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August 2026 DCYF Newsletter
August 2026 edition of Growing Together: The DCYF Newsletter
This is Your City 2026 Family Listening Series
The City and County of San Francisco and the Our Children Our Families Initiative (OCOFI) invites children, youth, transitional-age young adults, parents, caregivers, grandparents, and families from every neighborhood to share their stories and help shape the future of San Francisco through the This Is Your City: 2026 Family Listening Series. This citywide effort includes a Citywide Survey for Families, and 14 in-person Family Summits across San Francisco.
Complete the Citywide Survey
When you share your story and experiences, it helps us improve programs and services for children, youth, young adults and families. Complete the online Citywide Survey to share your experiences. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese, and will be open until December 31, 2026.
Attend a This is Your City: Family Summit
Share your story at one of 14 Family Summits across San Francisco. Everyone is welcome, including children, youth, young adults, and families. Attend the Summit closest to your neighborhood or choose the date and location that works best for you. Every perspective helps shape a stronger future for children, youth, and families across San Francisco. Free food, childcare, and interpretation (by request) will be provided at every Summit.
Other Opportunities
Participate in youth-led engagement sessions, community focus groups, and partner conversations throughout the Fall. Click here to learn more.
DCYF's 2027 Community Needs Assessment is Underway!
DCYF has begun the 2027 Community Needs Assessment (CNA), our community engagement process to better understand how the services we fund can better meet the needs of the City's children, youth, young adults and families.
There are several ways to get involved:
CNA Focus Groups: Parents, caregivers and transitional-age young adults can share their experiences with programs and services. Individuals and organizations interested in participating, recruiting or hosting can complete the CNA Focus Group Interest Form.
Youth Sessions: Middle and high school students will have opportunities to share what they need from programs and services. Visit our Youth Sessions page and help connect young people to upcoming sessions.
Grantee Sessions: DCYF will also gather input from funded organizations. Details are coming soon.
Community Response & Violence Prevention Request for Proposals Now Open
On August 17, 2026, DCYF, in partnership with the San Francisco Adult Probation Department and the SF Department of Public Health, released the Community Response & Violence Prevention Initiative (CRVPI) Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP provides up to $3.1 million per year to support coordinated citywide violence prevention and intervention services, including street outreach, conflict mediation, community de-escalation and safe passage. Contracts resulting from this RFP will run from January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029.
How to Apply
Visit the CRVPI RFP page for detailed instructions.
- Submit RFP questions to RFP@dcyf.org by Friday, August 28, 2026, at 5PM. DCYF staff will only respond to questions submitted during the official question period.
- Review the Questions & Answers document when it is posted on Friday, September 4, 2026.
- Submit an Intent to Apply application through DCYF's online RFP system by Friday September 11, 2026 at 5PM. Organizations meeting the minimum qualifications will receive access to submit a written proposal and budget.
- Submit your written proposal and budget through the online RFP system by Friday October 23, 2026 at 5PM.
Opportunities for Youth Ages 14-24
The Opportunities for Youth page lists a wide array of programs, jobs, internships, and other opportunities for youth ages 14-24.
Now that the new school year has started, there are a lot of excellent opportunities for San Francisco youth open now!
A few highlights from the Opportunities for Youth page:
Fall 2026 High School Elections Ambassador Program. The San Francisco Department of Elections is offering the Fall 2026 High School Elections Ambassador Program from Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 25, 2026. This fun, youth-driven program teaches San Francisco high school students how to create outreach plans and successfully conduct pre-registration events in their schools and neighborhoods. Applications are due by August 30, 2026.
Mayor's Youth Employment & Education Program (MYEEP). MYEEP provides paid internships that help youth in grades 9 and 10 gain real-world work experience, build workplace skills, and prepare for future careers. Participants receive pre-employment training, academic support, one-on-one mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to explore colleges and workplaces through field trips and site tours. Along the way, they build lasting connections with peers and their communities while developing the confidence and skills to achieve their future goals. Applications are due by September 14, 2026.
SF YouthWorks. SF YouthWorks introduces youth in grades 11 and 12 to careers in public service through paid internships with San Francisco City departments. Participants receive job readiness training, professional development, mentorship from City employees, and opportunities to explore careers through field trips, college tours, community service, and leadership activities. The program helps youth build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to prepare for college, future careers, and life after high school. Applications are due by September 14, 2026.
If your organization has an afterschool program, job, event, scholarship, or other opportunity to share, send it to us at info@dcyf.org.
Looking for a Job? Check Out the Jobs with DCYF Grantees Page
If you want to start the new school year with a new job, the Jobs with DCYF Grantees page is an excellent place to start your search!
The page is updated regularly with job opportunities from DCYF grantees that are currently accepting applications.
If your organization is a DCYF grantee and you would like to post a job, please send it to us at info@dcyf.org.
Oversight & Advisory Committee Updates: Open Seats and Next Meeting
The Children and Youth Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee (OAC) serves as DCYF’s advisory body, providing a space for community members and service providers to discuss decisions related to the Children and Youth Fund, and to share recommendations with our department.
Open Seats. We are actively recruiting for five OAC seats: four appointed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and one appointed by the Mayor. Staff of DCYF grantee agencies are not allowed to be OAC members, but we would appreciate it if you would let people in your community know about the open seats.
Next OAC Meeting. The OAC will meet again on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5pm in the Lobby Conference Room at 1455 Market Street. You can also attend the meeting online via Zoom. All OAC meetings are open to the public.
Changes to Public Benefits Eligibility
Changes to public benefits eligibility are affecting San Franciscans, but the San Francisco Human Services Agency is here to help you.
To keep your benefits:
- Watch for official notifications from SFHSA.
- Stay informed, keep your contact information up to date, and open mail promptly.
- Complete required activities and submit any requested documentation or information.
Visit SFHSA.org/BenefitChanges for current information, new requirements, and eligibility updates.
Funding Opportunities
San Francisco's Community Challenge Grants Program
The Community Challenge Grants (CCG) Program is accepting applications! CCG provides City funding for community-led neighborhood improvement projects that foster resilience, safety, and belonging across San Francisco.
Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and community partners are encouraged to apply with projects that strengthen communities through collaboration and local leadership.
Applications are due by October 20, 2026
Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant
The SF Public Utility Commission's Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant Program provides funding for community-centered projects that provide a stormwater benefit in one or more of San Francisco’s urban watersheds through reducing impervious surfaces, managing stormwater, and/or educating the public about the importance of protecting our urban watersheds.
Applications are due by November 16, 2026
Events and Happenings
2026 San Francisco Good Neighbor Awards
Nominations are open for the 2026 San Francisco Good Neighbor Awards! Help recognize San Francisco residents who build connection, kindness, and community in our city.
This is the second year celebrating San Francisco Good Neighbor Week, a national holiday started by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
The nomination period closes Monday, August 31, 2026
Finish Your Summer Stride Strong!
San Francisco’s biggest summer reading and learning challenge for all ages, ends on August 31, 2026.
Complete the Summer Stride challenge either the classic way (20 hours of reading Library books, streaming films, music or audiobooks through an SFPL platform or attending a Library program) or by completing five activities on the Adult Summer Challenge card to earn a free tote bag featuring art by local illustrator Nidhi Chanani.
11th Annual Flower Piano Festival
Tickets are now available for the 11th anniversary of Flower Piano, returning to the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) next month. Presented by Sunset Piano, the Gardens of Golden Gate Park and Rec and Park, this one-of-a-kind music festival invites visitors to explore 12 pianos placed throughout the garden's 55 acres. The festival will feature more than 100 performers, along with designated open play times for visitors.
September 10 to 20, 2026
Kite by the Bay Festival
Experience the joy of flying kites at the annual FREE Kite by the Bay Festival at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.
Park goers can decorate and fly kites (kits provided!), learn to fish and kayak, bike and bird-watch with SF Bike Coalition, eat free food, visit with animal ambassadors from Tree Frog Treks, and groove to the tunes of local DJ BeatsMe, all thanks to the generous support of Parks California. Engage with local non-profits and partners including Literacy for Environmental Justice, FACES SF, the Exploratorium, Wild Oyster Project, the Crosstown Trail, and the California State Parks Foundation.
Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 1pm to 4pm
Support for Families' Access to Adventure
Learn about inclusive, recreational afterschool and summer programs available in and around San Francisco at this inclusive recreation fair and family fun day!
Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Crissy Field Center from 11am to 3pm
35th Annual Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival
The San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of Chinese culture and traditions featuring live entertainment, lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, mooncakes, food vendors, children's activities, arts and crafts, and more.
Hosted by the SF Chinatown Merchants Association, the annual festival brings thousands of visitors to historic Chinatown for a weekend of community, culture, and celebration.
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 on Grant Avenue between California and Broadway
BaySpark 2026: Youth Climate and Environmental Justice Summit
BaySpark 2026, hosted by the Marie Harrison Community Foundation in partnership with Leaders4EARTH, Southeast Community Center, InterEthnica, and the Bay Area Air District, is a free Youth Climate and Environmental Justice Summit that brings together young people and community members to learn about climate change and environmental justice in the Bay Area. The summit will feature discussions with environmental experts, interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with peers while exploring ways youth can help create a healthier, more sustainable future.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Southeast Community Center (1550 Evans Avenue) from 10am to 3pm
Free Swim Lessons for Bayview Youth Ages 6-14
The Bayview Safety Swim & Splash Program is offering free swim lessons for Bayview youth ages 6–14 who live in or attend school in ZIP code 94124. Held at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool (5701 Third Street), the program helps participants build confidence in the water while learning essential swimming and water safety skills.
Swim lessons will start in Fall 2026.
Free Shows at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival returns for its 26th summer season with more than 100 free outdoor performances in downtown San Francisco. The festival features concerts, dance, circus performances, family-friendly shows, and a lively and lovely setting to get out and have fun in the city.
Resources
Our415 Resource Website
Use the Our415 website to find programs, services, and anything else you need to raise a family and grow up in San Francisco.
If you need to make any edits to your organization's listing on Our415, please email us at info@dcyf.org.
Immigrant Services and Resources
DCYF and the entire City & County of San Francisco want to help immigrants, asylees, and refugees connect to resources, opportunities, and more. The page includes Know Your Rights information, links to immigration legal help, healthcare access, housing and shelter support, financial assistance, and much more. The Immigrant Services and Resources Landing Page can be translated into Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Filipino.
Get Free or Low Cost Childcare in San Francisco
Most families in San Francisco qualify for free or reduced tuition for childcare and preschool through the Department of Early Childhood's Early Learning For All initiative. Eligibility depends on income and family size. Click the button below to find out if your family is eligible.
Get Help with Food, Cash, Health Care and Job Assistance
In challenging times, benefits like food, cash, jobs, and health care assistance can help you and your family find stability and peace of mind. The San Francisco Human Services Agency is there to help! Find out how you and the people you care about can connect with assistance.
Connect with What's Live in the 415
There's always something happening in the San Francisco arts scene, and SF LIVE is the place to find it all!
The city's official arts and entertainment calendar now includes museums and galleries alongside live music, theater, dance, and comedy, making it your one-stop destination for discovering cultural experiences across every neighborhood.
Explore, support local artists and venues, and experience everything our city's creative community has to offer.
Visit Museums for FREE with Museums for All
Through the City’s Museums for All program, San Francisco residents with EBT or Medi-Cal cards can get free or reduced admission to more than 25 local museums and cultural centers!
Visit the San Francisco Museums for All page to find out which museums are participating, and to learn how to get free tickets.