TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
SUBJECT:
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REVISIONS TO THE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION GRANT PROGRAM
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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. The program consists of two funding categories. Under the 2026-27 City budget, $100,000 is available in the General Services category to fund programs that strengthen the social, family, or economic fabric of the Claremont community. An additional $100,000 is allocated to the Homeless Services/Critical Need category to assist programs that serve those who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or in need of critical services. Through these community partnerships, the CBO Grant Program helps ensure that vital services remain available to Claremont residents. These revisions to the CBO guidelines realign the program to coincide with the City’s fiscal year and funding under the City’s General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission support the CBO Grant Program funding extensions and revisions to the program timeline and recommend the City Council approve the changes as outlined.
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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 current CBO Grant Program budget from the City’s General Fund includes $100,000 for General Services and $100,000 for Homeless Services/Critical Need. The staff costs to prepare this report and administer the program are estimated at $2,212 and are included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The Community Based Organization (CBO) Program was established by the Claremont City Council in 1989 and assigned to the Community and Human Services Commission to review and make funding recommendations to the City Council annually to nonprofits serving the Claremont community.
For the past four years, the CBO Grant Program has operated on a calendar-year funding cycle (January 1-December 31) and has been funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For calendar year 2026, the program was allocated $100,000 for General Services Organizations and $60,000 for Homeless Services/Critical Need Organizations.
As ARPA funding sunsets on December 31, 2026, the program has been approved for continued funding through the General Fund, with allocations of $100,000 for General Services Organizations and $100,000 for Homeless Services/Critical Need Organizations in both FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28.
This transition creates an administrative challenge, as the CBO Grant Program currently operates on a calendar-year cycle, while its funding source is now tied to the City’s fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Although it would be possible to maintain the current calendar-year cycle in coordination with the City’s Finance Department, future complications could arise if funding levels change or are reduced/eliminated. To better align program administration with its funding source, staff proposes the following:
• Because the current grant cycle is funded through December 31, 2026, agencies currently receiving CBO funding would be offered a six-month grant extension through June 30, 2027. This extension would utilize up to $50,000 of the FY 2026-27 allocation for General Services Organizations and up to $30,000 of the FY 2026-27 allocation for Homeless Services/Critical Need Organizations. As a result, more than $120,000 would remain unspent in FY 2026-27.
• As the majority of CBO-funded programs provide ongoing services, staff anticipate little to no disruption to funded agencies and do not expect significant concerns regarding the proposed transition.
• Beginning in FY 2027-28, the CBO Grant Program would transition to a July 1-June 30 funding cycle to align with the City’s fiscal year. Applications for new CBO funding opportunities would open on January 1, 2027, allowing new agencies to apply for CBO funding under the revised schedule.
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:
Grant Allocation Policy with Proposed Changes and New Program Timeline