Community Development Block Grant Community Funding Program

The City of San Mateo is soliciting proposals through solicitation number 645 for its Community Development Block Grant Community Funding Program. This grant program provides funding to public agencies and certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to deliver essential public services to low- and moderate-income residents within the City of San Mateo, California. Eligible projects must address priority needs including basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, and legal services, as well as senior services, youth services, and affordable housing. To comply with HUD CDBG guidelines, at least 51 percent of the served individuals must qualify as low-income. The program operates on a two-year funding cycle, with estimated total funding for the 2022-2023 period ranging between 115,000 and 140,000 dollars. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale focusing on project definition, objectives and outcomes, budget and funding, organizational capacity, and outreach and collaboration. Awards are not based solely on scores but through a trade-off process involving the Community Relations Commission, public input, and strategic alignment. Applications must be submitted electronically via the City Data Services portal, and second-year funding is contingent upon the recipient's compliance with administrative and performance requirements.