First District Community Grant Guidelines

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The First District Community Grants program is now open and accepting applications. Applicants must be a non-profit organization serving residents of the First Supervisorial District. Please click here for the district’s boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the Community Grant Program?

The purpose of Community Grant Program is to develop or support services that meet the diverse needs of the residents of the First District, on issues ranging from health, violence prevention and environmental justice to immigration and jobs among others. (See Priority Funding Areas below)

What is the intent of the Community Grant Program?

The aim is to improve and enhance the wellbeing of our residents, especially those most vulnerable or economically disadvantaged. These grants are intended to:

  • Incubate innovative programs
  • Provide gap funding
  • Encourage collaboration
  • Invest in visionary leadership
  • Support critical community needs
  • Expand proven pilot innovations
  • Create a network of partnership across the First District

What are the priority funding areas of the First District Office?

  • Arts and Culture
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Jobs
  • Parks & Open Space
  • Public Safety and Diversion
  • Transportation
  • Social Services
  • Immigration
  • Veterans
  • Children and Families

When are the applications available?

The application is open on an ongoing basis year-round.

What is the timeline for the grant process?

The general timeline is three – six months. The application is an open rolling process. We do not have a calendar. Generally, application reviews are conducted quarterly throughout the year.

What is the process to apply for a grant?

To apply for a grant, you will need to first complete the application above.

Once completed, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt along with other information about our process. You may be contacted for additional information.

Are there limitations or restrictions on activities to your funds?

In general, grant funds are awarded for program costs of existing services, planning of new projects, implementation of new services, or expanded services.

For example, costs for ongoing staffing, operations and/or salaries are generally not considered.

If my organization received a Community Grant can I reapply?

Yes.

Does the First District fund religious and faith-based organizations?

Yes. We will consider applicant projects that are made available to all residents regardless of religious doctrine or beliefs.

Religious and faith-based applicant organizations must comply with federal and local government restrictions.

We are a new organization and don’t have all the required information in the application, can I still apply?

The applicant must have all of the required information when applying for a grant.

Can I submit a paper copy of the application?

Paper copies are available upon request.

Is there a size limitation on uploaded documents?

No. If you’re having issues with the application or document attachments, please contact us via the First District website email.

Once the application is completed, how long does it take until someone contacts me?

You will receive an automatic confirmation once your online form has been submitted. However, please note that you must also submit (2) two additional documents for your application to be considered complete. A letter of intent and a program budget are both required parts of the application.

What criteria are used to review my application?

The number of applications approved for funding and the dollar amounts granted are dependent on a range of factors including but not limited to the following:

  • The dollar amounts requested and available
  • The potential impact the proposed projects will have in the First District
  • The number of applications presented

Will applicants be contacted prior to a funding decision?

Staff may contact applicants at a point during the process to learn more about your organization and the proposed program/project/services.

When will I hear if my application is approved?

You will receive an electronic letter approximately three to six months after the submittal of your application providing you with information on whether your grant request was approved or denied. This is contingent on receipt of a completed application.

What happens after my application is approved?

If approved, the County’s Executive Office of the Board (EO) will send your organization an email along with a contract called the Social Program Agreement for signature. Once signed, the original contract must be returned to them. Payment will then be sent to you via certified mail with signature requirement.

Note that there are reporting requirements after the term of the contract is up. This will be explained to you in the Social Program Agreement.

Who else can I contact for questions or further explanation?

Please refer questions or comments to firstdistrictgrants@bos.lacounty.gov or Hoang Nguyen, hnguyen@bos.lacounty.gov