The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutItem 4b. 2023-24 DEI High Impact Grant Funding Criteria and Application Discussion Item 4b. Human Relations Commission Agenda Report For Agenda of: 7/5/2023 Item Number: 4b. FROM: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Phone Number: (805) 781-7073 E-mail: nveloz@slocity.org SUBJECT: 2023-2024 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT FUNDING CRITERIA AND APPLICATION DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION Provide feedback on DEI High Impact Grant funding criteria and DEI High Impact Grant application for the 2023-2024 funding cycle. BACKGROUND In January 2021, The DEI Task Force provided recommendations to City Council for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The DEI Task Force made a recommendation, which was approved by City Council to have ongoing, annual funding of $150,000 for nonprofit organizations that have a track record of operating high impact and relevant programs focused on improving the lives of members of unserved/underrepresented communities in San Luis Obispo. On November 1, 2022, City Council approved the Human Relations Commission (HRC) funding recommendations of $300,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations under the DEI High Impact Grants. The funding criteria and application (attachments A and B) that was used by the HRC and the Task Force had remained the same since the first DEI High Impact Grant cycle in 2021. The HRC will have the opportunity to review the current funding criteria and grant application questions considering the programs completed thus far and provide feedback for the upcoming grant cycle. NEXT STEPS Staff will utilize feedback from Commissioners to finalize the 2023-2024 DEI High Impact Grant funding criteria and application. ATTACHMENTS A - DEI High Impact Grant Funding Criteria B - 22-23 DEI High Impact Grant Application C - 23-24 DEI High Impact Grant Application (draft) Page 11 of 25 Page 12 of 25 22-23 DEI High Impact Grant Funding Criteria Introduction & Purpose: The City of San Luis Obispo (the City) will provide up to $300,000 in financial support to non -profit organizations for programming that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the City. The purpose of this funding is to enhance the sense of belonging for all people in our community. This funding allocation is an effort to uplift and support local projects, programs, or initiatives (“Projects”) that contribute to creating a San Luis Obispo that is welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and safe. The scope of inclusion and equity work is inherently broad and complex. This NOFA seeks to support organizations and projects that show understanding of “root cause” issues, can show demonstra ble success, and will contribute to some aspect of systemic change. Requirements: • Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, government or education entity, or faith-based organization. • Collaborations between one or more organizations or groups are welcome and encouraged. At least one in the partnership needs to be an eligible entity noted above. • Applicants must demonstrate core values of justice, equity, diversity and/or inclusion in their mission and operations and have been providing DEI-related services or programs within SLO County for at least one year prior to application. (The proposal can be for something new, but the recipient organization must have been operating locally for at least one year.) • Funded activities must primarily occur in the City. • Funding activities must primarily serve City residents. Applicants that provide services in neighboring communities, but also serve a significant number of City residents, will be considered. • Requests must be for programs or services with the ability to show measurable impact and successes. New, creative approaches that are rooted in best practices or evidence-based, as well as proven approaches, are welcome. • Recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of DEI funds. Download sample contract. • Recipients must complete periodic impact reports. Download sample report. • Recipients must submit a final impact report at the end of project or at 12 months from start, whichever comes first. Download sample report. • Applicants must submit a complete application package. Funding Areas This funding is focused on narrowing equity gaps that have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. These gaps include, are not limited to: • Physical and mental health services • Education • Housing • Criminalization • Food security • Community representation Funding Uses These funds can be used for projects or services that reduce equity gaps and improve justice, equity, diversity, and/or inclusion for underrepresented groups in the City of San Luis Obispo. Proposals may focus on specific marginalized communities, the community -at-large, and/or systemic change. Examples of activities include, but are not limited to: (Examples are not ranked.) • Social Justice/Anti-racism activities, programs • Ally or Advocacy training/programs • Business development - training, access to capital, operational support, etc. • Civic engagement for underrepresented people - voter registration, participation, etc. • Community art projects • Develop and implement culturally and linguistically appropriate services and practices Page 13 of 25 • Education – improvements, assistance, access • Health care - education, access, services • Leadership development • Mentoring or apprenticeships programs • Multicultural centers, community spaces, places to gather and build community • Provide translated materials and interpretation to ensure diverse communities can participate • Provide programs and services in non -traditional settings that increase access to th ose services • Training/education for the broad community – awareness, equity, belonging, etc. • Work programs - job search, job training, etc. Funding Restrictions Funds cannot be used for: • Advancing a political cause(s) • Religious activities • For profit or personal gain Funding Criteria: • The maximum request amount will be determined and weighed by the City. Applicants are encouraged to provide budgets and strategies based on different award levels. • A maximum of one grant award is allowed per organization (or per partnership if a collaborative project). • Funding may be used for new or existing projects, programs, or initiatives that have proven success and/or utilize best practices or innovative approaches. Programs that leverage existing or other funding sources are encouraged. • Initiative must start by March 1, 2023. • Must execute a contract with City prior to award of funds. Funding Decisions The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will review – with support from the Office of DE&I - all received- applications and develop funding recommendations based on the answers provided in each application. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval. Proposals will be evaluated for meeting an identified need(s), potential to succeed, ability to make high impact or advance systemic change, and for serving the most marginalized communities. Please note that the HRC will exercise discretion when developing funding recommendations. Page 14 of 25 23-24 DEI High Impact Grant Funding Criteria (draft) Background: There has been $409,000 awarded in the first two DEI High Impact Grant cycles, which have produced events, trainings, staffing, festivals, and direct services aimed at enhancing the sense of belonging for everyone. For this grant cycle, there is opportunity to expand and enhance the impact of the DEI grant which is reflected in the funding criteria. Proposed Funding Areas The main funding areas for FY 2023-2024 are designed to address various areas, these are: systemic inequality, sustainable and resilient communities, integrative approaches, intersectional lens, and innovative projects/programs that further the City’s commitment to making San Luis Obispo a welcoming and inclusive community for all. • Systemic equity – refer to specific programs, projects, interventions, practices, policies, and standards, as well as attitudes with that aim to dismantle institutionalized systems and problems of inequity in society, workplaces, schools, communities, etc. • Sustainable and resilient communities – emphasizes in creating projects, programs, policies, and interventions that transform environments and support systems in developing and expanding transportation, energy, water, food production, and natural resources use and access for all individuals. • Integrative approaches – the idea of combining elements, programs, projects, aspects, or interventions of several areas with the intent to promote wellness, resiliency, and reduce disparities. • Intersectional lens – refers to the application of a concept that describes the ways in which systems of inequality based on personal identifications (gender identity, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age group, disability, etc.) impacts a person well-being and success. • Innovative – refers to programs, projects, concepts, applications that target a social problem by implementing a novel intervention with the aim to create equity and support unserved/underrepresented communities. For event-based projects, consider the Cultural GIA grant For housing related grants please see Community Development Block Grant For direct services (food, shelter, relief) please see Human Services Grant For climate justice please see …. Proposed Funding Criteria • Minimum funding request if $5,000 and maximum funding request is $20,000. • Maximum funding request for partnerships is up to $40,000. A partnership can be between two or more non-profit organizations or one non-profit organization as the lead applicant and one or more for profit companies for support. • Funding may be used for new or existing projects, programs, initiatives, concepts, and applications that have proven success and/or utilize best practices. • Programs that leverage existing or other funding sources for matching capacity are encouraged. • New and innovative programs are highly encouraged. • Funding will cover calendar year January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. • Must execute a contract with the City of San Luis Obispo prior to be awarded funds. • Applicants must submit a detailed budget (1 page), a DEI statement (1 page), and a full proposal (3 pages) for review not to exceed 5 pages total. • Applicants must include a minimum of four (4) metrics and performance outcomes to measure program success in grant applications. Funding Restrictions Funds cannot be used for: • Advancing a political cause(s) • Religious and faith-based activities • For-profit or personal gain Page 15 of 25 Funding Decisions The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will review – with support from the Office of DEI – all received applications and develop funding recommendations based on the answer provided in each application. Recommendations will be presented before City Council for approval. Proposal will be evaluated for meeting the identified need(s), feasibility, matching funds (if identified), community impact or systemic change, and for serving the most unserved/underrepresented communities. HRC will exercise discretion when developing funding recommendations. Page 16 of 25 APPLICATION Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2022-2023 FUNDING FOR HIGH-IMPACT DE&I Projects Please provide all requested information before submitting your application. Please be as specific as possible! If accommodation or assistance is needed in completing this Application, or if a paper version is preferred, please contact (805) 781-7073 or DEI@slocity.org PART 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION Organization Name: Year Established: Fiscal Agent, if different than above: Tax ID#: Name of Executive Director (or highest leadership position) Approximate Annual Budget: Major Sources of Funding: Mission Statement: Number of paid staff (full- or part-time): Number of volunteers: Name of Board President or Chair: Name of Person completing this Application: Organization Mailing Address: Phone: E-mail: Name of Project: Est. number of people served through this project: Total Project Cost: AMOUNT OF CITY FUNDING REQUESTED: Page 17 of 25 City of San Luis Obispo DE&I Funding 2020-21 Briefly describe your Organization’s mission, primary activities, and operating structures. Describe the community(ies) your Organization supports. Please be specific in the population and geographic area. PART 2: PROJECT INFORMATION Describe your proposed project or program. Specify what the requested funds will be used for, the need for this project, the number of people impacted. Include a project plan, if available. Describe the community the project will support. Specify the population, location of services provided, and any other identifiers your proposed project will support. Describe the equity gaps and community needs this project will address. In the table below briefly list 2-3 methods of evaluation and indicators of success or measurable outcomes. Methods of Evaluation Indicators of Success / Measurable Outcomes Example: # of BIPOC serving on public boards, committees Example: 10% increase by end of 2021 In the chart below, identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project, and their roles. Name of Partner Activity/Service They Provide for This Project Example: ABC Business Example: Free Use of Space for Weekend Classes Page 18 of 25 City of San Luis Obispo DE&I Funding 2020-21 Provide the timeline for this proposed project. Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding, if applicable. PART 3: PROJECT COST / BUDGET Using the table below, please provide a broadly- itemized budget for your project, including the source of any matching funds. Item Description add more lines as needed Total Cost Amount Provided by City Funds Amount of Other Matching Funds /Source* 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. *During application review, you may be asked for further financial information or for proof of any matching funds PART 4: AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY Describe the plan for promoting this project within the City of San Luis Obispo. How will you highlight the City’s support of your project? Page 19 of 25 City of San Luis Obispo DE&I Funding 2020-21 PART 5: CERTIFICATION By signing this application, I certify that the information contained within is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I agree to comply with the requirements of the City of the San Luis Obispo. Name of Person Completing this Application: Signature: Title: Date: Application Checklist Use this checklist as a tool to ensure all required components are submitted with your final application. I have included all of the following documents, in hard copy or via the online site:  Completed Grant Application  List of Organization’s current Board Members or leadership body  Organizational Chart  Copy of Document Certifying Federal Tax-Exempt status, if applicable My Final Application includes all documents listed above, submitted by 5:00 pm on August 31st, 2022, via one of the following methods:  The online application site: https://forms.slocity.org/Forms/2022-2023-FUNDING-FOR-HIGH- IMPACT-DEI-PROGRAMS  One (1) signed application, including all attachments, in PDF format, submitted via email to DEI@slocity.org  One (1) signed application, including all attachments, submitted via Hard Copy, either in person or by email to: DE&I Task Force 919 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Attn: Dale Magee Postmarks will not be accepted Page 20 of 25 DEI High Impact Grant Proposed 23-24 Application Questions Part 1 Basic Information 1. Organization Name 2. Fiscal Agent, if different than above 3. Project/Program Name 4. Name of Person Completing Application 5. Name of Person for Grant Communication for Grant Cycle (if different from above) 6. Organization Mailing Address 7. Phone 8. Email Part 2 Organizational Information 1. Mission Statement 2. Year Established 3. Briefly describe your organization’s mission, primary activities, and operating structures 4. Name of Executive Director 5. Number of paid staff (full or part-time) 6. Number of volunteers 7. Name of Board President or Chair 8. Organizational Leadership Chart 9. Describe the community(ies) your organization supports 10. Tax ID 11. Document Certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status, if applicable 12. Approximate Annual Budget 13. Major Sources of Funding Part 3 Project/Program Information 1. Describe your proposed project/program 2. Describe the community/population the project/program will support 3. Describe the equity gaps and community needs this project/program will address 4. Provide timeline for project 5. Est. Number of people served through this project 6. Est. Number of SLO City Residents serves through this project 7. In the chart below, identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project/program and their roles 8. Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding, if applicable 9. Describe the plan for promoting this project within the City of San Luis Obispo Page 21 of 25 10. How will you highlight the City’s support for your project/program Part 4 Project/Program Cost and Budget 1. Total project cost 2. Amount of City Funding Requesting 3. In the table below briefly list 2-3 methods of evaluation and indicators of success or measurable outcomes 4. Using the table below, please provide a broadly itemized budget for your project, including the source of any matching funds Page 22 of 25