TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION (CBO) 2026 FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
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SUMMARY
The Community Based Organization (CBO) Grant Program provides financial assistance to nonprofit 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 the Community and Human Services Commission review, approve, and forward the ad hoc committee’s 2026 CBO funding recommendations, totaling $100,500 for General Services and $60,000 for Homeless Services/Critical Need programs, to the City Council for final approval.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Amend the funding recommendations.
B. 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
At its October 1, 2025, meeting, the Community and Human Services Commission received a report about the 2026 CBO Grant Program, which included nineteen applications for General Service grants, requesting a total of $171,406 for $100,500 in available funding, and eleven applications totaling $137,500 for the $60,000 in available funding for Homeless Service/Critical Need grants. Following that meeting, the appointed CBO ad hoc committee met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and conducted an in-depth analysis and review of all applications. At the conclusion of that meeting, the ad hoc committee made its funding recommendations, which are attached to this report.
NEXT STEPS
The recommendations made by the Community and Human Services Commission will be presented to the Claremont City Council on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The Claremont City Council will then determine the final 2026 CBO funding allocations.
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
Attachment:
2026 CBO Ad Hoc Funding Recommendations