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Logo for the Community Challenge Grants Program

Community Challenge Grants Request for Proposals

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The Community Challenge Grants program provides City funding for community-led, neighborhood improvements.

Applications for FY27 are due October 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.Read the FY27 CCG Guidebook

Application Deadline

October 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.

How to Apply for Funding

Step 1: Note Key Dates

Review the anticipated RFP timeline to plan your application. Dates may be updated through addenda posted on the RFP website.

  • RFP Issued: July 30, 2026
  • Written Questions Due: September 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Application Deadline: October 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Panel Review: November 2026
  • Award Notification: January 2027
  • Project Start Date: Spring 2027

Subscribe to the FY27 CCG RFP email list for updates and addenda.

Step 2: Review RFP Documents

Before you apply, review the FY27 CCG RFP documents to understand eligibility, application requirements, evaluation criteria, and contracting requirements.

FY27 CCG RFP documents:

Step 3: Review Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your organization and project meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating for at least two years, or apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor.
  • Be in good standing with federal and state agencies at the time of application.
  • Not have received a FY26 Community Challenge Grant.
  • Propose a project located within the City and County of San Francisco, with a designated project manager and site contact.

Projects must:

  • Be located within the City and County of San Francisco
  • Be completed within a 24‑month grant term.
  • Provide a clear public benefit.
  • If located on private property, must provide at least 100 hours of public access per quarter, with access hours posted online and onsite.
  • Not involve major construction or public‑works‑regulated activities.

See the CCG Guidebook for the complete minimum qualifications, eligibility requirements, and project restrictions.

Step 4: Apply Online

Applications must be submitted through the CCG online application form. Applications submitted by email, mail, or other methods will not be accepted.

When applying:

  • Prepare required uploads.
  • Use the required templates.
  • Submit the application before the deadline.

Link to Online Application:
Once you're ready, submit your application online.

Get Support

Attend a Workshop

Learn more and ask questions at our in-person and online grant workshops. Check back here soon for dates and registration details.

Online workshops will be recorded and posted along with presentation slides.

Ask Questions

Applicants may submit questions about the RFP through the RFP Question Form, or ask questions during an application workshop.

Questions will be accepted until September 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., and responses will be posted weekly on Tuesdays in the FY27 CCG RFP Public Questions and Answers database for everyone’s benefit.

If you need technical help with completing or submitting the online application, technical assistance is available through the submission deadline. Please email ccg@sfgov.org for technical support needs.

Review Updates

The RFP may be updated through addenda. These updates may change requirements or deadlines, so please review them carefully. Subscribe to the FY27 CCG RFP newsletter to stay abreast of RFP updates.

Disclosures

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) was utilized in the preparation, analysis, drafting, and creation of the CCG RFP. CCG staff used City-provided enterprise GenAI tools: Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. All outputs are thoroughly reviewed and vetted by staff and monitored for potential bias with manual corrections made as needed. GenAI was applied to improve accessibility, usability, accuracy, and overall effectiveness of the RFP.

For questions, appeals, corrections, or additional language options contact: ccg@sfgov.org.

Grants Process Guide

Navigating Grantmaking

The Grants Process Guide is a practical, plain‑language resource to demystify the social service grant procurement lifecycle, though it is applicable to other City grants. The guide walks readers through each phase of the grant lifecycle — from early planning, to applying for funding, to finalizing agreements — and explains what to expect at every step. This document aims to make the process more transparent, predictable, and easier to understand for both City staff and grantseekers. Visit the Grant Process Guide website to learn more.

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