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 FAQ: Guidelines & Eligibility

 

Who is eligible? 

Grants are open to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or public agencies serving residents of San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, half of Foster City and/or the southeast corner of South San Francisco.

Will the District fund an organization located outside its boundaries? 

Yes, organizations located outside of the District’s boundaries can apply for a grant if the organization can demonstrate requested funds will directly benefit residents living within our boundaries.

Which zip codes are in the District's boundaries? 

Zip codes include 94010, 94011, 94030, 94066, 94401, 94402, 94403, 94404, 94497.

Are there programs or projects the grant will not support? 

The District’s Community Grants Program does not fund research projects, fundraising campaigns or events, or general operating support that does not identify metrics to increase or improve reach and impact.

May an organization apply for more than one grant? 

Only one grant request per applicant organization will be considered.

If you are currently receiving Community Grant funds during Calendar Year 2025, your organization is not eligible to apply for additional funding. You may apply in the 2026 grant cycle.

What is the minimum and maximum ask for a grant? 

Grants are made in the range of $10,000 – $60,000.

Will the District cover indirect costs? 

Grant funding is for direct program costs and indirect costs up to 12%.

Are grants annual or may we request multi-year funding? 

Organizations are eligible to apply for a one-year grant.

Does an organization need to have audited financials to apply for a full grant? 

Copy of your organization's most recently audited financial statement or most recent IRS form 990 is required.

How do I apply for a grant? 

PHCD operates a two-step grant process that begins with a Letter of Interest (LOI). To submit a LOI, visit the 2025 Grant Cycle Page.

 A link to the online grants portal will be provided once an organization is invited to complete a full grant application.

What is the deadline for submitting a Letter of interest (LOI)? 

Letter of Interest will be accepted online via the grants portal (Zengine) by Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:59 pm. It is encouraged to submit the LOIs before the deadline. 

**Please be advised that at midnight on Thursday, August 22, the platform will close and we will not receive late applications.

What is the deadline for submitting a full grant application? 

If your organization is selected to advance to the full application phase, you will receive a notification and link to move to the next stage of this process.

The full application deadline is on Monday, October 28, 2024 by 11:59 pm. It is encouraged to submit the full application before the deadline. 

**Please be advised that at midnight on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the platform will close and we will not receive late applications.

Where do I submit my progress report and final report? 

Prompts for the progress report and final report will be available one month before the due date and found in the online portal (Zengine).

What are the reporting requirements for grants? 

One-year grants require a mid-year progress report and a final report demonstrating program outcomes.

Mid-Year and Year-end Final reports must be submitted by the application deadlines.