TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: MAY 7, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
REVISIONS TO THE GRANT ALLOCATION POLICY FOR THE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION GENERAL SERVICES AND HOMELESS SERVICES/CRITICAL NEED PROGRAM
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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. In 2025, $100,000 was available in the General Services category to fund programs which strengthen the social, family, or economic fabric of the Claremont community. An additional $60,000 was budgeted for Homeless Services/Critical Need grants to assist programs that serve those who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or in need of critical services. The CBO Grant Program plays an important role in providing vital services to Claremont residents through community partnerships.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Community and Human Services Commission review and approve the revisions to the CBO Grant Allocation Policy.
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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 $100,000 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 Community and Human Services Commission to review and allocate funds annually to nonprofits serving the Claremont community. The program is currently funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
For the 2025 CBO funding year, the program received requests from 38 agencies requesting a total of $534,200 in funding. From a recommendation from the Commission, the City Council voted to fund 29 of those agencies, with a total of $160,000 awarded from both the General Services and Homeless Services/Critical Need categories.
In December 2024, the Commission asked to agendize the CBO funding process to discuss revisions to the CBO Grant Allocation Policy. These changes, noted in the attached CBO Grant Allocation Policy, include a maximum amount of funding that agencies can request, eligibility criteria for groups that are considering applying, and clarification of criteria for Claremont residents served. It also included appointing an Ad Hoc to review CBO applications every September, who would then meet in October to make funding recommendations and be presented to the Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting in November to review and discuss.
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