Info Page
September 2026 DCYF Newsletter
September 2026 edition of Growing Together: The DCYF Newsletter
We Want to Hear From You: 2026 Family Listening Series
The Our Children Our Families Initiative is inviting children, youth, transitional-age young adults, parents, caregivers, grandparents, families, and service providers from every neighborhood to share what you need to stay, belong, and thrive in San Francisco.
Through the This Is Your City: 2026 Family Listening Series, you can share your experiences, ideas, and priorities by attending an in-person Family Summit or completing a Citywide Survey. What we learn from communities across San Francisco will help inform future City and SFUSD planning and investments for children, youth, and families.
Attend a This is Your City: Family Summit
Share your ideas about what children, youth, and families need in San Francisco at an in-person Family Summit. The Summits are community events where children, youth, young adults, and families can share their experiences and help inform future City and SFUSD planning and investments. There are 13 Summits remaining across San Francisco between September 17 and December 12, 2026 including four in September. Attend the Summit closest to your neighborhood or choose the date and location that works best for you. Free food, childcare, and interpretation by request will be provided at every Summit. Click this link to learn more about the Family Summits and to register to attend.
Complete the Citywide Survey
What do children, youth, young adults, and families need in San Francisco? Add your voice to the conversation by completing the online Citywide Survey. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, and Samoan, and will be open until December 31, 2026. Click this link to take the Citywide 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.
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.
Open Positions with DCYF and Our Grantees
Open Positions at DCYF:
Principal Administrative Analyst on our Our Children Our Families Initative (OCOFI) team. Under the general direction of the OCOFI Director, the Principal Analyst will play a key role in developing the analytic approach for San Francisco’s first ever Citywide Community Needs Assessment. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Senior Administrative Analyst on our Research, Evaluation, and Data Team. The Senior Administrative Analyst will support DCYF’s data analysis, policy research, program evaluation, and strategic planning, helping the department use data to strengthen services and guide investments for San Francisco’s children, youth, and families. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Open Positions with DCYF Grantees
The Jobs with DCYF Grantees page is updated regularly with open positions at DCYF-funded organizations.
If your organization is a DCYF grantee and 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 or a link to your organization’s job page to info@dcyf.org.
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
Muni's Bussin' Bingo
Join MUNI this September to celebrate Transit Month with a fun twist on a classic game that combines supporting local businesses with Muni pride. Muni's Bussin' Bingo is a fun way to explore San Francisco, support neighborhood businesses, and experience the benefits of Muni Forward firsthand.
September 1 to 30, 2026
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
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
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
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.
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, September 24, 2026 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
2026 Across the Board, Across San Francisco
Mariposa Kids invites community members to its second annual Across the Board, Across San Francisco event at Chorissima Hall in the Kanbar Performing Arts Center. Attendees can meet representatives from 20 local nonprofits, learn about their work across a range of causes, and explore opportunities to serve their communities as nonprofit board members. The event will feature a happy hour atmosphere with drinks and snacks and an opportunity to connect with other community-minded San Franciscans.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Kanbar Performing Arts Center, 44 Page Street
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 Immigrant Services and Resources 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.
The next meeting of the San Francisco Immigrant Forum will take place Wednesday, September 30, from 2:30-4:00 pm. Learn more and register here
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. 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.