TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
2026 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION GENERAL SERVICES AND HOMELESS SERVICES/CRITICAL NEED PROGRAM FUNDING
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SUMMARY
The Community Based Organization (CBO) Grant Program provides financial assistance to non-profit agencies that deliver critical services to Claremont residents. Two funding categories exist. This year, $100,500 is available in the General Services category to fund programs that strengthen the Claremont community's social, family, or economic fabric. An additional $60,000 has been budgeted for Homeless Services/Critical Need grants to support programs that serve individuals experiencing homelessness, those at risk of becoming homeless, or provide critical services such as food and showers. The CBO Grant Program plays a crucial role in delivering essential services to Claremont residents through community partnerships.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Community and Human Services Commission receive and file this report.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The proposed FY 2026 CBO Grant Program budget includes $100,500 for General Services and $60,000 for Homeless Services/Critical Need. The staff cost to prepare this report and administer the program is estimated to be $2,212 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The CBO Program was established by the Claremont City Council in 1989 and assigned to the Human Services Commission (now the Community and Human Services Commission) to review and allocate funds annually to nonprofits serving the Claremont community. The CBO program is currently funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with the addition of a donation of $500 to the General Services category from the Claremont City Council.
CBO Funding Program Process
The City’s Community Based Organization Grant Program has two primary components: an annual application process and on-site evaluation for approved grant programs. The following information is provided by each agency and confirmed during both the application process and on-site evaluation:
• Organization overview, including the board of directors;
• Detailed program description;
• Alignment to City Council priorities and City Planning documents;
• Proof of non-profit status;
• Number of total clients served;
• Number of Claremont residents and/or Claremont Unified School District students served;
• Program budget; and
• A description of how the agency will monitor the effectiveness of its program and benefit Claremont residents through supporting documentation.
Department staff distributed a request for applications on July 1, 2025, to all grant applicants who applied for funding in past years, as well as a list of nonprofit organizations that serve the Claremont community. Additionally, a press release advertising the CBO funding cycle was posted on the City of Claremont website and sent to local newspapers, and information was posted on the City’s social media accounts. The deadline for applications was August 15, 2025.
Eighteen agencies submitted nineteen applications for General Service grants, requesting a total of $171,406 for $100,500 in available funding. Ten agencies submitted eleven applications totaling $137,500 for the $60,000 in available funding for Homeless Service/Critical Need grants.
At the September 3, 2025, Community and Human Services Commission meeting, Commissioners were presented with applications and supporting documentation for applicant agencies. A CBO ad hoc was also selected. Commissioners were instructed to review the applications and submit follow-up questions for agencies to staff by September 11, 2025. The answers to the follow-up questions from agencies are included in this report.
NEXT STEPS
The CBO ad hoc will meet in October to review all 2026 CBO applications and make funding recommendations to the Commission. These recommendations will be presented to the Commission at the regular Community and Human Services Commission meeting on November 5, 2025. At this meeting, the Commission will discuss the recommendations and make its final recommendations that will be presented to the Claremont City Council at a later meeting. For reference, the 2026 CBO Funding Request List (Attachment A), the Additional Information of Agencies Requested by the Commission sheet (Attachment B), and the Grant Allocation Policy (Attachment C) are included.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the Recreation and Human Services Department.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Melissa Vollaro Michelle Castillo
Recreation and Human Services Director Management Analyst
Attachments:
A - 2026 CBO Funding Request List
B - Additional Information of Agencies Requested by the Commission
C - Grant Allocation Policy