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COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM
POLICY
Purpose: The Community Social Services Grant (CSSG) Program provides financial assistance to nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based organizations that deliver programs and services benefiting Seaside children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth, defined for the purposes of this policy as individuals age 24 and younger. The purpose of the CSSG Program is to enhance quality of life, address identified community needs, and advance City priorities through targeted investments in youth-serving programs related to , education, health, prevention, intervention, recreation, basic needs, and positive youth development.
This policy establishes the overarching framework for the Community Social Services Grant Program. Specific program details, application requirements, evaluation criteria, and timelines shall be established annually through a City-issued Request for Proposals (RFP). This policy is intended to provide consistent governance while allowing flexibility to respond to evolving community needs and City Council priorities.
Eligible Applicants: Grants may be awarded to:
• Public or private nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
• Community-based or faith-based organizations serving Seaside residents; and • Grassroots organizations applying in partnership with an established nonprofit fiscal sponsor
Organizations must demonstrate that a meaningful portion of program participants or beneficiaries are Seaside youth age 24 and younger. Programs serving broader populations must identify the direct benefit to Seaside youth participants. Faith-based organizations may receive funding provided that grant funds are not used for religious instruction, worship, or proselytizing activities, and that participation in funded programs is open to all residents regardless of religious affiliation.
Eligible Program Areas: Funding shall prioritize programs and services that primarily benefit children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth, defined for purposes of this policy as individuals age 24 and younger. Eligible programs may include, but are not limited to:
• Education, tutoring, mentoring, career readiness, and workforce development for youth • Youth development, recreation, arts, culture, and positive enrichment activities • Mental health, behavioral health, and social-emotional support services for youth • Violence prevention, intervention, diversion, and public safety-related youth support services
• Civic engagement, leadership development, neighborhood connection, and communitybuilding programs focused on youth participation and belonging Programs serving broader populations may be considered only when the applicant demonstrates a clear, direct, and measurable benefit to Seaside youth age 24 and younger. Programs must demonstrate a clear municipal or community benefit, alignment with City priorities, and measurable youth-focused outcomes.
Packet Page 237
CSS GRANT POLICY
440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside CA 93955
831-899-6700 | FAX: 831-718-8603
5/29/26
Allowable Expenditures: Eligible expenditures may include:
• Program-related personnel costs directly supporting service delivery • Supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to implement the approved program • Facility or space rental directly tied to program activities • Contracted professional or support services
• Outreach, engagement, or participant support costs related to program outcomes The following expenses are not eligible:
• General operating deficits unrelated to the proposed program • Religious or political activities
• Fundraising events or activities
• Personal gifts, prizes, or entertainment unrelated to program objectives • Costs incurred prior to City Council approval
Funding Requirements:
• CSSG awards are one-time grants unless otherwise authorized by City Council. • A minimum 10% cash or in-kind match is required from all applicants. • Grant funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing funding sources. • Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed program within the grant period.
Application and Submission Process: The City shall issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Community Social Services Grant Program on an annual or as-needed basis, subject to funding availability.
All complete grant applications will be evaluated and scored by City staff and/or an ad hoc committee using the evaluation criteria and scoring matrix adopted for that funding cycle.
Applications determined to be incomplete will not be forwarded for further evaluation or City Council consideration.
Applicants will be notified of the date on which Community Social Services Grant allocation recommendations will be presented to the City Council.
Completed applications, including all required attachments, shall be submitted in accordance with the applicable RFP and directed to:
Dan Meewis
Assistant City Manager
440 Harcourt Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
Evaluation Process: Applications shall be evaluated using criteria established in the annual RFP, which may include but are not limited to demonstrated youth-related community need, program quality and feasibility, anticipated impact and measurable youth outcomes, Packet Page 238
CSS GRANT POLICY
440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside CA 93955
831-899-6700 | FAX: 831-718-8603
5/29/26
organizational readiness, and cost effectiveness. Evaluation criteria and weighting may be modified annually based on local needs or strategic priorities established by City Council.
The evaluation framework shall be designed to ensure that emerging or grassroots organizations are not disadvantaged due to limited organizational history, provided that proposed youth outcomes, implementation plans, and accountability measures are clearly articulated.
City Council Role: All Community Social Services Grant awards are subject to City Council approval. City Council may:
• Establish annual program priorities and funding parameters • Consider staff evaluations and funding scenarios as a baseline for deliberation • Modify recommended allocations at its discretion, consistent with adopted priorities Funding Limits: Funding limits, maximum award amounts, number of awards, and any setasides for new or pilot programs shall be established by City Council as part of the annual budget or program framework.
Reporting and Accountability: Funded organizations are required to:
• Execute a grant agreement with the City
• Submit quarterly progress and expenditure reports as specified in the agreement • Submit a final report documenting outcomes, services provided, and use of funds • Participate in Blue Ribbon Task Force meetings and provide a minimum of two (2) program reports during the grant cycle.
Organizations that fail to comply with reporting requirements may be deemed ineligible for future funding.
Payment Process: If a grant is approved by City Council, payment will be made to the authorized organization or fiscal sponsor in accordance with the grant agreement and City financial policies.
Payments may be issued on a reimbursement basis or through scheduled disbursements. No payments shall be made directly to individuals.
Policy Administration: This policy may be amended by City Council as needed. Administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy may be established by the City Manager, provided they are consistent with City Council direction.
Packet Page 239