Human Services Grants Program

The Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) provides approximately $8 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.

2023-27 Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) Funding Recommendations have been approved. Please click here to view the staff report.

2023-27 Human Services Grants Program - Request for Proposals Timeline

August 24, 2022 – City Council authorized the release of the 2023-2027 Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) Request for Proposals (RFP).
September 28, 2022 – The City of Santa Monica released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) on the City's Open Gov procurement platform to solicit applications for the FY 2023-27 HSGP funding cycle.
October 25, 2022 – City staff held a virtual Bidder’s Workshop for all prospective HSGP applicants.
November 29, 2022 – City staff held an HSGP RFP Q&A Session in advance of the November 30 deadline for questions related to the RFP. All questions and responses were posted to OpenGov.
January 18, 2023 – Deadline for proposals submitted in response to the 2023-27 HSGP RFP.
April 25, 2023 – FY 2023-27 HSGP Funding Recommendations were released as an Information Item; Awards were posted to OpenGov; All applicants were notified.
May 9, 2023 – City Council approved FY 2023-27 HSGP Funding Recommendations.
June 27, 2023 – City Council considers formal approval of HSGP funding as part of the FY 2023-25 Biennial Budget.
July 1, 2023 – The FY 2023-27 HSGP funding cycle begins. Click here for a listing of current HSGP grantees.

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

Where can I view HSGP Program and Fiscal Status Reports?

Posted reports 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 2023-27 HSGP funding cycle opened on September 28, 2022 and closed on January 18, 2023. The next grant funding cycle is projected for FY2027-28.