Community-Based Organization Grant Program

The City of Claremont’s Community-Based Organization (CBO) Grant Program supports nonprofit agencies that provide social services to residents of Claremont, California. It is managed by the Community and Human Services Commission, with final approval granted by the Claremont City Council. The program is structured to fund services that address both ongoing and emerging needs in the community. These services span a broad array of categories, including general social services and critical needs related to homelessness. Funding is allocated through two primary channels: the General Services Program and the Homeless Services/Critical Need Program. General Services grants support a wide range of programs that enhance the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the community. This includes services promoting health, education, arts, special needs support, senior services, and environmental efforts. Meanwhile, the Homeless Services/Critical Need category provides funding to organizations that address homelessness prevention and support, including food, shelter, hygiene access, and rental assistance. Programs under this category must serve individuals lacking stable housing, including those living in vehicles, shelters, or with others due to displacement. CBO grants are available to nonprofit organizations that either have formal nonprofit status or are affiliated with a nonprofit entity. Programs must primarily serve Claremont residents or students in the Claremont Unified School District. Applicants are required to meet specific insurance and financial criteria and must conduct Department of Justice background checks for staff and volunteers working with minors and seniors. A formal program contract must be completed upon grant award, specifying the use of funds. Funding requests must be for a minimum of $1,000 and may not exceed $20,000 per program. The program is not intended to support sports teams, school groups, or scouting groups. The 2026 application cycle opened on July 1, 2025, and will close on August 15, 2025. The evaluation process includes review by the CHS Commission and an Ad Hoc committee, with questions submitted to applicants in September. Final funding recommendations are made by November 25, 2025, followed by contract distribution in December. Reimbursement for awarded funds is split into two cycles: up to 50% may be reimbursed for January to June 2026 and the remaining for July to December, with mandatory reporting due on June 1 and December 1, 2026. Site visits and evaluations are also part of the accountability process. Programs categorized under "New or Emerging Needs" are those that either introduce a new agency or program (new) or expand existing services (emerging). Special scoring consideration is given to such programs during the review process. Additionally, agencies that have been funded for four consecutive cycles and received at least $2,500 annually may be considered for “institutionalized funding,” exempting them from reapplying for two years, though they must still participate in evaluations. Applicants must align their proposed services with city planning documents such as the General Plan, City Budget Goals, Sustainability Plans, and various master plans for youth, families, and seniors. Agencies are expected to report both quantitative and qualitative outcomes tied to these priorities. Non-compliance or failure to serve Claremont residents may result in contract termination or withholding of funds. For further details, applicants may contact Michelle Castillo, Management Analyst, via email at mcastillo@claremontca.gov or by phone at (909) 399-5460.

Applications aligned with City plans and measurable outcomes are scored more favorably.