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October 2026 DCYF Newsletter
October 2026 edition of Growing Together: The DCYF Newsletter
This Is Your City: Family Listening Series What SF Families are Sharing & What's Next
What do children, youth, and families need to stay, belong, and thrive in San Francisco? That's the question at the heart of This Is Your City: 2026 Family Listening Series, a citywide effort to hear directly from residents about their experiences, priorities, and hopes for the future.
Through Family Summits held in neighborhoods across San Francisco, residents come together to discuss what is working well in their communities, the challenges they face, and the changes they would like to see. The City Survey for Families gives families and young adults another way to share their experiences and priorities. In September, more than 250 people participated in five Family Summits, and the survey has received more than 1,000 responses.
The Family Summits and City Survey for Families are part of San Francisco's first Citywide Community Needs Assessment, a collaboration among 13 City departments and the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to help shape future planning, programs, and services for children, youth, and families.
Join a Family Summit
Come talk about your experiences living, working, and raising a family in San Francisco. There are seven upcoming Family Summits, including three in October. Attend the Summit closest to your neighborhood, or choose the date and location that works best for you. Free food, childcare, and interpretation in Spanish, Cantonese, and other languages upon request are available at every Summit.
Click this link to learn more about the Family Summits and to register to attend.
Take the City Survey for Families
You can share your experiences and ideas by completing the City Survey for Families.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, and Samoan, and will remain open through December 31, 2026.
Click this link to take the City Survey for Families.
Read the Family Summit Summaries
Find out what community members are sharing about life in San Francisco, and what they need to stay, belong, and thrive in the city.
2026-2027 Community Grants Request for Proposals
On September 23, 2026, DCYF released the 2026-2027 Community Grants Request for Proposals (RFP).
The RFP includes up to $2.165 million in funding per year for up to 7 grants under two funding strategies: Comprehensive Year-Round and Summer Learning, and Resource Navigation & Service Connection. Grants will run from April 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029.
Important RFP Updates and Deadlines
Answers to Questions Posted. On Friday, October 9, DCYF released answers to questions we received during the RFP's question submission period. Access the Question and Answer document on the Community Grants RFP page.
Intent to Apply Due on Friday, October 16. If your agency is interested in applying for the RFP, you must submit an Intent to Apply application through DCYF's online RFP system by Friday October 16, 2026 at 5PM. Intent to Apply instructions are posted on the Community Grants RFP page. Organizations that meet the minimum qualifications will receive access to submit a proposal.
SFUSD Enrollment Fair: October 24
The SFUSD Enrollment Fair is coming up on Saturday, October 24!
Families applying for PreK, elementary, middle, or high school for the 2027-28 school year can meet school principals and representatives, explore their school options, and get help with the application process. Families can also find information about language programs, special education services, and resources available through SFUSD, City agencies, and community organizations.
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- 10am to 2pm
- Moscone Center, 747 Howard Street
Click this link to access the SFUSD Enrollment Fair web page
Help Shape the Future of SFUSD School Assignment
SFUSD is developing new rules for how students are assigned to elementary and K–8 schools and where academic programs are offered across the city. The changes would take effect in August 2028, and no decisions have been made yet. The Board of Education is expected to adopt a new policy in April 2027.
SFUSD is asking families to take a survey and share what matters to them as it develops the new system. Families do not need to have a child currently enrolled in SFUSD to participate. Families with children in private or charter schools and those whose children have not started school yet are especially encouraged to participate, since families choosing a school for the first time will be among those most affected.
Click this link to access the SFUSD School Reorganization Survey
Applications Open for the Student Success Fund Advisory Council
Help shape the future of San Francisco’s Community Schools by joining the Student Success Fund Advisory Council (SSFAC).
The Council is looking for new members who can bring their experiences and perspectives to the table, help develop recommendations for the Student Success Fund, and strengthen connections between the Fund and communities across San Francisco.
There are currently three open seats on the SFFAC:
2 Family Representatives. Family Representatives must be parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in an SFUSD school.
1 Off-Site Community Partner Representative. The Off-Site Community Partner Representative must serve students primarily at locations in the community rather than on SFUSD campuses.
Looking for a Job?
The Jobs with DCYF Grantees page on the SFGov website is updated regularly with open positions at DCYF-funded organizations.
If your organization is a DCYF grantee and you would like to post a job on the page, please send the job title, a short paragraph about the job, the date the application period closes, and how to apply/a link to your organization’s job page to info@dcyf.org.
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.
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
15th Annual Tricycle Music Fest
Roll on over for a special celebration: the quinceañera of the SF Public Library's annual Tricycle Music Fest! Families are invited to take part in month-long programming full of unique early literacy experiences, all-ages fun, and live performances by the best in children’s music: Bay Beats artists René y Familia and Aguacate Music Kids; Malinky Music; and Grammy- and Emmy- winner Lucky Diaz. Don’t forget to stick around after a show for the chance to win a shiny red tricycle!
September 19 to October 24, 2026
District 10 Health Fest: Bayview in Motion
Get moving, get connected, and enjoy a day of free health and wellness activities at the Southeast Community Center’s 14th Annual District 10 Health Fest: Bayview in Motion! The festival will feature free health screenings and services, including dental checkups, eye exams and eyeglasses, flu shots, diabetes testing, and more. Families can also enjoy live performances, music, Pilates, tai chi, massages, haircuts, activities for children, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty more throughout the day.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Keepin' It Safe in the City
Keepin’ It Safe in the City is coming to Civic Center Plaza for a free day of family fun with San Francisco’s public safety agencies and community partners. Families can check out fire trucks and other public safety vehicles, meet local first responders, and enjoy bounce houses, face painting, music, food, giveaways, hands-on activities, and more. Geared especially toward families with children ages 5 to 12, the event is a chance to have fun, learn about public safety, and connect with community resources.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Raising Resilient Athletes
Raising Resilient Athletes is a free online training from Girls Leadership for parents and caregivers of girl and gender-expansive athletes. Participants will learn practical ways to help young athletes navigate pressure, perfectionism, identity, belonging, and bias while building confidence, resilience, and a lasting connection to sports.
The program is offered at no cost through a partnership with Pinterest. Registration is required. Two sessions are available:
Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Bay Area Financial Planning Day
Take control of your finances at Financial Planning Day, a free, full day event offering one-on-one counseling with professionals and expert-led presentations on investing, income taxes, budgeting and more. Programs are held in-person and streamed via Zoom.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10am to 5pm at the Main Library and on Zoom
Adulthood Ahead: Transition Conference 2026
Support for Families invites youth ages 13-26 with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them to a day of learning, connection, and planning for life after high school. Through workshops, panels, and a resource fair, participants can explore college and education supports, employment and career opportunities, independent living, public benefits and adult services, self-advocacy, rights, and decision-making while connecting with other families and organizations that can help with next steps.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 8:30am to 3pm at City College of San Francisco - Ocean Campus
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.
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 Immigrant Services and Resources page is a comprehensive source of services, resources, and events.
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.
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.
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!
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.