DCYF 2026-2027 Community Grants Request for Proposals

The 2026-2027 Community Grants RFP includes up to $1.74 million in funding per year for up to 7 grants. Grants will start on April 1, 2027, and run through June 30, 2029. Funding must be used for the kind of programming described in each strategy. Awards depend on funds being available.

Grant opportunities

This RFP includes grant opportunities under 2 funding strategies.

Organizations may apply for any grants for which they meet the minimum qualifications in the RFP. They must submit a separate proposal for each grant.

Comprehensive Year-Round and Summer Learning

• Result area: children and youth are ready to learn and succeed in school
• Service area: Out of School Time

This strategy supports children and youth through programs offered in community locations outside of school hours during the school year and summer. Programs provide academic support, skill building, physical activity, enrichment and support for youth moving into new grade levels.

Ella Hill Hutch Community Center – Summer Only

• Required location: Ella Hill Hutch Community Center in District 5
• Required program period: Summer only
• Funding: Up to $225,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

District 5 – Year-Round

• Required area: District 5
• Required program period: Year round
• Funding: Up to $700,000 per year
• Number of grants: Up to 3

Resource Navigation & Service Connection

• Result area: children and youth are supported by nurturing families and communities
• Service area: Outreach and Access

This strategy helps children, youth, transitional age youth and young adults (TAY/A) and families find and connect to services and resources.

District 9 – Family Navigation and Connection

• Required program focus: individualized coaching, assessment, resource navigation and service connection for families
• Required area: District 9
• Funding: Up to $665,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

Districts 5 & 6 – Youth and TAY/A Support and Connection

• Required program focus: individualized case management, assessment, service planning, resource navigation, referrals and ongoing support for at-risk and high-risk youth and TAY/A
• Required area: Districts 5 and 6
• Funding: Up to $75,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

District 10 – Culturally Relevant Youth and TAY/A Support and Connection

• Required program focus: individualized case management, assessment, service planning, resource navigation, referrals and ongoing support using culturally responsive approaches, with a particular focus on effectively reaching and serving Pacific Islander youth and TAY/A
• Required area: District 10
• Funding: Up to $75,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

This grant must serve all eligible participants regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin. Programs will be asked how they will meet the cultural needs of youth and TAY/A from different backgrounds, including but not limited to Pacific Islander communities.

Who can receive services

Programs must be open to all eligible participants, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. Some grants focus on reaching specific communities based on their needs. This focus does not limit who can receive services.

See the full RFP for complete eligibility requirements, target populations, minimum qualifications and program requirements for each grant.

Dates may be subject to change.

• RFP Issued
  Wednesday September 23, 2026
• Question Submission Period
  Wednesday September 23, 2026 – Friday October 2, 2026
• Question Submission Period Deadline
  Friday October 2, 2026 at 5PM
• Answers to Questions Posted
  Friday October 9, 2026 by 5PM
• Intent to Apply Due
  Friday October 16, 2026 at 5PM
• Verification Emails Sent
  Monday October 26, 2026
• Intent to Apply Protest Period
  Monday October 26, 2026 – Thursday October 29, 2026
• Intent to Apply Protest Submission Deadline
  Thursday October 29, 2026 at 5PM
• Intent to Apply Protest Decisions Announced
  Monday November 9, 2026
• Additional Verification Emails Sent (if needed)
  Monday November 9, 2026
• RFP System Accepts Proposals
  Monday November 9, 2026 – Wednesday December 2, 2026
• Proposals Due
  Wednesday December 2, 2026 at 5PM
• Awards Announced
  Monday January 25, 2027
• Award Protest Period
  Monday January 25, 2027 – Thursday January 28, 2027
• Award Protest Submission Deadline
  Thursday January 28, 2027 at 5PM

• Log in or create an account in DCYF's Online RFP System to access the RFP document and application materials.
• Submit RFP questions to RFP@dcyf.org by Friday October 2, 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 this page on Friday October 9, 2026.
• Submit an Intent to Apply application through DCYF's Online RFP System by Friday October 16, 2026 at 5PM. Organizations that meet the minimum qualifications will receive access to submit a proposal.
• Submit your proposal through the Online RFP System by Wednesday December 2, 2026 at 5PM.