San Diego County District Attorney

FOCUS AREAS:

Four focus areas were determined in collaboration with stakeholders and community partners and are supported by trends in regional crime data. The District Attorney's Office is eager and excited to partner with small and local organizations embedded in communities who may not have had access to grant opportunities previously but are positioned to propose innovative and dynamic approaches to addressing the below areas of focus. The District Attorney's Office is committed to ensuring CGP providers reflect the diverse makeup of the communities we serve.

• Environmental Justice: Solutions that respond to neighborhood conditions that, without intervention, may negatively affect community safety, health, and livability. By advancing environmental justice, these strategies strengthen public safety through investments in safety infrastructure, neighborhood beautification, and proactive improvements that create healthier, safer, environments for all residents.
• Protecting Vulnerable Youth: Solutions that protect and support youth who face elevated risks of exploitation, illicit drug involvement, or human trafficking. Across communities, vulnerable youth are increasingly exposed to physical and psychological harm through coercion, manipulation, and exploitative relationships. These harms undermine not only individual safety, but long-term community well-being. Effective proposals should prioritize trauma-informed, prevention-focused strategies that reduce risk, interrupt predatory behavior, and empower youth with safe alternatives, trusted supports, and pathways to stability, resilience, and opportunity.
• Victim Support: Solutions that center the needs of primary and secondary victims of crime addressing trauma as a pathway to crime prevention and community safety. Proposals should elevate the voices of victims through innovative, community-based strategies that identify the needs and deliver services responsive to lived experience. Approaches should emphasize prevention, early intervention, and holistic support to reduce victimization and strengthen community safety.
• Youth and Family Support: Solutions that promote the safety and well-being of youth and families by addressing conditions that may negatively impact school attendance, education outcomes, behavioral health, physical safety, and/or social engagement. Proposals should demonstrate prevention- and education-focused strategies that reduce harm and strengthen protective factors through community-based programming.

FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:

Community Grant Program awards are one-time, seed funding intended to pilot or expand community-based solutions using innovative approaches that address community safety within the specified focus areas. Applicants may request up to $50,000 for a 12-month project or program. Organizations must clearly identify the amount requested and ensure that the funding request is reasonable and appropriate for the proposed use of funds. Applicants are encouraged to request a funding amount reasonably needed to implement the proposed project.

Current or former Community Grant Program (CGP) grantees are eligible to apply; however, priority will be given to new applicants. Continued funding for prior grantees may be considered based on performance and funding availability.

Annual or recurring funding allocations are not offered; grants are not designed to serve as ongoing or sustainable funding sources. Future Community Grant Program funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Programs intended as part of a long-term initiative should include a sustainability plan to secure long-term funding beyond the grant term. Funds cannot be used to supplement or replace existing funding.

Proposals that include support for populations currently served by existing San Diego County District Attorney or County programs do not receive preference. Applicants must not state, imply, or reference serving these populations in their application, as such information will not be considered during evaluation.

Organizations should note that agreements will require the incorporation of evidence-based and/or evidence-informed practices where applicable, along with periodic submission of performance measures and program outcomes.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Organizations with a Business License or a Non-Profit Organization, minimum of one (1) year in operation.
• Possess all valid industry licenses, permissions, permits, and/or insurances necessary for services proposed.
• Comply with all laws applicable to wages and hours of employment, occupational safety, and to fire safety, health, and sanitation.
• Willingness to enter into an agreement with the District Attorney's Office and meet all contractual obligations identified in the agreement. The Agreement is the County of San Diego's standard agreement; modifications may not be requested: RFA 26 CGP Agreement.pdf

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Click here for 2026 Questions and Answers

ANTICIPATED APPLICATION TIMEFRAME:

Grant Announcement & Grant Portal Opening:	Monday, February 2, 2026
Grant Applications Due:	4:59 PM (PST) Monday, March 16, 2026
Grant Portal Closes:	5:00 PM (PST) Monday, March 16, 2026
Application Review Period:	Tuesday, March 17 – Friday, April 24, 2026
Applicant Notifications & Agreement Processing:	Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 22, 2026
Grants Effective:	Monday, June 1, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Application Timeline

• Portal Opens: Monday, February 2, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PST)
• Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 4:59 PM (PST)

No exceptions will be made for late submissions.

Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted through the Community Grant Program Application Portal and include:

1. Electronic Community Grant Program Application – Completed and submitted via the portal.
2. California Form 590 – Withholding Exemption Certificate
   • Certifies residency or permanent place of business in California.
   • Instructions: FTB.ca.gov – Form 590
   • Download Form: California Form 590
3. W-9 Form – Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
   • Instructions: IRS – About Form W-9
   • Download Form: W-9 Form

Important:

• Tax forms must be uploaded in Adobe PDF format within the e-application.
• Additional attachments beyond these required documents will not be reviewed.

Confirmation of Submission

After submitting the e-application and required documents, you will receive an automated confirmation email. If you do not receive confirmation, email CommunityGrant@sdcda.org immediately.

Applicants are responsible for resolving any technical issues and ensuring timely submission well before the deadline.

Applicant Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate contact information in your application.
• If clarification is needed, the Reviewing Committee will contact you via email from CommunityGrant@sdcda.org. Failure to respond within the specified timeframe will result in your application not being reviewed.

Application Assistance

Refer to the Crosswalk to Program Guidelines & Definitions as a tool to assist with completing your application: The tool can be accessed here: RFA 26 Crosswalk.pdf

Post-Award Requirements

• Grant recipients must attend a mandatory webinar on the Community Grant Program's reporting requirements and reporting portal. The date will be provided upon award notification.
• Grant recipients must meet the Community Grant Program's monitoring and evaluation requirements, which include:
  • Monthly Reports: Submit data on individuals served, including names or unique identifiers, and both unduplicated and duplicated counts.
  • Semiannual Reports: Submit two reports at 6 and 12 months detailing program progress, goal achievement, successes, challenges, and any additional relevant information.

Communication Policy

Direct all questions to CommunityGrant@sdcda.org.

The San Diego County District Attorney's Office is committed to the equitable treatment of all applicants. Applicants who contact District Attorney staff directly regarding their application may be disqualified.

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Thank you for your interest in the District Attorney's Community Grant Program