The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), through its Immigration Services Bureau (ISB), has released a competitive Request for Applications (RFA) to fund nonprofit organizations providing pro bono legal services under the Removal Defense (RD) Program. This initiative is authorized by Welfare and Institutions Code sections 13302–13307 and is designed to enhance representation in removal defense proceedings, broaden referral access, and expand the capacity and expertise of immigration legal service providers across California. The upcoming grant cycle spans a three-year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
The RD Program provides support to eligible nonprofit organizations offering free legal defense services to immigrants currently or formerly residing in California. The RFA requires applicants to submit both an online SurveyMonkey application form and a separate Service Location and Budget Workbook. This workbook must be downloaded, completed, and submitted via email to ISB-RFA@dss.ca.gov by the application deadline.
Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM PST on April 11, 2025. In preparation, CDSS will host a live informational webinar on April 7, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM PST. Registration is required to attend, and the session will not be recorded. All prospective applicants are encouraged to attend this session to ask questions and better understand the submission process.
This grant opportunity builds on a prior funding cycle (SFY 2022–2024), which awarded $23.8 million to 27 grantees across the state. CDSS continues its commitment to supporting quality legal defense and advocacy through sustained funding and strategic capacity-building of immigration legal service organizations.
For questions about the program or application process, applicants can contact CDSS via email at ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 651-8017. Supporting documents, including the full RFA information packet, budget forms, insurance requirements, and standard state forms, are available on the CDSS website.
