The City of Tucson's Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) under the People, Communities, and Homes Investment Plan (P-CHIP) is designed to allocate funding to non-profit organizations and City Departments for projects that advance the city's human services, housing, and community goals. The application deadline is December 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM Arizona MST, and the proposal process is managed through the Neighborly application portal. A virtual pre-proposal conference was held on November 18, 2024, to provide guidance on the application process.
The P-CHIP identifies strategic goals and funding priorities based on community feedback and data analysis. These goals include solving homelessness, optimizing health, reducing poverty, supporting equitable neighborhoods, and increasing affordable housing options. Funding under these priorities supports activities like emergency shelters, workforce development, transportation services, and homebuyer assistance programs. Projects must align with the P-CHIP’s mission to create equitable opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations such as low-income families, children, and individuals at risk of homelessness.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profits and City of Tucson departments. Grassroots organizations and neighborhood associations may also apply with a fiscal agent. A total of approximately $1.3 million is expected to be distributed across up to 24 awards, with individual project budgets ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Projects are encouraged to demonstrate leveraged funding from external sources to maximize impact and competitiveness.
Applications are subject to rigorous evaluation based on equity, alignment with P-CHIP goals, and geographic priorities, including the city's Thrive Zones and CDBG Target Area. Projects addressing inequities in historically underserved neighborhoods will receive additional consideration. Organizations are required to provide detailed documentation, including financial audits, equity policies, and a diversity analysis of their board and staff.
Selected projects will operate under cost-reimbursement agreements and are expected to meet specific reporting and performance requirements. The City mandates quarterly reporting on demographic data, impact narratives, and progress toward shared performance metrics. Funded organizations must comply with non-discrimination policies, and those in the homelessness category must adhere to a Housing First approach and participate in coordinated entry systems.
This funding opportunity emphasizes advancing racial equity and meaningful community engagement. Applicants must address how their projects will include voices from impacted communities in design and evaluation. The RFP also sets insurance and risk management requirements to ensure compliance with City policies.
