The City of Foster City allocates municipal funds each fiscal year to strengthen local nonprofit programs that provide services the City itself cannot deliver. Through its Nonprofit Grant Program, the City Council designates money during the annual budget process to support initiatives that enhance the health, social welfare, education, and economic opportunity of Foster City residents. Funding may come from the General Fund, Special Funds, or other City-controlled accounts and is typically appropriated to the Community Promotion Budget (Account 001-1030-413-4260).
For Fiscal Year 2025-2026 the application window opens on June 2 2025 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on July 2 2025. After the deadline, City staff will vet submissions for completeness and applicants will be invited to a City Council Special Meeting where each organization will have three minutes to outline its mission and community impact. Following these presentations the Council will determine recommended award amounts, which will be formalized at a subsequent regular meeting. Successful applicants will receive written notice and must submit an invoice and IRS Form W-9 before funds are released.
Only “local” 501(c)(3) nonprofits—defined as agencies that serve San Mateo County and can document specific benefits to Foster City residents—may apply. Unincorporated groups may use an eligible fiscal sponsor. Grantees must submit an annual performance report to the Council that quantifies services delivered, residents served, and measurable outcomes for the contract year. Funding is not guaranteed in future cycles; organizations must re-apply each year.
Proposed activities must align with one of three community-needs categories. Basic Services (e.g., homeless services, rental assistance, healthcare, subsistence programs for low-income households) are eligible for up to 60 percent of the total allocation. Community Enrichment initiatives (educational, recreational, and social-equity programming) may receive up to 25 percent, while Community Health projects that bolster well-being, preserve City resources, or advance environmental sustainability may obtain up to 15 percent.
Applications consist of four sections: (1) Identification and analysis of the local need; (2) Program description, including goals, prior-year accomplishments, expected outcomes, and Foster City resident counts; (3) Administrative capacity, detailing organizational experience, staffing, budget, revenue sources, and collaborations; and (4) Required attachments—proof of nonprofit status and the latest annual report. Completed forms may be emailed to nonprofitfunding@fostercity.org or mailed to the City Manager Department, 610 Foster City Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404. Program questions can be directed to the same email or to (650) 286-3220.
