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 HSGP funding guidelines were approved by City Council on August 11, 2026 and the Request for Proposals (RFP) was released through OpenGov, the City’s Procurement portal, on September 29, 2026.

Agencies interested in reviewing the RFP and applying for funding may do so through OpenGov: 2027-31 Human Services Grants Program RFP.

2027-31 HSGP RFP Timeline (subject to change)

August 11, 2026 – City Council approved the FY 2027-31 HSGP funding guidelines and authorized the RFP release.
September 29, 2026 – City released the HSGP RFP on the City's OpenGov procurement platform to solicit applications for the FY 2027-31 HSGP funding cycle.
October 19, 2026 – Deadline to submit RFP questions through OpenGov.
December 14, 2026 – Deadline to submit proposals through OpenGov.
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 email humanservices@santamonica.gov with any questions.

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.

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