Non-Profit City Grant Funds

The City of Goleta offers a competitive funding opportunity through its annual Non-Profit City Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26. This program supports two separate streams of funding: the Goleta City Grant Program and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Both programs are designed to strengthen the community by financially supporting nonprofit organizations that deliver services and programs to Goleta residents. The City Council has allocated approximately $290,000 in total, with $250,000 reserved for the City Grant Program and an estimated $40,000 for CDBG-funded public service projects. The Goleta City Grant Program provides grants of up to $10,000 for projects that directly benefit the community, especially in the areas of arts, culture, education, recreation, and special events. This program prioritizes initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Goleta residents. Eligible organizations include nonprofits engaged in music, dance, art, and other educational or cultural activities. The program is funded by the City of Goleta and evaluated by several standing committees and commissions, including the Human Services, Homelessness Issues, and Economic Development Committees, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Community Development Block Grant program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is aimed at supporting nonprofits that assist low-income individuals, seniors, and the homeless. The City of Goleta designates a portion of its annual CDBG allocation for these public service activities. Eligible applicants must align their programs with the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan and request a minimum of $10,000. The use of these funds is subject to stringent federal guidelines. To apply, all interested organizations must attend one of two mandatory pre-application workshops scheduled for January 7, 2025—either in-person at the Goleta Community Center or virtually via Zoom. Applications will be accepted online through ZoomGrants beginning December 12, 2024, and must be submitted by January 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Final grant decisions are made by the City Council, with awards anticipated in spring 2025, likely May. The grant performance period is set for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This opportunity is part of an annual grant cycle and is expected to recur next year. Additional information is available on the City of Goleta’s official website. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Cassidy Le Air in the Neighborhood Services Department by phone at (805) 690-5126 or via email at CityGrants@CityofGoleta.org.

Attend a mandatory pre-application workshop; paper applications are not accepted; ensure alignment with the 5-Year Consolidated Plan if applying for CDBG.