1 HUMAN SERVICES
STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, October 13, 2025
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta, California
Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martin
Councilmember Stuart Kasdin
Robert Nisbet, City Manager
Jaime A. Valdez, Assistant City Manager
JoAnne Plummer, Director of Neighborhood Services
Cassidy Le Air, Senior Management Analyst
Melissa Cure, Management Assistant
Public Participation
If you wish to make a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, the following methods are available:
Distribution to the Human Services Standing Committee - Submit your comment via email by 12 p.m. on the day of the Human Services Standing Committee meeting. Please submit your comment to Melissa Cure at: [email protected]. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.
Please register for Human Services Standing Committee Meeting on October 13, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. PDT at:
ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION: Join Meeting Electronically at:
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AGENDA
I. Public Comment
II. Neighborhood Services Grant Division Program Review and Recommendations
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA, if special assistance is needed to participate in a City Council meeting (including assisted listening devices), please contact the City Clerk's office at (805) 961-7505. Notification at least 72 hours prior to the meeting helps to ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting.
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 13, 2025
TO: Human Services Standing Committee
FROM: JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director
Cassidy Le Air, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Item II. Neighborhood Services Grant Division Program Review and Recommendations
RECOMMENDATION:
Review staff’s report on the Goleta City Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs and provide feedback on the proposed updates to both program guidelines.
I. Executive Summary
Following the completion of the most recent combined Goleta City Grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant cycle, which received 99 applications, staff conducted a comprehensive program review to identify improvements to the program's structure, eligibility requirements, process, policies, and timeline with the overall goal of ensuring legal compliance, and improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and impacts of programs and services funded through the grant programs. Staff recommend several changes to align with best practices in grant management and meet the growing needs and capacity for the Goleta City Grant and CDBG Grant programs. The Support to Other Agencies (STOA) program is not included in this evaluation.
For the Goleta City Grant Program, staff recommend excluding capital projects as an allowable cost, limiting eligibility for organizations already receiving City funding, expanding ineligible uses, such as programs in known non-Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant facilities, fundraising, and organizations outside Santa Barbara County, and requiring formal acknowledgment of City support. Additional changes include transitioning to an 18-month grant cycle beginning Fiscal Year (FY) 2027-28, increasing award limits, and shifting administrative procedures, review criteria, and application requirements into the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for greater flexibility with the program.
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
For the CDBG Program, recommendations include reinstating separate applications for CDBG and City Grants to ensure compliance with federal rules and regulations, adopting a flexible subrecipient selection process, and adjusting public hearing practices to eliminate duplicative public meetings, with the goal of increasing public participation.
II. Background
The City of Goleta has been awarding grant funding to various community groups providing community services and projects since its incorporation. The first Community Grant cycle was authorized at $20,000, received 29 applications totaling $59,000, and had a maximum award of $2,000.
In 2004, the City became an entitlement city receiving CDBG funding through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which increased its fiscal capacity to provide subrecipient grants for carrying out eligible public service activities, as defined by HUD. In 2014, the Community Grant program transitioned into the Goleta City Grant program to eliminate confusion among applicants caused by the similarity between the CDBG and Community Grant program names.
The most recent combined Goleta City Grant and CDBG grant cycle was authorized at $290,000 (inclusive of $40,000 of CDBG public service funding) and received 99 applications totaling $923,157. The maximum award for Goleta City Grants was $10,000, with no minimum established, while the minimum award for CDBG Public Services exceeded $10,000, with no maximum established.
Under the Neighborhood Services Grants Division, the following external grant programs are offered:
• Goleta City Grant Program
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
• Support to Other Agencies (STOA)
• As-needed Emergency Grants (ARPA, CDBG-CV, ICE Impact Grants) III. Policy Considerations
In evaluating the City’s grant programs, staff reviewed the applicable legal framework and current policies. The Goleta City Grant Program is governed by the City’s adopted Goleta City Grant Guidelines, which were approved and adopted by the City Council.
The CDBG Program is administered using City-adopted guidelines for internal management; however, it is ultimately governed by federal rules and regulations, including HUD-issued policy and guidance. To guide funding implementation, the City adopts a Five-Year Consolidated Plan to establish funding priorities and goals, an Annual Action Plan to carry out those goals, and a Citizen Participation Plan to ensure meaningful Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
involvement of residents, particularly low- and moderate-income persons, in the planning of CDBG-funded programs and activities.
For the Goleta City Grant Program, all expenditures must align with a defined public purpose and must not constitute a gift of public funds, in accordance with the California Constitution. Grantees must follow all guidelines adopted by the City, and if relevant to the funded activity, may also be required to meet prevailing wage and labor compliance standards. By law, public funds cannot be used to support political or religious activities.
Additional restrictions may be imposed by the City to ensure expenditures align with the public interest, including prohibitions on alcohol, gambling, and fundraising events. Costs such as debt service, loan repayments, or interest payments are generally ineligible due to their lack of direct public benefit. Grantees must also comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations.
IV. Goleta City Grants
Current Funding Categories and Allocations for City Grants:
Category Available to Award
Economic Development & Revitalization Committee $ 25,000.00 Community Engagement Programs and Events
Human Services Standing Committee $ 150,000.00
Educational, Food/Nutrition, Senior,
the Arts (music, dance, theater, art),
Youth Services and Miscellaneous Programs.
Parks & Recreation Commission $ 50,000.00
Environmental/Wildlife/Animal Programs
Parks and Recreation Programs
Homelessness Issues Standing Committee $ 25,000.00
Homeless & Low-Income Programs
Grand Total $ 250,000.00
V. Recommend Guideline Changes:
1. Capital Project Exclusion
Capital projects are typically ineligible for funding through community grant programs due to their high cost, extended timelines, and complex regulatory requirements, which often exceed the scope, intent, and timing of small-scale grants. The City’s grant programs are generally designed to support direct services, community programming, outreach, and short-term initiatives that provide broad and immediate benefits to residents.
Staff recommend excluding capital projects as an eligible use of funds due to the extensive oversight required to administer public funding for such projects, including Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
compliance with building codes, permitting, prevailing wage and public works laws, environmental reviews, and other regulatory standards. In general, capital project oversight involves executing construction documents in accordance with applicable labor and construction codes, conducting environmental reviews, monitoring and reporting certified payroll, addressing insurance considerations, and tracking invoices and expenses. This process can require a significant amount of staff time to manage, depending on the project's scope.
Having a capital project approved and funded through a grant program does not constitute project approval from the authority having jurisdiction over the project, which may lead grantees to believe they have city approval and can proceed with the project.
This restriction will help ensure that limited funding is directed toward services that provide the most immediate benefit to the community. Feedback received from grantees was that if capital projects were excluded, they would instead apply for a program or service.
Alternatively, if the City wishes to allow capital projects to be funded through the City Grant Program, a separate application and review process is recommended to maintain oversight and reduce potential legal and financial risks arising from labor law non-compliance. This approach would require additional staff time for reviewing applications, monitoring projects, preparing agreements, and conducting in-depth reviews for all capital project grantees. Additionally, a portion of the existing budget allocation would need to be identified for capital projects, which would impact on the overall application pool and reduce the funding available for service-based applications. Based on the current staffing structure, there is insufficient staff capacity to provide capital project oversight within the existing positions.
2. Ineligibility for Organizations Receiving City Funding Currently, some organizations receive City funding through Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs), direct allocations, or other contractual agreements, and apply for additional funding through the Goleta City Grant Program. While this practice is currently permitted, it results in the distribution of multiple funding awards to organizations already receiving City support.
Given that applications are reviewed by multiple independent review bodies and other funding mechanisms are managed by other Departments, such organizations may receive concurrent awards from different sources without full consideration of their total City funding. This can unintentionally reduce opportunities for new applicants and limit the impact of City grants across a broader range of community organizations.
Staff recommend that organizations receiving funding from other City sources are not eligible to apply for the Goleta City Grant program. If the organization only received a Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
Goleta City Grant at the time of application, they would be eligible to apply for the next grant cycle.
3. Other Ineligible Costs Exclusions & Policy Cleanup Recommendations To better align with best practice and ensure community impact and public benefit, staff are recommending the following additions for ineligible uses:
a. Fundraising, debt service, endowments, or reserves.
Costs associated with the above do not create a direct public benefit.
Community grants are intended for current, direct, and measurable services, not to subsidize future activities or organizational wealth-building efforts. b. Alcohol and gambling-related expenses.
c. Political campaigning, lobbying, legislative, or related activities. d. Religious activities, including worship, proselytization, and religious instruction. e. Services or activities that do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including those offered in facilities that are known to not be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
f. Services or activities located outside of Santa Barbara County. g. Any other use deemed inconsistent with City policy or public interest.
Regarding organizations that are eligible to apply for the funding, staff recommend adding the following restrictions:
a. Organizations and programs must be established and located within Santa Barbara County.
Funding organizations not established in Santa Barbara County pose a risk. Such groups often must rent space, hire staff, and build operations from scratch, diverting resources from programs already serving the community.
b. Include additional verbiage on restricting applications from organizations that are primarily involved in political action, legislation, lobbying, or related activities.
c. Include verbiage on the organization being in good standing to be eligible for funding.
4. Policy Administration and Noncompliance Language:
To provide flexibility in managing the guidelines, staff recommends including a policy administration section in both the Goleta City Grant and CDBG guidelines that authorizes the Neighborhood Services Director to make administrative changes to the policy as needed to align with evolving rules and regulations.
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
In addition, language was added to the guidelines that authorize the City to withhold or terminate funding for noncompliance, recover improper or unused funds, and pursue legal or equitable remedies as necessary. Staff will work with the City Attorney’s Office to finalize non-compliance language.
5. Grant Credit
Historically, most grantees have acknowledged the City's support in their promotional, informational, or published materials for any grant-funded program or activity. As a condition of funding, staff recommend formalizing this requirement and specifying that the use of the City logo must comply with the City’s logo use policy.
6. Timeline
The current grant performance period is 12 months, aligning with the start and beginning of the city’s fiscal year (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026). In lieu of an annual grant process, staff recommend transitioning the grant period to an 18-month period. This will enable staff to align the Notice of Funding Availability with the adopted strategic plan and budget, thereby better aligning the goals and funding priorities. Staff currently must wait for the budget to be adopted before initiating any payments, delaying the start of some of the grantee's programs.
For timing, staff will continue with an annual application process for the next budget cycle and implement an 18-month grant period from Fiscal Year 2027-28 to 2028-29, with the intention that the grant performance period will begin on January 1, 2028, and end on June 30, 2029. The first six months of the fiscal year (July 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027) would be spent closing out the previous grantees awards from the previous grant cycle and initiating the new grant cycle, anticipating issuing the NOFA and opening up in the grant application in August, with application review period to occur in October/November with the final recommendations to be presented to the City Council by December. This will enable staff to close out the previous grant cycle, identify and rectify any noncompliance issues with grantees, and ensure that any outstanding issues are addressed before a new award is issued.
Having an 18-month grant period will also assist grantees in executing longer-term initiatives with greater impact, allowing programs to develop and implement over time.
With the recommended separation of CDBG and Goleta City Grant programs in the following section, the CDBG application period would still occur on an annual basis to align with the start of our CDBG program year, July 1 through June 30.
7. Minimum and Maximum Award
The current guidelines cap the grant award at $10,000 with no minimum award established. With the recommended increase in the grant award period, staff would recommend that the award be doubled to account for the whole 18-month grant Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
period. This would result in a maximum award of $20,000. A minimum grant award of $4,000 is recommended.
If the 18-month grant period is not supported, staff would recommend establishing a minimum grant award of $2,000 for a 12-month period. Regardless of the funding amount, each grant award requires the same amount of staff oversight, review, and processing. There is a risk associated with partially funding applications, as the activity or program may not be able to be fully funded or carried out with a reduction in funding.
8. Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Goleta City Grants A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is the official announcement that a grant program is open for applications. It provides all the cycle-specific details applicants need to prepare and submit proposals. To maintain flexibility in the application process, staff recommend that the NOFA include information previously contained in the guidelines, such as application requirements, maximum award amounts, and review criteria. The guidelines will continue to define overall policy goals, eligible uses, restrictions, limitations, and the general application process, while the NOFA will then be used to establish the goals of each grant cycle, allowing staff to update funding priorities, strategic objectives, application content, or legal compliance requirements as needed. The NOFA will also provide administrative direction, enabling staff to adjust to technological or procedural changes without requiring formal amendments to the guidelines.
VI. CDBG Program
In addition to proposed changes to the Goleta City Grant Program, staff recommends several programmatic updates to the CDBG program. Due to the changing federal landscape, it has become increasingly critical to separate federal and local funding, as the different funding sources have distinct rules, laws and regulations, reporting requirements, and restrictions associated with them.
1. CDBG Combined Application
In 2015, the City began administering the CDBG Program and the Goleta City Grant Program through a combined application process. This approach was designed to streamline access for applicants seeking funding through either program or both.
CDBG funding is governed by federal regulations, which require applicants to meet specific eligibility and documentation standards to demonstrate compliance with applicable federal laws and programmatic objectives. These include income verification, national objective qualification, and consistency with the City’s adopted Five-Year Consolidated Plan, among other requirements. The combined CDBG and City Grant application has resulted in a more complex, lengthier application, requiring Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
substantial staff follow-up to collect, verify, and assess federally mandated information.
Staff will reinstate separate application and selection processes for the CDBG and Goleta City Grant Programs, with the CDBG continuing an annual cycle in alignment with the federal program year and the consolidated planning period. This separation is required to ensure compliance with federal rules and regulations. Additional changes to the CDBG application and selection process are detailed in the next section.
2. Public Service Applications and Subrecipient Selection Process Public Services are activities eligible under the CDBG Program that provide direct benefits to residents, particularly low- and moderate-income persons. Public Services may include, but are not limited to, employment assistance, crime prevention, childcare, health services, substance abuse services, education programs, fair housing counseling, services for seniors, services for homeless persons, energy conservation, welfare services, or recreational programs.
To qualify as a CDBG-funded public service, an activity must 1) meet a CDBG national objective, generally by benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, and 2) be either a new service or a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing service. Consistent with HUD regulations, the City allocates up to fifteen percent (15%) of its annual CDBG entitlement grant to public services.
When carrying out CDBG-funded activities, including public services and capital improvements, the City partners with two types of entities: 1) Subrecipients and 2) Contractors. Under HUD regulations, procurement rules apply to the selection of contractors, but not to the selection of subrecipients.
For public service activities, the current practice is that the City solicits formal applications on an annual basis from nonprofits to provide eligible services. Since 2020, the total available Public Services amount per year has ranged from $33,000 to $48,000.
Due to the small monetary amount, staff recommend a more flexible approach to select activities, ensuring alignment with the goals established in our Consolidated Plan, by adopting a subrecipient selection process, in lieu of a subrecipient application process.
The proposed selection process consists of the following methods:
1. Direct selection: Identify a specific nonprofit or agency uniquely qualified to deliver the service (e.g., the only specialized provider in the city).
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
2. Negotiation or invitation: Invite one or more organizations to submit proposals or information without issuing a formal solicitation.
3. Continuation of existing programs: Renew an established subrecipient relationship if the activity remains a funding priority.
4. Formal solicitation: A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) or Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued to solicit the services.
Regardless of the selection method, the City will apply written selection criteria to ensure subrecipients meet minimum qualifications and are able to carry out the program. These minimum criteria, along with related policy updates, are included in the Draft Community Development Block Grant Subrecipient Program Guidelines.
On an annual basis as part of the Annual Action Plan development, staff will initiate a selection process, consulting with various City Divisions (Homelessness, Housing, Parks and Recreation) to gauge community and city needs and provide a funding recommendation to the Human Services Standing Committee (HSSC). The HSSC may alter the recommendations or direct staff to utilize a different selection process.
3. Public Hearings
Federal CDBG Citizen Participation regulations require that the City conduct at least two public hearings per program year at different stages of the process: (1) the Planning Stage, prior to submission of the Annual Action Plan, and (2) the Performance/Review Stage, during or after the program year. There is no requirement for the location of the public hearing, only that it is open to the public and accessible.
The planning stage public hearing addresses community needs, goals, and funding priorities, including proposed subrecipients. Traditionally, this public hearing has been held at a City Council meeting. Following the City Council public hearing, the Action Plan is then released for the required 30-day public review and brought back to City Council on consent for approval, incorporating any public comments, and authorization to submit to HUD.
The second public hearing during the performance/review stage is held at City Council to review the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The goal is to review how funds were used and provide an opportunity for public comments.
Staff recommend that the planning public hearing be conducted concurrently with the HSSC review of staff’s subrecipient funding recommendations, instead of a separate City Council public hearing. Following the HSSC hearing and action, the draft Annual Action Plan would be released for the required 30-day public review. The final Action Plan, incorporating public comments, would then be forwarded as a consent item to City Council for final approval and authority to submit to HUD.
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
At this time, staff recommend that the required Public Hearing for the performance/review stage continue to be conducted at a City Council meeting. In the future, staff may recommend relocating this public hearing to the Goleta Community Center or Library to improve access and participation by low- and moderate-income residents. Holding hearings at a community-based facility, rather than City Hall, may reduce barriers to attendance and create a less intimidating environment for target populations.
VII. Next Steps
Following discussion with the committee, staff will make any recommended changes to the process and guidelines and work with the City Attorney’s Office and other City Departments as needed to finalize the verbiage for the updated guidelines. Staff will bring forth the final recommendations to the City Council for discussion and final approval.
Attachments:
1. Draft Goleta City Grant Guidelines
2. Draft Notice of Funding Availability (Goleta City Grants)
3. Draft CDBG Program Guidelines
4. Summary of Recommendations and Implementation Schedule
5. Presentation
ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Goleta City Grant Guidelines
City of Goleta
Neighborhood Services Department
Policy Name:
Goleta City Grant Application Guidelines
Policy No.:
NS-001
Date Adopted:
November 19, 2013
Date Revised: Adopted/Revised by:
City Council
Published Location:
https://www.cityofgoleta.org/grants
Policy No. NS-001: Goleta City Grant Application Guidelines Adopted/Revised: July 18, 2023
PURPOSE
Subject to funding availability, the City of Goleta may award grants to civic services, community projects, and public services that benefit Goleta residents. The Community Grant Program Guidelines establish eligibility, application, review, and compliance requirements for organizations seeking funding.
ELIGIBLE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
All services and activities funded through the City of Goleta’s Community Grant Program must directly benefit Goleta residents and be sponsored by an eligible organization.
Categories of services and activities eligible for funding include:
• Civic projects and services.
• Cultural programs in music, art, dance, and related fields. • Recreational activities, including fitness, camps, sports, and outdoor programs. • Educational programs.
• Community festivals, special events.
• Environmental and wildlife programs.
• Public services, including services for seniors, youth, low-income individuals, and people experiencing homelessness.
• Health, wellness, food security, and nutrition programs. • Services or activities that address community needs and demonstrate a public benefit.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible organizations:
• Nonprofit organizations.
• Government or quasi-governmental agencies.
• The use of nonprofit sponsors is permitted.
Eligible organizations must be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including maintaining current corporate and tax status.
City of Goleta
Neighborhood Services Department
Policy No. NS-001: Goleta City Grant Application Guidelines Adopted/Revised: July 18, 2023
Ineligible organizations:
• For-profit organizations.
• Individuals.
• Organizations primarily involved in political action, legislation, and lobbying. • Organizations that are located outside Santa Barbara County. • Organizations receiving funds through a line item (other City contracts, grants, direct allocations, etc.) in the City Budget are not eligible to apply. o Exception: Organizations currently receiving a grant from the Goleta City Grant program are eligible to reapply for funding.
PROCESS
The City of Goleta will issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for each grant cycle.
The NOFA provides cycle-specific details and instructions for applicants and serves as the official announcement of available funding, along with administrative direction for that funding cycle.
Each NOFA will include, at a minimum:
• Funding Availability: Total funds available, allocations by category, and minimum/maximum grant award amounts.
• Timeline: Key dates for application opening and closing, review and recommendation process, City Council award approval, and performance period start and end dates of the grant.
• Eligibility: Confirmation of eligible applicants and program categories. • Priorities: Any established funding priorities or focus areas. • Application Instructions: Submission requirements, including application portal link, deadlines, and required attachments (e.g., nonprofit status proof, fiscal sponsor letter, budgets, references).
• Review Criteria: The evaluation standards or scoring rubric that will be applied to review applications.
• Restrictions: A summary of ineligible uses of funds.
• Compliance Requirements: Reporting expectations and consequences of noncompliance.
• Contact Information: City staff contact for questions or technical assistance.
The NOFA will be published on the City’s website and distributed through appropriate public communication channels. All applicants must follow the instructions and deadlines stated in the NOFA; late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Ineligible uses of funds:
• Capital improvements, including construction, facility renovations, or the purchase of real property.
• Fundraising, debt service, endowments, or reserves.
City of Goleta
Neighborhood Services Department
Policy No. NS-001: Goleta City Grant Application Guidelines Adopted/Revised: July 18, 2023
• Alcohol and gambling-related expenses.
• Political campaigning, lobbying, legislative, or related activities. • Religious activities, including worship, proselytization, and religious instruction. • Services or activities that do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including those offered in facilities that are not accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• Services or activities intended for private use or restricted by membership. • Services or activities located outside of Santa Barbara County. • Any other use deemed inconsistent with City policy or public interest.
COMPLIANCE
All grant recipients must sign a Grant Agreement with the City. By accepting funds, recipients agree to:
• Reporting. Submit an end-of-year report demonstrating how funds benefited Goleta residents and program impacts.
• Recipients may be asked to present to a Committee, City Council, or workshop. • Grant Credit. As a condition of funding, grantees must acknowledge the City of Goleta’s support in all promotional, informational, or published materials. The City logo must be used in accordance with the City’s logo use policy. • Use of Funds. Funds must be used as approved. Misuse or failure to provide documentation may result in repayment of funds and disqualification from future opportunities.
• Audit and oversight. The City reserves the right to audit expenditures and request additional documentation.
• Political Neutrality. Grant recipients (and affiliates) may not endorse, fundraise, or campaign for or against any candidate for City of Goleta elected office.
The City reserves the right to withhold, suspend, or terminate grant funding, in whole or in part, if the Grantee fails to comply with the Grant Agreement or Grant Guidelines. The City may require repayment of disallowed costs or unexpended funds and may pursue any remedies available at law or in equity.
POLICY ADMINISTRATION
The Goleta City Grant Application Guidelines are adopted by the City Council to guide the selection of subrecipients. The Neighborhood Services Director is authorized to make administrative updates to these guidelines, including revisions necessary to:
• Conform to applicable federal, state, or local laws.
• Update procedures, forms, or processes for clarity or efficiency.
ATTACHMENT 2
Draft Notice of Funding Availability (Goleta City Grants) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Goleta City Grant Program
I. Introduction
The City of Goleta invites applications for the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Goleta City Grant Program. Subject to funding availability and City Council approval, the City will award grants to support civic services, community projects, and public services that benefit Goleta residents.
This NOFA outlines the available funding, eligibility, application requirements, and review process for this grant cycle. Applicants must also comply with the City’s adopted Goleta City Grant Program Guidelines [will link to policy].
II. Available Funding
Total Funding Available: $250,000
Maximum Award: $10,000
Minimum Award: $1,000
Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Available funding is allocated across program categories as follows:
Category Available to Award
Community Engagement Programs and Events $ 25,000
Human Services, Educational, Food/Nutrition, Senior,
the Arts (music, dance, theater, art),
Youth Services and Miscellaneous Programs.
$ 150,000
Environmental/Wildlife/Animal Programs,
Parks and Recreation Programs $ 50,000
Homeless & Low-Income Programs $ 25,000
Grand Total $ 250,000
III. Eligible Applicants
INSERT UPDATED POLICY LANGUAGE ONCE FINAL
IV. Eligible Services, Activities, and Projects
INSERT UPDATED POLICY LANGUAGE ONCE FINAL
Add any priority focus for this cycle: E.g. strategic plan goals V. Restrictions and Limitations
INSERT UPDATED POLICY LANGUAGE ONCE FINAL
VI. Application Instructions
Applications must be made electronically through the online application program. The following information is required:
• Name and general purpose of the nonprofit or governmental agency sponsoring the proposed service or activity.
• Contact name and information for the grant application. • Description of the project.
• Number of Goleta residents would be served by the proposed service or activity. • Proof of non-profit or government status.
• Two references who may be contacted regarding the proposed service or activity. • If the activity is taking place at or within school grounds, application must state that permission and approval were received by the affected school. • For organizations using a fiscal sponsor, a letter of commitment from the fiscal sponsor agreeing to serve as the fiscal sponsor of the grant program must be submitted with the application.
Incomplete, late, and paper application submissions will not be accepted.
VII. Review Process
• Grant applications will be reviewed by one of the following groups:
o City Council’s Human Services Standing Committee
o City Council’s Homelessness Issues Standing Committee o City Council’s Economic Development and Revitalization Standing Committee
o Parks and Recreation Commission
• Recommendations of the Committees and Commission will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval and action of funding awards.
VIII. Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed and funding determined based on the following criteria. The NOFA will detail the review criteria for each grant cycle, which may change based upon the grant program.
• To what extent does the organization’s mission or the project/program/service meet a Strategic Plan or General Plan goal?
• To what extent will the grant funds be utilized for the benefit of the residents of the City of Goleta, and will the program or project clearly be able to demonstrate that the services provided are of benefit to Goleta residents? Is the applicant located in Santa Barbara County? (e.g., consider how many Goleta residents will be served by the applicant)
• Is the amount of funding requested appropriate/reasonable for the project/program/service?
• To what extent does the project/program/service satisfy an unmet or under-met need in the community?
• To what extent does the applicant or organization appear to be staffed and equipped to carry out the project/program/service effectively? • Will the applicant’s program/project/event provide a service that the City does not or cannot provide?
• To what extent does the project or program further or advance the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals? Is it committed to ensuring equity, inclusion, and access for all participants?
IX. Reporting and Compliance
All grant recipients must sign a Grant Agreement with the City. By accepting funds, recipients agree to:
• Reporting. Submit an end-of-year report demonstrating how funds benefited Goleta residents. Recipients may be asked to present to a Committee, City Council, or workshop. Failure to submit required reports may result in ineligibility for future funding.
• Grant Credit. As a condition of funding, grantees must acknowledge the City of Goleta’s support in all promotional, informational, or published materials. The City logo must be used in accordance with the City’s logo use policy. • Use of Funds. Funds must be used as approved. Misuse or failure to provide documentation may result in repayment of funds and disqualification from future opportunities.
• Audit and Oversight. The City reserves the right to audit expenditures and request additional documentation.
• Political Neutrality. Grant recipients (and affiliates) may not endorse, fundraise, or campaign for or against any candidate for City of Goleta elected office using City grant funds.
X. Contact Information
For questions regarding this NOFA, please contact:
[email protected]
ATTACHMENT 3
Draft CDBG Program Guidelines
City of Goleta
Neighborhood Services Department
Policy Name:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Subrecipient Guidelines
Policy No.:
NS-003
Date Adopted:
XX
Date Revised: Adopted/Revised by:
City Council
Published Location:
https://www.cityofgoleta.org/grants
Policy No. NS-003: CDBG Subrecipient Guidelines
Adopted/Revised: July 18, 2023
PURPOSE
The City of Goleta receives annual Federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. While funds are administered by HUD, the City manages its local use through programs and activities that meet the program’s goals and CDBG national objective(s). To achieve these goals, the City may partner with organizations and agencies to deliver public services and other eligible activities.
ELIGIBLE SERVICES, ACTIVITIES, AND PROJECTS
• All CDBG-funded services and activities must primarily benefit residents of the City of Goleta.
• All eligible services, activities, and projects must meet one of the three national objectives of the CDBG program:
1. Benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
2. Prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or
3. Address urgent community needs in the event of an emergency.
Examples of eligible activities include public services, housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, economic development initiatives, and other activities permitted under 24 CFR §§ 570.201–570.206.
ELIGIBLE SUBRECIPIENTS
Organizations eligible to apply for or be selected as subrecipients include:
• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.
• Government or quasi-governmental agencies.
• Housing authorities.
• Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) for special activities. • For-profit entities only when carrying out specific authorized economic development activities.
City of Goleta
Neighborhood Services Department
Policy No. NS-003: CDBG Subrecipient Guidelines
Adopted/Revised: July 18, 2023
SUBRECIPIENT SELECTION
The City of Goleta may use several approaches to select subrecipients to carry out CDBG-funded activities. The method of selection will depend on the nature of the activity, the availability of qualified providers, and the City’s program priorities.
In the development of the Annual Action Plan, staff may use one or more of the following methods for Subrecipient selection:
• Direct selection: Identify a specific nonprofit or agency uniquely qualified to deliver the service (e.g., the only specialized provider in the city). • Negotiation or invitation: Invite one or more organizations to submit proposals or information without issuing a formal solicitation.
• Continuation of existing programs: Renew an established subrecipient relationship if the activity remains a funding priority.
• Formal solicitation: A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) or Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued to solicit the services.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Regardless of the subrecipient selection method chosen, the City has established written selection criteria to be used in the selection process.
Minimum selection criteria include:
• Prior or Existing Relationship. Demonstrated history of successful partnership with the city or other public agencies.
• Geographical Proximity. Ability to serve residents within the city or target service area.
• Experience. Documented capacity and track record in implementing the proposed activity or similar programs.
• Program Knowledge. Understanding of the CDBG program, applicable federal requirements, and compliance responsibilities.
• Organizational Capacity. Qualified staffing, financial management systems, and overall organizational strength and stability.
The city may apply additional criteria tailored to the specific activity or funding priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan.
INELIGIBLE COSTS
Ineligible costs are defined by federal regulation. Under 24 CFR § 570.207, CDBG funds may not be used for government facilities (with limited ADA exceptions), most equipment purchases, operating or maintenance expenses, political activities, direct income payments, new housing construction (except by qualified CBDOs), or any other activities not expressly authorized under 24 CFR §§ 570.201–570.206.
City of Goleta
Neighborhood Services Department
Policy No. NS-003: CDBG Subrecipient Guidelines
Adopted/Revised: July 18, 2023
COMPLIANCE
As a federally funded program, all CDBG subrecipients must comply with federal requirements, including, but not limited to, 24 CFR Part 570, 2 CFR Part 200, and HUD issued guidance. Compliance also extends to cross-cutting laws on civil rights and fair housing, Section 3, environmental review, labor standards, debarment and suspension, and lobbying restrictions, among other requirements.
All subrecipients must enter into a written Subrecipient Agreement with the City prior to the use of CDBG funds. Under this agreement, subrecipients are required to use funds only for approved purposes, maintain appropriate financial and programmatic records, and submit required performance and financial reports, including an annual report documenting community benefits. Subrecipients must also participate in monitoring by the City and HUD, which may include audits, site visits, and requests for additional documentation, and must repay any funds not used in compliance with program requirements.
The City reserves the right to withhold, suspend, or terminate grant funding, in whole or in part, if the Grantee fails to comply with the Subrecipient Agreement or Grant Guidelines.
The City may require repayment of disallowed costs or unexpended funds and may pursue any remedies available at law or in equity.
POLICY ADMINISTRATION
The City Council adopts the CDBG Subrecipient Guidelines to guide the selection of subrecipients. The Neighborhood Services Director is authorized to make administrative updates to these guidelines, including revisions necessary to:
• Conform to applicable laws.
• Update procedures, forms, or processes for clarity or efficiency.
In the event of a conflict between these guidelines and federal rules or regulations governing the CDBG Program, the federal requirements shall control.
ATTACHMENT 4
Summary of Recommendations and Implementation Schedule
Attachment 4 - Summary of Recommendations and Implementation Schedule Program Description Recommended Change Timeline for
Implementation
City
Grants
Capital Projects Exclude capital projects from City Grant eligibility. Apply next grant cycle.
City
Grants
Eligibility for CityFunded
Organizations
Make organizations already receiving
other City funds ineligible for City Grants
(except for current City Grant recipients).
Apply next grant cycle.
City
Grants
Other Ineligible
Uses
Add funding restrictions: non-ADA
compliant facilities, organizations and
programs outside Santa Barbara County,
political/lobbying activities, fundraising.
Apply next grant cycle.
City
Grants
Grant Period
Transition from 12-month to 18-month
grant period to align with strategic plan
and budget cycle.
First 18-month cycle
begins FY 2027–28 (Jan
1, 2028 – Jun 30, 2029).
City
Grants
Award Amounts Increase maximum award to $20,000
(18-month cycle) with $2,000 minimum.
Apply beginning FY
2027–28 (aligned with
new cycle).
City
Grants Award Amounts If 12-month cycle is retained, set $1,000 minimum. Apply next grant cycle.
City
Grants
NOFA
Move detailed administrative guidance
into the NOFA to allow updates without
policy changes.
Begin with next NOFA.
Attachment 4 - Summary of Recommendations and Implementation Schedule City
Grants &
CDBG
Grant Credit Require acknowledgment of City funding
and compliance with logo policy. Apply next grant cycle.
City
Grants &
CDBG
CDBG/City Grant
Separation
Reestablish separate applications and
processes for City Grants and CDBG to
reduce complexity and maintain federal
compliance.
Apply next grant cycle.
City
Grants &
CDBG
Policy
Administration and
Noncompliance
NS Director responsible for
administrative updates to the policy,
added noncompliance and other legal
language
Apply next grant cycle.
CDBG
CDBG Subrecipient
Selection
Adopt flexible subrecipient selection
methods (direct negotiation, invited,
continuation, formal solicitation) with
written criteria.
Apply next grant cycle.
CDBG Public Hearings
Conduct a public planning hearing with
HSSC; keep a performance/review
hearing at the City Council.
Apply next grant cycle.
CDBG Public Hearings Explore alternative community venues for Public Hearings.
Future
ATTACHMENT 5
Presentation
Neighborhood Services
Grant Division Program
Review
October 13, 2025
Cassidy Le Air, Senior Management Analyst
Summary and Purpose
Staff completed an in-depth program review on the Goleta City Grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs
Goals of evaluation:
Evaluate current risks and areas for improvement
Improve program structure and process
Ensure compliance with applicable laws
Increase organizational capacity for grant programs
Align program with best practice measures
Maximize community impact
October 13, 2025, Human Services Standing Committee 2
History
Goleta City Grant Program
Started in 2002, approved at $20,000, received 29
applications requesting $59,000.
Last grant cycle was approved at $250,000, received 99 applications requesting $923,157.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Goleta became an entitlement City in 2004
15 percent of annual allocations is made available to public services
October 13, 2025, Human Services Standing Committee 3
Goleta City Grant – Current Allocations
Month Day, Year City Council/Committee Meeting Name 4
Category Available to Award
Economic Development & Revitalization Committee $ 25,000.00 Community Engagement Programs and Events
Human Services Standing Committee $ 150,000.00
Educational, Food/Nutrition, Senior,
the Arts (music, dance, theater, art),
Youth Services and Miscellaneous Programs.
Parks & Recreation Commission $ 50,000.00
Environmental/Wildlife/Animal Programs,
Parks and Recreation Programs
Homelessness Issues Standing Committee $ 25,000.00
Homeless & Low-Income Programs
Grand Total $ 250,000.00
Recommendations and Implementation – City Grants
October 13, 2025, Human Services Standing Committee 5
Description Recommended Change Timeline for Implementation Capital Projects Exclude capital projects from City Grant eligibility. Apply next grant cycle.
Other Ineligible
Uses
Add funding restrictions: non-ADA compliant
facilities, organizations and programs outside
Santa Barbara County, political/lobbying activities,
fundraising.
Apply next grant cycle.
Eligibility for CityFunded
Organizations
Make organizations already receiving other City
funds ineligible for City Grants (except for current
City Grant recipients).
Apply next grant cycle.
NOFA Move detailed administrative guidance into the
NOFA to allow updates without policy changes. Begin with the next grant cycle.
Grant Period Transition from 12-month to 18-month grant period to align with strategic plan and budget cycle.
First 18-month cycle begins FY
2027–28 (Jan 1, 2028 – Jun 30,
2029).
Award Amounts Increase maximum award to $20,000 (18-month cycle) with $2,000 minimum.
Apply beginning FY 2027–28
(aligned with new cycle).
Award Amounts If 12-month cycle is retained, set $1,000 minimum. Apply next grant cycle.
Recommendations and Implementation
City Grants & CDBG
October 13, 2025, Human Services Standing Committee 6
Description Recommended Change Timeline for
Implementation
Grant Credit Require acknowledgment of City
funding and compliance with logo
policy.
Apply next grant cycle.
CDBG/City Grant
Separation
Reestablish separate applications
and processes for City Grants and
CDBG to reduce complexity and
maintain federal compliance.
Apply next grant cycle.
Policy
Administration and
Noncompliance
NS Director responsible for
administrative updates to the policy,
added noncompliance and other
legal language (policy cleanup
items)
Apply next grant cycle.
Recommendations and Implementation
City Grants & CDBG
October 13, 2025, Human Services Standing Committee 7
Description Recommended Change Timeline for
Implementation
CDBG
Subrecipient
Selection
Adopt flexible subrecipient selection
methods (direct negotiation, invited,
continuation, formal solicitation) with
written criteria.
Apply next grant cycle.
Public Hearings
Conduct a public planning hearing
with HSSC; keep a
performance/review hearing at the
City Council.
Apply next grant cycle.
Public Hearings Explore alternative community
venues for Public Hearings. Future
Next Steps
Discuss with Committee
Finalize guidelines, incorporating Committee feedback
Bring to City Council for discussion and final approval October 13, 2025, Human Services Standing Committee 8