applications for the FY 2027-31 HSGP funding cycle will open in Fall 2026. More details to come.

How to file a complaint with one of the HSGP grantees?

Please refer to the following documents describing grievance policies:

How to File a Grievance - Human Services Grants Programs: English | Spanish
How to File a Grievance - Homeless Services Programs: English | Spanish