The Outside Agency Funding Program committee supports charities that align with Palm Desert's programs and services. The City of Palm Desert provides grants to identify and address unmet needs and services for its residents. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of life for Palm Desert residents by providing essential services and support, particularly for underserved populations.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are recognized nonprofit organizations that directly benefit Palm Desert residents, with secondary consideration given to those indirectly affecting the quality of life. Preference is given to applicants addressing the health and human service needs of underserved populations, including low and moderate-income households, and special population groups such as the elderly. The program aims to increase residents' capacity to handle long-term issues without continuous public assistance.
The program prioritizes initiatives that address basic living conditions, such as food and shelter. It also focuses on improving individual or household health, basic living conditions, and self-sufficiency through healthcare, related transportation, and services for seniors, children, and youth. A further priority is to enhance community livability, encompassing arts and culture, advocacy, historic preservation, animal welfare, educational programs, and employment/job training.
Expected outcomes include a protected and improved living environment for residents, enhanced basic needs assistance for vulnerable populations, and a greater capacity for residents to manage challenges independently. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the focus on addressing unmet needs and improving various aspects of residents' lives suggests a commitment to tangible positive changes within the Palm Desert community. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in community well-being, aiming for a self-sufficient and thriving populace through targeted support for health, safety, and cultural enrichment.
